Avoid sewage in your home: check your stormwater connection

26 March 2025

Example of correct and stormwater downpipe connection. These pipes should never connect to the sewerage system.

Wastewater and stormwater belong in different pipes.

Wastewater comes from sinks, toilets and showers, flowing to one of Tweed’s 8 wastewater treatment plants via our sewerage system. Stormwater drains off roofs and driveways through stormwater pipes into local drains and waterways.

But in some homes, stormwater downpipes are illegally connected to sewer pipes—causing serious issues when it rains.

Water and Wastewater Operations Manager Brie Jowett said these faulty connections can lead to sewage overflows, harming both homes and the environment.

“Our crews use visual inspections and smoke testing to detect incorrect connections,” Mrs Jowett said.

“If your downpipe connects to a sewer pipe, get a licensed plumber to fix it.”

Mrs Jowett also highlighted the importance of overflow relief gullies, which prevent sewage from backing up inside homes.

“If your gully is covered by pot plants, mats or concrete, it can’t do its job. Keeping it clear reduces the risk of a messy and potentially costly overflows inside your house.”

Find out more about keeping stormwater out of your sewer pipes.

Photo credit: Unitywater

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