Who is responsible?
Knowing who is responsible for clearing a blocked drain or sewer is one of the hardest parts of drainage work. It is important to understand the different types of pipework, because the responsibilities are different with each type of pipe.
Here's a clear guide to help you know what to do based on the type of pipework:
Drains
Drains carry waste and/or surface water directly from one house into a public or private sewer.
Responsibility
- Homeowners: You are responsible for maintaining and repairing your own drains, gutters, and rainwater pipes.
- Tenants: Your landlord is usually responsible, but check your tenancy agreement as costs might sometimes be passed on to you.
If your drain is blocked, it's your responsibility to arrange for it to be cleared. You can do this yourself or hire a Drainage Engineer. You can find one under 'Drain and Pipe Clearing' in the Yellow Pages or on Yell.com.
Sewers
Private Sewers
A Private Sewer is any waste connection that is situated within a property boundary or up to the point where it joins onto a neighbour's sewer.
Responsibility
- Private owners are responsible for any repairs or maintenance to private sewers. If you are a tenant your landlord may be responsible for the works, depending on your tenancy agreement.
Public Sewers
Due to a change in law, as from 1st October 2011, any section of a sewer network that is shared between two properties has become a public sewer. This therefore means that a public sewer can now be situated within a property boundary.
Responsibility
- The Sewer Undertaker is responsible for public sewers - for the Ipswich borough this is Anglian Water. They have the responsibility to clear blockages, repair damage and maintain public sewers. Anglian Water can be contacted on 03457 145 145.
For more details on sewer responsibilities, visit the Anglian Water website.
Public highways
- Road Gullies: Managed by Suffolk County Council.
- Drains Connecting Gullies to Public Sewers: Also Suffolk County Council’s responsibility.
- Public Surface Water Sewers: These can be managed either by Anglian Water or Suffolk County Council, depending on the type.
Private roads, garage compounds and parking areas
- Householders: Responsible for maintenance and repairs of drains from their property boundary or where the drain serves more than one property.
If owners of houses fail to meet their responsibilities, the Private Sector Housing Service will take formal action to resolve the issue.