Hi all,
We have a property in a central Brisbane suburb. The next door neighbour has complained to us saying that a drain that takes the stormwater from his house runs under the yard of ours. He claims that this drain has become blocked under our property due to roots running through the pipe from a tree in our backyard. Subsequently he claims his property's backyard floods whenever a storm hits.
The neighbour had a plumber in look at it, and has provided us with the plumber's description of the problem, along with a quote to have it fixed. While the neighbour has not directly suggested we pay for problem to be fixed, it sure is what he's hoping for as he claims it is our "private plumbing issue".
Our property does not flood during rain events. I am not aware that our property uses this drain at all.
The actions I've taken so far:
* Told the neighbour to contact Council about the issue. As this is a combine drain it may be that the Council has some responsibility in this matter.
* Failling Council not being able to act, obtain an extra two quotes on getting the blockage fixed. Note that I've not agreed to any action thusfar.
I've dealt with combine sewerage lines before, and in that instance it was Council who (cheaply and apportionly) fixed the issue. But combined stormwater drains are a new one to me. Also it being that a tree in our property that may have caused the issue could complicate things.
Has anyone here faced a similiar issue? How would you recommend I tackle the issue?
Update: Just got off the phone to BCC. Apparently it isn't a stormwater drain but a Roof Water Drain (I think the neighbour is using it as a yard runoff though). They will send someone to look at it within 7 days. Will know more then regarding costs, etc.
We have a property in a central Brisbane suburb. The next door neighbour has complained to us saying that a drain that takes the stormwater from his house runs under the yard of ours. He claims that this drain has become blocked under our property due to roots running through the pipe from a tree in our backyard. Subsequently he claims his property's backyard floods whenever a storm hits.
The neighbour had a plumber in look at it, and has provided us with the plumber's description of the problem, along with a quote to have it fixed. While the neighbour has not directly suggested we pay for problem to be fixed, it sure is what he's hoping for as he claims it is our "private plumbing issue".
Our property does not flood during rain events. I am not aware that our property uses this drain at all.
The actions I've taken so far:
* Told the neighbour to contact Council about the issue. As this is a combine drain it may be that the Council has some responsibility in this matter.
* Failling Council not being able to act, obtain an extra two quotes on getting the blockage fixed. Note that I've not agreed to any action thusfar.
I've dealt with combine sewerage lines before, and in that instance it was Council who (cheaply and apportionly) fixed the issue. But combined stormwater drains are a new one to me. Also it being that a tree in our property that may have caused the issue could complicate things.
Has anyone here faced a similiar issue? How would you recommend I tackle the issue?
Update: Just got off the phone to BCC. Apparently it isn't a stormwater drain but a Roof Water Drain (I think the neighbour is using it as a yard runoff though). They will send someone to look at it within 7 days. Will know more then regarding costs, etc.
Last edited: