Katoomba is built on sloping ground, and rain runs fast down the streets. Stormwater pits fill with leaves, and a downpipe on the low side of a block can push water under the house in a big storm.
A lot of Katoomba is old. Many cottages, brick homes and guesthouses were built with clay sewer pipes. Those pipes have many joints, and street trees and mature gums put roots into them. A drain that blocks twice in a year is often a root problem.
Most of the town is on Sydney Water sewer. A blockage in the main is Sydney Water's to fix, and a blockage on your side of the boundary is yours. A few outlying properties use septic systems, which are a different job.
Holiday rentals and cafes put heavy use on toilets and drains. A blocked toilet on changeover day is a common headache, and fat from commercial kitchens can build up in shared lines.
If you run a guesthouse or cafe, ask about regular checks on the lines that get the most use. Units in older buildings often share one sewer line, so one blockage can affect more than one tenant.
Steep driveways shed water onto the street. Check that the grate at the bottom of yours is clear.
Common drain problems in Katoomba
- Roots in old clay sewers in the older streets
- Leaf-filled gutters and pits on the slopes
- Blocked toilets in holiday rentals and guesthouses
- Fat build-up in kitchen drains
Which problem do you have?
Start with what you can see. A blocked toilet or a slow sink or shower is usually a local problem. If it keeps coming back, read about tree roots, a common cause in the older streets. Water overflowing from gutters and pits is a job for stormwater drains, and a property with a tank should read septic and pump-out systems. Still unsure? The signs of a blocked drain page can help.
Getting a plumber in Katoomba
Call, or send the form on the contact page. Photos of any overflow help. Tell the plumber your street, what is happening and which fixtures are affected. You can talk it through and ask for a quote before any work starts.
Blocked drain in the Blue Mountains?
Call 0495 053 644Katoomba drain questions
Are older Katoomba homes more likely to have root problems?
Often, yes. Clay pipes with many joints, and large trees nearby, are a common cause of repeat blockages.
Is my Katoomba house on septic?
Most are on Sydney Water sewer. Check your rates notice or ask Sydney Water if you are unsure.
Who do I call about sewage in the street?
Sydney Water looks after the mains. The plumber can help you tell which side the problem is on.