Sewerage maintenance holes

Sewerage maintenance holes (also known as sewer manholes) are access points to Council’s sewer mains found on roads, footpaths, driveways, public spaces and on private properties. They are used to check the condition of sewers, clear blockages in sewer lines, and investigate and fix problems.

Council owns and maintains 23,611 sewerage maintenance holes across the region and may need access for maintenance or repairs.

Regular inspections are carried out to make sure sewerage maintenance holes are accessible and visible. Inspectors check for leaks, damage and blockages and ensure they are operating effectively. Unless you are authorised, never open a sewerage maintenance hole lid.  Please refer to the Wastewater (sewer) network investigation and maintenance program Factsheet .

If you have a sewerage maintenance hole on your property, it is important that it is clearly visible and accessible. Over time sewerage maintenance holes can become hidden under dirt, grass and gardens. Council advises not to  bury or build over a sewerage maintenance hole or put a large object over it.

If a sewerage maintenance hole on your property is not accessible, Council may direct you to make it accessible (or do work on your behalf). For example, if a garden bed has been built over a sewerage maintenance hole, the property owner will need to remove it to restore access.

Not sure if you have a sewerage maintenance hole at your property? You can check if your property has a sewerage maintenance hole by looking up your address on our interactive map.

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