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Understanding Your Sewerage Service Diagram Information for plumbers, conveyancers & property owners

Sewerage Service Diagrams (SSD) show the location of the private house sewer lines on a property to where they connect to the authorities wastewater system. The information shown will help explain the diagrams and answer some common questions.

Area on diagram shown hatched

The hatched/dotted area on the diagram shows the area of the property that will not drain to the wastewater system by graviity, if a building (with plumbing and drainage) was built on natural ground level.

Flood Level This notation is an old notation that no longer applies. Flood levels, if applicable, are provided by local council. You should discuss the impact with the inspector at NSW Fair Trading, if applicable.

Statute of Limitations This notation is an old notation that no longer applies. This notation refers to the distance of the connection from the building on the property

“A-B” concrete encased This notation indicates that an observation has been made that Sydney Water’s sewer pipe had been encased in concrete. This notation does not indicate that the work was inspected or that the work was carried out under Sydney Water’s supervision.

Sewer in Tunnel This notation indicates that Sydney Water’s sewer is laid in a tunnel underground.

BOS Satisfactory This notation is an old notation that may no longer apply. If you want to know if the buildings have been built with Sydney Water’s approval, you should apply for a Building Over Sewer letter from a Property Link Broker

Sewer depths and connection locations shown on the diagram

The information on the diagram is not accurate and should not be used for building purposes. The diagram does not show depths of private sewer pipes. A Service Location Print shows the location and depths of Sydney Water’s pipes and structures

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q) The diagram has a label on it that says that the works haven’t been finalised. How do I get the works finalised?

A) You should contact the plumber who carried out the work, and ask him to finalise the works with NSW Fair Trading.

Alternatively you can hire another plumber to finalise the works and have the works inspected by NSW Fair Trading

Q) The diagram has a label that says that works don’t comply with the Code of Practise or Sydney Water’s requirements. How do I find out what’s wrong?

A) You should contact PIAS at NSW Fair Trading on 1300 889 099

Q) The diagram has a label that says a Final Inspection is Required. What does this mean?

A) This means that the plumber has not finalised the works on the property. You should contact the plumber who carried out the work, and ask him to finalise the works with NSW Fair Trading.

Alternatively you can hire another plumber to finalise the works and have the works inspected by NSW Fair Trading.

Q) A diagram is not available for my property. Why is that?

A) A diagram may not be available if the plumber has not organised an inspection, finalised the works and submitted and diagram, or the records haven’t been updated correctly. You should contact Sydney Water on 13 20 92 to discuss the matter further.

Q) How can I obtain a diagram if a diagram is not available?

A) You should contact the original plumber and ask him to arrange an inspection and submit a diagram to NSW Fair Trading completion of the works/inspection.

Alternatively you can hire another plumber to finalise the works and have the works inspected by NSW Fair Trading.

Q) The diagram doesn’t appear to show the second floor of the building on the property. Is the diagram correct?

A) The diagram only shows underground drainage (sewer) and doesn’t show pipes above ground level. Drainage on upper floors is usually represented by the symbols SVP or WS.

Q) The diagram doesn’t appear to show any buildings on the property. Is the diagram correct?

A) If a building is built against all of the boundaries it may not appear that the building is being shown. Plumbing symbols on the diagram would generally confirm that this is correct.

The diagram may also be blank if inspections were not carried out and we haven't received a diagram from the plumber

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Sewerage Service Diagrams Symbols

Manhole – maintenance structure generally with round

lid on ground level. Allows access for maintenance and

repair of wastewater system.

Mica Flap – description of the lid arrangement on the

Induct Pipe.

Chamber – buried access chamber. Not visible at ground

level. Rodding Point - maintenance structure at the end of a

sewer sideline. Allows for maintenance of wastewater

system

Lamphole – small round lid at ground level. Allows lights

to be lowered into sewer pipes, to provide better

visibility for maintenance of wastewater system.

Slope Junction – normal connection point

Boundary Trap – can be found at the point of connection

in designated areas. To stop gases entering private

sewer service from wastewater system.

Vertical Junction – connection point that is laid vertically

because of depth

Inspection Shaft – at the point of connection to the

authority’s wastewater system. Allows the plumber to

check and unblock private sewer service pipes

On Back Junction – connection point positioned to allow

deep connection point to be brought closer to the

surface.

Pit - maintenance structure that allows access for

maintenance and repair of private sewer service pipes Bidet

Shower

Grease Interceptor/Arrestor – found outside kitchen

sinks with high grease discharge (ie restaurant). Purpose

is collect grease and prevent it entering the wastewater

system. Dishwasher

Gray Water System Treatment – Collects and treats

graywater (washing machines, baths etc) so that the

water can be used to water lawns and gardens

underground

Floor Waste – drain in floor in bathroom or laundry.

Ensures that water from shower, bath or washing

machine does not stay on floor to create safety hazard.

Terminal Maintenance Shaft - maintenance structure at

the end of a sewer sideline. Allows access for

maintenance of wastewater system

Clothes Washing Machine

Bar Sink

Maintenance Shaft - maintenance structure at the end

of a sewer sideline. Allows access for maintenance of

wastewater system

Electrical

Clean Out – is an access point that allows a plumber to

check and unblock private sewer service pipes. Laboratory Sink

Vent Pipe – pipe used to remove gas from the

wastewater system or private sewer service pipes LP Reducer – piece of pipe used to change from one

pipe size to a smaller one.

Laundry Trough

Vertical Pipe – pipe that runs vertically

Sink (Kitchen) -

Pump Unit – used to pump sewage or treated sewage in

pipes on the property

Water Closet – Toilet

Boundary Valve – valve used in a pressurised

wastewater system

Bath

Basin

Boundary Valve with PRV – valve used in a pressured

wastewater system that reduces the pressure

Air Admittance Valve – is used in replacement of a vent

to allow air in to the wastewater system Alarm Control Panel – electrical device installed that will

sound a warning

LP Stop Valve – valve that allows a section of pipes to be

shut/closed Gully - maintenance point. Generally with round grate

on ground level with a tap over it. Allows access for

maintenance of private sewer service and to reduce

overflow in building during surcharge LP Air Valve – valve that allows air out of a pipe

Reflux Valve - Is a valve that prevents sewage from

entering the private sewer service from the wastewater

system

HSV Flow Monitor – electrical device that monitors the

flow in pipes

Inspection Opening - is an access point used by a

plumber to check and unblock private sewerage service

pipes

Vacuum Chamber – type of connection point in a

vacuum wastewater system

Induct Pipe – small box near connection point that

allows air to enter the wastewater system. For

maintenance purposes.

Flushing Point - is an access point used to clear private

sewer system

Waste Stack - Carries some sewage from an above

ground installation to the wastewater system Soil Vent Pipe - Carries all sewage from an above ground

installation to the wastewater system