If you’ve experienced a blocked drain, you’ll know how frustrating it can be – not to mention potentially costly to repair. But who needs to clear these blockages – you as a homeowner, or the water company?
Here’s a simple guide to understanding where responsibility lies, depending on the location of the blocked drain.
Your property boundaries
Homeowners are generally responsible for the maintenance and clearing of any drains within their property boundaries, including:
- Private drains
These are the pipes that lead from your home to the boundary of your property. If they become blocked, it’s your responsibility to address, either personally, or by calling a professional drainage specialist. Any domestic drain blockage without an obvious or easily identifiable cause can be diagnosed via a CCTV drainage survey.
- Property interior drains
Drainage issues that occur inside the home, such as blocked sinks, toilets, or showers, are solely your responsibility as the homeowner. You can aim to avoid these problems occurring or becoming too costly with regular maintenance, including cleaning and clearing debris.
Many homeowners may not realise the extent of their responsibility, or what constitutes a ‘private’ drain. But being aware of who needs to do what and investing in regular maintenance and inspections can help avoid the disruption of sudden blockages.
Water company responsibilities
Local water companies take on the responsibility for blockages in public facilities, including:
Lateral drains
These are the pipes that run from the boundary of your property to the public sewer. As highlighted, you’re responsible for drains within your property – but once the system reaches the boundary line, accountability shifts.
If a blockage occurs in a lateral drain, homeowners should contact their local water company to address the issue.
Public sewers
Shared drainage systems that serve multiple properties are maintained by water companies.
Any blockages or issues within these public sewers are the responsibility of the water provider.
Again, homeowners should report any signs of blockage or flooding to their local water company, to ensure prompt action.
What if you encounter a blocked drain?
Initially, determine whether the blockage is in a private drain (inside your property) or a lateral drain/public sewer (outside your property).
If it’s your responsibility, first try clearing the blockage using methods like plungers or drain snakes. But for persistent blockages, consider a professional drainage service that can investigate the cause thoroughly.
If the block appears to be in a lateral drain or public sewer, contact your local water company immediately.They’ll be able to provide guidance and send a maintenance team to investigate and resolve the issue.
Who to call and when
By understanding the responsibilities associated with blocked drains, you’ll know when to take proactive measures and when to seek help.
For public or lateral drain blockages, contact the water company – and for reliable domestic drainage expertise, consider a professional specialist.
If you have any drainage questions or require assistance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.