Everyone from property owners to local councils have a responsibility to maintain Sydney drains. However, who is liable to pay for blocked drain repairs at your Sydney property? It might seem like a straightforward question, however, there are multiple factors that come into play. For example, who caused the blocked drain? Did the drain get clogged as a result of incorrect installation or did a tenant repeatedly flush tampons down the toilet? This article looks at the various factors that can determine liability for Sydney blocked drain repairs.
Incorrect installation - is the plumber at fault?
If you move into a new dwelling with brand new drains or have the drains replaced or repaired at your existing dwelling, those drains must be installed according to the technicals standards set out in The Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA). The PCA sets out requirements for the design, construction, installation, replacement, repair, alteration and maintenance of plumbing and drainage installations.
Drain installations and repairs that do not comply with these standards can result in numerous problems for you drainage system. For example, a poorly installed sewer system can cause the pipes to sag or “belly”. Sewer line bellies or low areas become problems when debris collects and causes a blockage or backup. If you experience blocked drain issues in your Sydney home due to faulty installation you can lodge a complaint with NSW Department of Fair Trading. An inspector may issue an order for the plumber to rectify the defects if the inspector is of the opinion that the plumber was responsible for defective or incomplete work.
Does a landlord or tenant have to pay for Sydney blocked drain repairs?
According to Fair Trading NSW, landlords are responsible for ensuring that a rental property is in a “reasonable state of repair” before a tenant moves in, taking into account the age of the property and the amount of rent they pay. Landlords must also maintain the rented premises throughout the duration of the lease. As a general rule, this means that the landlord is liable to pay for any blocked drain repairs that occur on the property.
However, this does not mean that a tenant has no responsibility when it comes to maintaining drain health. Tenants must take reasonable action to prevent any damage or maintenance issues from occurring at the rental property. If the landlord can prove that the blocked drain was the tenants fault, the tenant may have to pay for the repairs. For example, if the tenant is flushing kitty litter, tampons and wet-wipes down the toilet, the landlord may argue that it was the tenants negligence that caused the blocked drain.
Is a homeowner or Sydney Water responsible for blocked sewers in Sydney?
Homeowners are responsible for maintaining the drains and wastewater systems within the boundaries of their property. This means that it is up to the homeowner to organise and pay for any sewer or stormwater repairs that occur within these boundaries. If you suspect a problem has been caused by an issue in the public lines, you can ask a licensed plumber to investigate and report the issue to Sydney Water. Once reported, Sydney Water will send a team to verify that the blockage is in the public system. If they determine that the problem is theirs they may organise and pay for repairs.
Click here for more information on claiming expenses from Sydney Water.
Who is responsible for repairs on shared your wastewater pipes?
Many older properties, in particular Sydney terraces, have shared sewer and boundary traps with the neighbouring properties. According to City of Sydney, property owners are responsible for the water pipes connected to their place. This includes drain pipes that are shared with neighbours, regardless of where the pipes are located on the land. This can often lead to disputes between neighbours. The City of Sydney encourages neighbours to share the cost of repair when shared pipes suffer from blocked drain issues or structural damage.
Need assistance with a Sydney blocked drain? Call JAB Plumbing Solutions
When it comes to Sydney blocked drain repairs, drain cleaning and drain installations JAB Plumbing Solutions are leaders in the field. We specialise in drains and have many years of experience working with customers just like you. Our trucks are fitted with state-of-the art drain technology including CCTV drain inspection cameras and high-pressure drain cleaning jetters. For a free quote call 1800 225 552.
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