Sewer Main Cleaning Program

We conduct an ongoing program to clean the sewer mains in order to minimise the risk of faults and to ensure that our network is able to reliably serve our community.

Resources

Our staff carry identification cards and, in most cases, complete works within approximately four weeks. However, it may take longer depending on the condition of the sewer main or inclement weather. 

Access to the sewer manhole
Manhole covers are labelled 'S', 'sewer' or have a checkered pattern. If there is a sewer manhole in your yard, we will require access to it. We'll provide further written notification three days prior to work commencing. A courtesy card will be left if we are unable to access your property.

Your internal plumbing
The water that normally sits in the 'S' bend of your internal pipes acts as a seal, or barrier, that prevents odours from escaping. Mains cleaning can cause changes in pressure and may cause the stationary water that sits in your toilet to be pushed out from the 'S' bend. If this should occur, call Faults and Emergencies on 6248 3111 and select option 1. 
Negative pressure may draw the water from toilets, or drains, back into the sewer main. If this should happen, flush your toilets and drains with water to prevent odours from escaping. Some noise may be heard in the internal sanitary drainage during the cleaning works.

 How you can help

• We recommend deferring non-essential internal plumbing works (such as plumbing renovations) while we conduct works.
• Remove access obstructions from the sewer manhole if one is located within your block. Ensure all external grates are easily removed and free from obstruction.
• Please keep your toilet lids down, in case of negative pressure.
   

Follow up works

We may return to your property to assess the completed works by camera inspection of the sewer, to ensure that there are no other blockages.   

Our obligations to you
Under the Utilites Act 2000, we must take all reasonable steps to minimise damage and restore land as soon as practicable to a condition similar to its condition before operations began. However, we are not required to restore land to a condition that would interfere with our network or facilities. The ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) may direct us to pay for loss or damage if satisfied that we have failed to comply with our obligations under the Act.  

Talk to us  
For general enquiries you can contact us between 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, by dialling 02 6248 3111 and selecting option 3. You can also email us at talktous@iconwater.com.au any time. In the event of a fault or emergency please call 02 6248 3111 and select option 1.