Blocked Drain Ormiston
Blocked drains cleared in Ormiston, and sewer and stormwater lines located with a camera before you build over them. Emergency callouts 24/7.
Build first, find the sewer later
A drain that keeps blocking under a new deck, an extension built close to a sewer access chamber, or a manhole cover lost under pavers: all of these start with building work that didn’t account for what was underground.
Queensland has rules for it. Redland City Council explains that any building work on a lot containing sewer, stormwater or water infrastructure, or next to one, must meet the Queensland Development Code (QDC MP1.4). The work must not affect how the infrastructure operates or put any load on it, and council must still be able to get to it for inspection, maintenance and replacement.
Access matters for another reason too. Council says sewer maintenance holes must be kept clear because they act like a relief valve if the wastewater system overflows. Pave over one and the overflow has to go somewhere else.
The clearances that matter
For a house, council’s fact sheet says a referral application isn’t needed if the structure stays at least 1.5 metres from the centre of a manhole, 1.2 metres from underground sewer, stormwater or water infrastructure, and 1 metre clear of all connection points in every direction, with 2.4 metres of height clearance. Bigger sewer mains, over 225 mm, need 3 metres.
Lightweight additions such as patios, decks, sheds and carports can go over infrastructure without a referral if they use lightweight materials, not concrete or masonry, and sit on a flat slab with no footings. If the work can’t meet the code, you need a concurrence agency referral approval from council before building.
The first step is knowing where the lines run. We can trace sewer and stormwater pipes with a CCTV camera before the builder starts, and clear and inspect any line that’s already giving trouble. If a drain under an existing structure keeps blocking, the camera shows whether it has been damaged.
On renovations, we do the plumbing when we’re contracted by your licensed builder. We work under QBCC licence 15504687.
Frequently asked questions
Can’t see your question? Call us and we’ll talk it through.
Call 0418 871 269Can I build a deck over the sewer line in Ormiston?
Often, yes. Council’s fact sheet says decks and patios can go over infrastructure without a referral if they’re lightweight construction, not concrete or masonry, on a flat slab with no footings. Keep any manhole accessible. Otherwise you need council referral approval first.
How far does a house extension need to be from the sewer?
Redland City Council’s fact sheet says 1.2 metres from underground infrastructure and 1.5 metres from the centre of a manhole, with more for large mains. If you can’t meet that, apply for a referral approval.
How do I find where the sewer runs on my property?
Council’s Red-e-Map shows sewer connections, and a plumber can trace the actual line with a camera before you build.
The manhole in my yard is under pavers. Is that a problem?
Yes. Council says sewer maintenance holes must be kept clear, as they act like a relief valve if the system overflows, and council needs access to maintain them.
My drain keeps blocking under the new extension. What now?
We’ll clear it and run a camera through to see whether the pipe was damaged or loaded during construction.
Blocked drains in nearby areas
Not listed? We probably still cover your area, so give us a call.
Building in Ormiston, or a drain blocked under a new structure? Call 0418 871 269.
Free quotes, and emergency callouts 24 hours a day.