Listen to Article
Drains
Changes to responsibility of private sewers and lateral drains
The Government has decided that from 1st October 2011 water and sewerage companies will take over the ownership and maintenance of some of the current private drainage systems.
All households should now have received a letter from their relevant water authority explaining this.
As from 1st October 2011 Water Authorities will take over responsibility for all existing private sewers. This means that Water Authorities will be responsible for clearing blockages and repairing defects in any length of pipe that serves 2 or more properties. In addition, they will also take over responsibility for any drains (pipes serving 1 property only) which lie outside the legal boundary of the property they serve. This will include drains which run through a neighbours garden or out into the road.
This is shown in the diagram below.
Further information
For further information on these issues please contact your Water Authority:
From 01/10/11 the new arrangements for clearance of blocked drains by us will be as follows:
Private Properties
We will no longer attend to blockages in private drains.
Private customers should contact their Water Authority to determine if the blockage is in the public sewer or private drain, even if located within the boundary of their property. If the Water Authority determines that the problem is in the private drain then you will need to arrange and pay for a private contractor to attend. We cannot recommend specific contractors, so we would advise you to look through the relevant business directories.
Council owned properties
As a responsible landlord, we will continue to deal with blockages in Council properties and these should be reported to us by completing the on-line enquiry form or telephone 01246 242424. If we suspect the blockage lies in a public sewer we will contact the Water Authority otherwise we will attend to the blockage ourselves.
If your drain is blocked you will usually know because your waste will stop going away when you flush the toilet, or gullies outside will overflow. There may also be a smell.
Usual causes of blocked drains include the flushing away of kitchen wipes, disposable nappies, sanitary products, plastic bags or the pouring of cooking fats, oils and DIY products into the sink.
To help prevent blockages please ensure these items are disposed of correctly.
If you require any further information or advice about drainage matters please complete our on-line enquiry form or telephone 01246 242424.
Last Updated on Friday, 29 July 2011 08:53
