Utility company's responsibility
If the damage to your lateral has been caused by a utility company, like a gas, electricity, or phone company, they are responsible for repairing the damage.
Lifespan of pipes
Wastewater pipes have a life of about 80 years. If the pipe is properly constructed and maintained, it's designed to withstand normal tree root and traffic loadings. However, as pipes reach the end of their life, the pipe's age is more likely to be the cause of any problems.
Signs of a problem
If the pipe is regularly getting blocked or there are signs of seepage, like wet patches appearing during dry weather, then your pipe needs repairing.
Find the problem
Email info@wcc.govt.nz or phone us on 04 499 4444 and ask our drain maintenance contractors to inspect the public sewer main. We'll need to know the address and the area affected.
If the problem is in the public sewer main, we will verify where the fault is and get our maintenance contractor to fix the problem at our cost. If the public main is clear and not leaking, we'll advise you to contact a plumber to investigate the cause of the blockage or seepage in your lateral and fix the fault. This is at your cost.
Apply for a new drainage connection
To apply for a connection to the Council's drainage network for sewerage and stormwater, complete the Drainage Connection Application form. You can apply and pay online.
Apply online
You can also return a completed paper form with your fee to one of our Council service desks. You can no longer pay the fee at your worksite.
Drainage connection application form (108KB PDF)
Fee
The fee for a drainage connection is $143. It must be paid at least 1 full working day before the work is due to start.
Apply to alter or add to the public drainage network
To apply to alter or add to the public drainage network for sewerage and stormwater, complete the Public Drainage Permit Application form and submit it to land.development@wellingtonwater.co.nz
Alter or add to the public drainage networks application form (141KB PDF)
Fee
The fee for a Public Drainage Permit depends on whether the works are major or minor.
Major works include any drainage works with pipes. The fee is calculated on the project value, defined as the cost of the drainage works (materials and labour), excluding GST). The calculation is $400 for the first $4000 of the project value plus 8% of the balance of the project value.
Minor works include single manholes, sumps and leads. Applications for minor works are charged a flat application fee of $200.
The fee will be calculated based on the information contained in the application. All application fees are GST inclusive. An invoice will be issued for payment before the Permit is issued.
Contact us
Email: info@wcc.govt.nz
Phone: 04 499 4444