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.
Chamber – buried access chamber. Not visible at ground
level.
Lamphole – small round lid at ground level. Allows lights
to be lowered into sewer pipes, to provide better
visibility for maintenance of wastewater system.
Boundary Trap – can be found at the point of connection
in designated areas. To stop gases entering private
sewer service from wastewater system.
Inspection Shaft – at the point of connection to the
authority’s wastewater system. Allows the plumber to
check and unblock private sewer service pipes
Pit - maintenance structure that allows access for
maintenance and repair of private sewer service pipes
Mica Flap – description of the lid arrangement on the
Induct Pipe.
Rodding Point - maintenance structure at the end of a
sewer sideline. Allows for maintenance of wastewater
system
Slope Junction – normal connection point
Vertical Junction – connection point that is laid vertically
because of depth
On Back Junction – connection point positioned to allow
deep connection point to be brought closer to the
surface.
Bidet
Grease Interceptor/Arrestor – found outside kitchen
sinks with high grease discharge (ie restaurant). Purpose
is collect grease and prevent it entering the wastewater
system.
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
Terminal Maintenance Shaft - maintenance structure at
the end of a sewer sideline. Allows access for
maintenance of wastewater system
Maintenance Shaft - maintenance structure at the end
of a sewer sideline. Allows access for maintenance of
wastewater system
Shower
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
Boundary Valve with PRV – valve used in a pressured
wastewater system that reduces the pressure
Basin
Dishwasher
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.
Clothes Washing Machine
Bar Sink
Electrical
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
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
Reflux Valve - Is a valve that prevents sewage from
entering the private sewer service from the wastewater
system
Inspection Opening - is an access point used by a
plumber to check and unblock private sewerage service
pipes
Induct Pipe – small box near connection point that
allows air to enter the wastewater system. For
maintenance purposes.
Waste Stack - Carries some sewage from an above
ground installation to the wastewater system
LP Stop Valve – valve that allows a section of pipes to be
shut/closed
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LP Air Valve – valve that allows air out of a pipe
HSV Flow Monitor – electrical device that monitors the
flow in pipes
Vacuum Chamber – type of connection point in a
vacuum wastewater system
Flushing Point - is an access point used to clear private
sewer system
Soil Vent Pipe - Carries all sewage from an above ground
installation to the wastewater system