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Plumbers, please follow these 4 steps to claim your blocked sewer identification fee

Water and sewerage responsibility - diagram

Step 1: Understand the policy

The Clearing Blocked Private Sewer Pipes Policy (PDF 178KB) sets out the rights and responsibilities of both Unitywater and private property owners in clearing sewerage infrastructure which includes clearing of blocked sewer pipes and private house drains.

 

Step 2: Identify where the blockage is and who's responsible for fixing it

  • Once you have found a blockage in the sewerage system, the diagram (left) can be used as a guide to identify who's responsible for fixing the blockage.
  • If the blockage is on Unitywater's side of the property boundary, please call us on 1300 086 489. This is the responsibility of the plumber and not the customer.
  • Make sure the plumber has not: attempted to clear the blockage or charged the customer for works to identify a blockage within Unitywater-owned pipes.
  • Our Customer Service Officer will record the blockage request and provide the plumber with a job reference number.
  • If you want to claim for identifying the blockage, the plumber will need to record the job reference number we give you.
  • Unitywater will attend to that blockage within four hours.

Step 3: Claim your blocked sewer identification fee

If you've decided to claim for identifying the blockage:

  • please note, only the plumber can claim and not the customer
  • download and complete the Blocked Sewer Identification Fee Claim Form (PDF 134KB) to apply for your payment
  • attach your invoice to the form and note the job reference number we gave you when you called us to advise of the blockage
  • please note that only claims under $250 will be reviewed. Our policy does not cover claims for higher amounts
  • email your claim form and required attachments to PBI@unitywater.com.
Download Blocked Sewer Identification Fee Form

Step 4: Claim assessment and approval

We will assess your claim and then advise you by either email or letter if your claim has been approved (or not). Please allow up to eight weeks to process the claim.  

Please make out your invoice to Unitywater (not your customer's name). 

For more information about the blocked sewer identification fee or to troubleshoot the frequently asked questions, download our Blocked Sewer Identification Fact Sheet (PDF 299 KB).

For any other enquiries, please contact us. 

Download the Blocked Sewer Identification Fact Sheet

How to avoid blocked sewer pipes

Plumber FAQs

If you are having trouble locating a sewer connection point, CCTV is always a good option.

Alternatively, you can order a Detailed Infrastructure Plan for the customer to see if it can be located on a plan.

Please note: depending on the area and age of the property, sewer connection points aren’t always located on the Detailed Infrastructure Plan.

These are accessed from your local council:

Moreton Bay Council

Sunshine Coast Council

Noosa Shire Council

 

No. The water meter is considered property of Unitywater. Please do not fix a leak at the water meter. Instead, please notify us by calling 1300 086 489 immediately.

If you happen to damage Unitywater infrastructure, please notify us by calling 1300 086 489 immediately.


As you will be aware, it’s illegal to connect a resident’s stormwater pipe to the sewerage network.

If you come across an illegal connection between the stormwater and sewerage network, please advise the customer that residents are required to rectify any inappropriate connections detected on their property by using a licensed plumber.

Advise the customer that you can rectify the issue whilst you are on site.

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