The short answer
On scheme-sewered Perth properties, blockages in the property plumbing are the property owner’s responsibility. Blockages in Water Corporation’s sewer main (normally outside the property) are Water Corporation’s. If wastewater is overflowing or causing damage, call Water Corporation on 13 13 75 (24/7). For a suspected property-side choke, call McDermott Plumbing on (08) 6187 3999 or text 0406 882 648. In a rental, plumbing repairs are normally the landlord’s job under WA residential tenancy rules unless the tenant caused the damage — tenants should report promptly; landlords or agents authorise the plumber.
Water Corporation vs the property owner
Water Corporation’s published guidance is clear: wastewater blockages within the property plumbing are the owner’s responsibility. If the blockage is in the sewer main — normally outside the property — it is theirs. Their sewer blockage page includes a diagram of where that split sits for a typical house connection.
If you call Water Corporation and they believe the problem is on your plumbing, they’ll tell you to get a plumber. If a plumber locates the choke in the Corporation’s sewer, the plumber advises Water Corporation so their crew can clear it. Water Corporation states they pay the plumber a standard fee for locating a blockage in their sewer.
Overflowing wastewater on the property is an emergency. Call 13 13 75 immediately, then arrange a plumber if the fault is on your side.
How to tell which side you’re on (rough guide)
- One toilet or one wet area only: often the fixture trap or a short property branch — owner’s plumber.
- Several fixtures failing, ORG full, or sewage at a floor waste: deeper property sewer or main — still start with a plumber to locate, and call 13 13 75 if overflowing.
- Water Corporation already on site or already told you it’s their main: stay with their job number; your plumber may still need to confirm if asked.
- Strata or multi-unit: shared drains may sit with the strata scheme rather than one lot — tell us and your strata manager.
Landlord vs tenant in Western Australia
This is general information, not legal advice. Under WA residential tenancy arrangements, landlords are generally responsible for maintaining the property in a reasonable state of repair, including plumbing and sewer fixtures that come with the home. Tenants must not damage the property and should report problems quickly.
A blocked sewer caused by normal use, tree roots in an old clay line, or failed pipework is typically the owner’s cost. A blockage caused by tenant misuse — for example flushing wipes, fat or foreign objects — can be charged back to the tenant where the lease and the evidence support it. That’s a matter between landlord, agent and tenant; our job is to clear and describe the cause on the invoice.
If you’re the tenant, report the blockage to your landlord or agent as soon as it’s safe, and call 13 13 75 yourself if sewage is overflowing. If you’re the landlord or agent, authorise the plumber and tell us who the invoice and report should go to.
What we put on the invoice (and why it matters)
We describe where the blockage was, what was clearing it, and whether it looked like a one-off choke or a pipe that will keep failing (for example roots in clay). Owners need that for Water Corporation conversations. Landlords need it for tenants and insurers. Strata managers need it for the sinking fund versus lot-owner split.
We don’t publish prices here. You’ll get a clear scope before work starts whenever the situation allows.
What we don’t cover on this page
Septic tanks and aerobic treatment units (ATUs) are not Water Corporation sewers and are not a service we install or service. If your property is on septic, use a septic contractor. On scheme-sewered homes we clear and repair the property drains as described above.
Common questions
- Who is responsible for a blocked sewer in Perth?
- Property plumbing blockages are the owner’s responsibility. Water Corporation’s sewer main (normally outside the property) is theirs. Call 13 13 75 if wastewater is overflowing; call a licensed plumber to locate and clear property-side chokes.
- Will Water Corporation pay for my plumber?
- Only in the situation they describe: if your plumber locates a blockage in Water Corporation’s sewer, they pay the plumber a standard fee for that locating work. Clearing your own property drains remains your cost.
- Is a blocked sewer the landlord’s or tenant’s job in WA?
- Generally the landlord must keep plumbing in repair. Tenants must report issues and may be charged if they caused the blockage. Confirm with your lease and agent — we invoice whoever authorises the work and describe the cause.
- What should I do if the ORG is overflowing?
- Stop using water, keep clear of the sewage, call Water Corporation on 13 13 75, and call a plumber. McDermott Plumbing: (08) 6187 3999 or text 0406 882 648.
- Do you clear root-blocked property sewers?
- We clear household and small-strata drains where it’s a plumbing job. If roots in old clay keep coming back, we’ll tell you what we found and what options make sense. We don’t claim pipe relining or CCTV unless that service is already offered elsewhere on this site.
Related pages
Official sources
Last updated 30 September 2026. General information only. Every property is different, so call us to talk about yours.