Sewer & drain responsibility

There are two main waste pipe types – drains and sewers.

Who is responsible?

You’re responsible for private drains and we cover the public sewers once the developer installed infrastructure has been adopted. There are also highway drains and gullies that are the local authority’s responsibility.

We know that any sewer problems can be unpleasant and very distressing, The infrastructure serving your property will be newly installed and should operate effectively, but sadly problems can occur within the network, and when they do we are here to help.

Affected by sewage flooding?

If your property’s been affected by sewage flooding, call our 24-hour emergency number – 01376 312420

Who’s responsible for the sewer and drainage network?

You’re responsible for your private sewers and drains, the developer is responsible for sewers installed but not yet adopted, we own the public sewers, once adopted, and drains and the council owns the highway drains and gullies. Private sewers and drains These are pipes within your property boundary (for example beneath your house, garden, and driveway), and ones that take away flows from your property only to where they connect to pipework serving your neighbours.

Public sewers and drains

During the construction of a new development, the responsibility of the sewers usually remains with the developers. Once adopted, we’re responsible for the large sewers running under roads and pavements and the drains above them.

The sections of sewers and pipes you share with your neighbours, plus pipes outside your property boundary connecting to our existing network, are also our responsibility.

Blocked sewer?

If you think one of our sewers is blocked, call our 24/7 helpline 01376 312420 and we’ll arrange for a technician to check it out.

If we own the sewer, we’ll clear the pipe, if it’s in your drain or private sewer, you’ll need to pay an independent drain clearing company to clear it for you. Check out WaterSafe for the approved plumbers in your area.

Alternatively, you may want to consider taking out cover with an insurance provider who can offer a range of plumbing and drainage cover options.

Highway drains and gullies

Privacy & Cookie Policy from AWINIf blocked highway drains and road gullies are causing surface water flooding, they’ll need to be investigated by the highways department. The number for your local council contact can be found here: gov.uk/find-local-council.

Environment Agency

For advice on what to do before, during and after flooding in bad weather, call the Environment Agency’s ‘Floodline’ on 0345 988 1188 (the EA’s website has call charge information).

Sewers and drain responsibility

Who is responsible?

Public sewers and drains

Blocked sewer?

Highway drains and gullies

Environment Agency

Your Account

Your Water Supply

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