Check your downpipes
Downpipes carry rainwater from the roof of your house into the stormwater network. They should not enter the drain that is used for wastewater from inside your house (e.g. the kitchen, laundry, toilet).
Combined pipes
In most areas of Auckland, the wastewater and stormwater networks are separate. In central Auckland, they are managed in different ways.Learn moreabout the wastewater network.
What is the difference between stormwater and wastewater?
Do your pipes comply with regulations?
A compliant and non-compliant stormwater downpipe: click to enlarge(PDF)
Check your gully traps
A gully trap is a basin in the ground that receives piped wastewater from your house before it enters the underground sewer (wastewater pipe). The basin has a water seal to prevent odours reaching the surface.
Well-made gully traps prevent sewage flowing into your property or public pipes. They also protect your family’s health. If there is a blockage, sewage will not overflow into your home.
All houses have at least one gully trap against an outside wall, usually next to the kitchen, bathroom or laundry.
Gully traps should be raised off the ground. This will prevent groundwater from entering our wastewater network, and reduce the chance of overflows.
Do your gully traps comply with regulations?
A compliant and non-compliant gully trap: click to enlarge(PDF)
