A blockage in the sewer

A blockage in the sewer can be a real nuisance. When are you responsible for sorting it out, and when is it the local authority’s responsibility? A blockage may be in the municipal section of the sewer system, beneath the street. Or it may be beneath your house; this is known as the private sewer system. If the blockage is in the private sewer system, you – or your landlord – are responsible for clearing the blockage and covering the costs involved. If the blockage is in the municipal section, the council will clear it quickly and free of charge. You can report a blockage in the municipal section of the sewer system by telephone to Apeldoorn Council. For blockages in the municipal section, we are available every day on 14 055, even outside office hours.

 
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Report a blocked drain

Blocked drain in a rented property

Do you live in a rented property? If you’re renting, the landlord is responsible for clearing a blockage in the sewer. So if there’s a blockage, please ring your landlord first.

Blocked drain in a privately-owned house

It is important to first identify where the blockage is. You can do this yourself on your own property by locating the inspection chamber. Check this chamber before you call a drain-clearing company or the local council. This will help you avoid unnecessary costs.

The drainage pit is located on your property, about half a metre from the boundary, usually at a depth of between 0.80 and 1.40 metres in your garden. View a sample drawing here (pdf, 60.6 kB). Not sure where the sewer is? Then you can do so free of charge request a revised drawing at the local council. In an emergency, please call 14 055.

When you open the drain trap, there are two options:

  • The inspection chamber is empty: the blockage is in the private sewer. In this case, you are responsible for unblocking the sewer. You can do this yourself, or have it done by a (preferably local) drain-clearing company. You will be responsible for the costs.
  • The inspection chamber is full of water: the blockage is in the municipal section of the sewer. Please contact us by telephone on 14 055 to have the problem resolved. In this case, we will clear your sewer quickly and free of charge.

The drain pit is part of the property and is your property. It is your responsibility to dig up and seal the hole.

Homes without a front garden

If the front of your house / block of flats / shop is directly adjacent to the pavement and there is no adjacent open space, the manhole is located beneath the pavement. In that case, you may open up the pavement yourself. Please ensure you put up barriers for safety reasons. The local authority will be responsible for filling in the hole and repairing the paving.

If you live outside a village or town, different procedures apply in the event of a blockage. Sewage from properties in rural areas is pumped away via small pumping stations. Please call us immediately on 14 055 if you experience any problems with the drainage of sewage (even outside office hours). 

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