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Clearing a Clog

A clogged sewer is, of course, a real hassle. Below, you’ll find a 3-step guide explaining what you need to do, what the municipality will do for you, and how the costs work. Are you thinking of hiring a sewer service company? Be sure to read this step-by-step guide first. Because if you incur costs but the clog is on the municipality’s side, you won’t be reimbursed for those costs.

In the video below, you'll see in 2 minutes what you can do if you have a clogged sewer. In the text below, we explain the steps in detail. 

The step-by-step guide below applies to people who own a home with a front yard.

Are your neighbors also experiencing a sewer blockage? If so, the problem is likely in the municipal sewer system or a pumping station. Please report this to the municipality by calling 14 0168 or usingthe report form. 

Step-by-Step Guide for a Clogged Sewer

Step 1: Find the cause

Sometimes a single drain stops working—for example, the toilet or the sink. In that case, find the cause. It could be a clump of toilet paper, for example, or a toilet deodorizer tablet that’s stuck in the toilet. For a sink or shower drain, grease and hair may be the cause.

Here's what you can do

Try to clear the clog with a plunger. This is an old-fashioned drain cleaner with a rubber suction cup, available at home goods stores. For a kitchen sink or bathroom sink, you can clean the swan neck (the siphon). If that doesn’t help, you can use a drain snake. There are videos on YouTube showing how to use a plunger and how to unclog a sink.

If this doesn't work

If this doesn't help, or if several drains aren't working, the problem is likely more serious. The sewer line under your house or yard is probably clogged. The problem could also be in the municipal sewer system. See Step 2 for what you can do in that case.

Step 2: Is it your responsibility or the municipality's?

Sometimes the cause of the blockage isn’t clear. In that case, it’s important to know: is the blockage on your property, or on the municipality’s property? If it’s on the municipality’s property, the municipality will fix it. If it’s on your property, you’ll have to fix it yourself. You’ll need to identify where the blockage is located.

Here's what you can do

Dig up the manhole cover. This is a section of the sewer pipe with a cover that can be opened. It’s usually located on your property, near the boundary with municipal land, at a depth of about 60 to 80 cm. If you open this manhole cover, you can look inside the sewer. This is clearly explainedin the video.

  • Is there water in the drain trap? If so, the clog is located past the drain trap, so it’s likely the city’s responsibility. In that case, call the city.
  • Is the drain connection dry? If so, the problem is located before the drain connection—that is, on your property. In that case, you’ll have to fix it yourself or have it fixed.

Not sure where the sewer lines are located? You can find more information onthe Riool info website.

If this doesn't work

Sometimes there is no drain outlet. Or the drain outlet may be too far from the property line, for example, near the front door. You can read more about this onthe page about drain outlets.

Are you having trouble digging up the drain connection? Or would you rather not do it yourself? If so, call the municipality to discuss the matter. You can read more about this in Step 3. In that step, you’ll also find out what you can do on your own if the blockage is on your property.

Step 3: Clearing the Clog

Is the clog on your property? If so, you must clear it yourself or have it cleared. You are responsible for the costs.

Is the blockage the city's responsibility? If so, call the city at 14 0168. The city will take care of it for you. If it is indeed the city's responsibility, there will be no charge.

Not sure where the blockage is? Or do you want to hire a sewer service company? Always call the municipality first to discuss the matter.

Here's what you can do

Some people want to unclog the drain themselves, using a drain snake or a high-pressure washer. That’s possible, but only do this if you know what you’re doing. There’s a chance you’ll make a mess in your home, or that you’ll damage the sewer pipes and make the problem worse.

If this doesn't work

Not sure where the clog is? Or would you rather call a sewer service company? In that case, always call the municipality first at 14 0168. A clogged sewer is an emergency; this number is available 24 hours a day.

Important: If you hire a sewer service provider without consulting the municipality and incur costs—for example, for a camera inspection—these costs will not be reimbursed. This applies even if it later turns out that the blockage is the municipality’s responsibility. Therefore, always consult with the municipality before calling a service provider.

See also