You can check this yourself by digging up the inspection/drainage chamber (or having it dug up) and inspecting it. To do this, locate the drainage chamber before the local authority comes to inspect it. This manhole is located on your property, approximately half a metre from the property boundary, usually at a depth of around 0.80 to 1.40 metres in your garden. For flats or houses without a front garden, it is situated approximately 0.5 metres from the building façade (on council land). You are permitted to dig this up yourself. The local authority will ensure the area is repaved afterwards.
There are two options:
- The drain trap is clear: the blockage is in the mains drainage system. You can sort out the problem yourself or with the help of a drain-clearing company. You will have to cover the costs yourself. If you are renting, it is advisable to contact your landlord.
- The drain is full of water: the blockage is in the council’s section. You can report the blockage by calling 14 055. The council will clear the blockage for you free of charge.
If the front of your house, block of flats or shop is directly adjacent to the pavement and there is no adjacent open space, the drainage manhole will be located beneath the pavement. In this case, you must notify the local authority in advance that you wish to excavate the drainage manhole. The local authority will be responsible for repairing the pavement. You must carry out the backfilling and, if necessary, the levelling of the trench or hole yourself.
If you would like to know exactly where the sewer connection and the location of the inspection chamber are, you can request a revision drawing from the local council free of charge.
The plan provided by the council shows the sewerage system on council land. If you would like a plan of your own property, you can request a building plan of your home from the council archives (CODA) by sending an email to archief@coda-apeldoorn.nl. You will receive a reply within 3 working days. In the event of an emergency or urgent matter, please contact the emergency service on 14-055.