Sewer blockage

What is it?

What should you do when the water in your sink or toilet no longer drains?

Step-by-step plan

• If your sink is not draining properly, it is best to try to clear the blockage with an old-fashioned plunger.
• Do not use chemical drain cleaners. These are often ineffective, damage your sewer pipes, and are harmful to the environment.
• If the blockage is worse or affects your toilet, it is important to check whether the blockage is on your own property or on municipal land.
• You can check this by digging up the drain or yard drain.

Digging up a boundary pit

This well is (in principle) located within half a meter of the boundary between your property and the municipality. It is often finished underground and is between 0.70 and 1.50 meters deep. This well is always located on your own property and you must dig it up yourself. Once you have opened the well, there are two options:

• The drain is full of water. The blockage is therefore located in the municipal area. In this case, you must call the municipality on 14 0487. They will clear the blockage (or have it cleared) and cover the costs. Please note: if you clear the blockage yourself or have it cleared, you will be responsible for the costs. You cannot claim these costs from the municipality afterwards. After all, there is no longer any evidence that the yard drain was full of water.
• The drain is empty. In this situation, the blockage is on your own property. You will need to hire a drain cleaning company to clear the blockage. You will be responsible for the full cost of this.

Not sure where your boundary pit is located? You can request the construction plans for your house, for example from the regional archives.

For high-pressure sewerage: different steps!

If you are connected to the pressure sewer system, you must always call the municipality first on 14 0487 and not start digging yourself.