Medowie in three facts
Nearly all houses
At the 2021 Census, 97.5% of occupied homes in Medowie were separate houses, against 65.6% across NSW. 46.5% were being paid off with a mortgage and 30.0% owned outright; 22.0% were rented.
Sewage goes to Raymond Terrace
Hunter Water lists Medowie among the communities served by its Raymond Terrace treatment works, along with Raymond Terrace and part of Heatherbrae.
Port Stephens Council, Hunter Water mains
Medowie is in the Port Stephens Council area, which Hunter Water's supply network covers. Council looks after street drains; Hunter Water the water and sewer mains.
Gravity sewer or pressure sewer?
A gravity sewer connection runs through an inspection shaft, often at the lowest point of the block. Some properties have a pressure sewer instead, with a pump unit on the lot. Hunter Water supports pressure sewer for new single-lot residential developments where it's the preferred option, and its policy is to own and maintain on-lot units that meet its standards.
If you're not sure which you have, or where your connection point is, Hunter Water says it can help. Don't let anyone pull apart a pump unit before you've checked with Hunter Water whose it is.
Trees near the sewer line
Hunter Water warns that tree roots can seriously damage sewer pipes. Its list rates camphor laurel, figs and rubber plants, poplars and willows as the worst, and large gum trees, jacarandas, liquidambars, casuarinas and pines as very high risk. Keep those well clear of the sewer line, and ask a nursery or arborist before planting.
Roots already in the pipe? A drain specialist can confirm it with a camera before you choose between clearing and pipe relining. Our tree roots page explains the options.
Your pipes, end to end
The sewer pipes on your land are yours as far as Hunter Water's system, boundary trap and shaft included. On the water side, you own everything from where your pipes leave Hunter Water's main, and you're responsible for damage if that pipework fails. An unexplained jump in your water bill is worth a leak detection visit.
What we would do
Map your own block once: where the water meter is, where the sewer runs, and where the inspection shaft or pressure sewer unit sits. Then keep the trees on Hunter Water's high-risk list away from that line. When something does go wrong, a plumber can get straight to the right spot.
More for Medowie
See Raymond Terrace, the Port Stephens page, blocked drains or hot water. Only the plumber who takes your job gets your contact details.