How do I fix my blocked sink?
If your sink is blocked, you should call a qualified plumber immediately. They can assist you in clearing your sink.
We own, manage and have the responsibility of the sewerage network outside of your property boundary, and therefore cannot assist with faults within your home or business. Find out more about your responsibilities.
What should I do about a blockage in my pipes?
Please do not attempt to clear the blockage yourself.
- If you live in Brisbane or Ipswich, we can clear the blockage for you. Please call 13 23 64 (24/7) or complete a blockage removal request (fees may apply, please see below).
- Alternatively, call a licensed plumber to remove the blockage. If you need a referral to a licensed plumber, phone the Master Plumbers' Association of Queensland on 07 3273 0800 (8am-5pm weekdays).
Should you contact Queensland Urban Utilities to investigate the blockage and it is found to be on your private infrastructure, fees may apply.
Blockage removal fees for Brisbane and Ipswich:
Hours
|
Payment by account
|
Fee details
|
Monday to Friday
(excl. Public holidays)
7am-5pm
|
$283.00 including GST
|
Fee includes call out fee and one hour of work on site.
$34.00 including GST will be charged for each additional 15 minutes over the first hour.
|
All other times
|
$767.00 including GST
|
Fee includes call out fee and one hour of work on site.
$96.00 including GST will be charged for each additional 15 minutes over the first hour.
|
Properties in the Lockyer Valley, Somerset and Scenic Rim regions:
We do not provide this service for properties in the Lockyer Valley, Somerset and Scenic Rim areas. Please contact a licensed plumber for assistance.
What if the blockage is in Queensland Urban Utilities' network?
If your plumber has inspected your sewer pipe and identified that the blockage is in our infrastructure, please call us on 13 23 64 (24/7).
Alternatively, your plumber may choose to call us directly and request for one of our officers to attend and inspect the site. If the location of the blockage is within the sewer network outside of your property line, then the response crew will investigate and resolve the problem.
Can I be compensated for plumbing fees paid to clear a blockage?
If the blockage occurred in a part of the sewer network that you are responsible for, you'll need to pay the plumbing costs. If it occurred on our side of the network, we may provide assistance.
If you engage a plumber, you will need to pay the plumbing fees, including any blockage investigation fees regardless of whether the failure is in your pipes or our part of the network.
If the blockage is in our network, you can lodge a claim with us for consideration. Your request will be subject to a liability review and we'll let you know the outcome once the investigation has been finalised. Please contact us as soon as possible on 13 26 57 (7am-7pm weekdays) for assistance and provide:
- Your name and contact details
- Details of the incident
- Address of the incident/blockage
- Compensation sought
- Plumber's report
- Copy of the paid plumber's invoice or account (if available).
What happens if I need an urgent clean up at my property?
Interior clean up
If the inside of your home has been impacted by a sewage overflow, please lodge a claim with your insurer. They will organise the urgent clean up and restoration of your property and will liaise with us about your insurance claim.
Exterior clean up
If the incident is caused by a problem with our network, we'll assist with the clean up of the area around your home. We follow a clean up procedure established under guidance from Queensland Health, which includes removing any solid material, and rinsing and disinfecting the affected area to kill off bacteria and smell associated with sewage. As an additional precaution, we advise people to stay away from impacted areas for 48 hours to allow sunshine to kill off any remaining bacteria. We will also conduct an evaluation of our pipes to determine the cause of the incident and possible steps to minimise future issues.
Read more about steps you can take if your property is damaged.