What am I responsible for?
What shall I do if I suspect there is a blockage in the drain or sewer?
How can the Council help?
How can I prevent further blockages?



What am I responsible for?

Sewers built prior to 1 October 1937
Sewers built prior to 1 October 1937 and serving two or more houses in separate ownership are likely to be classed as the public sewer from the point at which they meet and drain together.

Anglian Water is responsible for maintaining the public sewer, this service is funded by a percentage of the water rates charge. Contact details can be found on their website. 

Sewers (serving two or more properties) built after 1 October 1937
Sewers (serving two or more properties) built after 1 October 1937 are usually classed as a private sewer up to the point of connection with the public sewer and responsibility for ensuring it is free flowing and in good repair lies with the owners or occupiers of properties served by it.

Drains
The length of pipe serving one single property is called a drain and it is the sole responsibility of the owner or occupier of that property.

Drains and private sewers may run under a public highway or through land which does not belong to you.

If a blockage occurs in the pipe work under your neighbour’s garden you may still be responsible for the clearance costs.

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What shall I do if I suspect there is a blockage in the drain or sewer?
Maldon District Council do not employ staff who can be called upon to clear blockages.

It is recommended that you speak to your neighbours to find out who else is affected, and if you believe that there is a blockage in the public sewer you should contact Anglian Water to report the problem.

Minor blockages in a drain or private sewer may be cleared using a set of drain rods. However, you should not climb into inspection chambers or enter drains and sewers due to the dangers involved.

In cases where the blockage is in a private sewer and all those affected are in agreement, a specialist drainage company should be called in to unblock the system.

Details of local companies can be found in the Yellow Pages under “Drain and Pipe”.

A specialist drainage company will expect the bill to be paid in full by the person who has called them out and if you think there is likely to be a problem with the owners or occupiers of affected properties contributing to the cost you should get agreement from all parties concerned about payment before you engage the services of a contractor.

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How can the Council help?
Environment Services will identify those responsible for repairs / maintenance, and if necessary will serve formal notice under the legal provisions at its disposal.

The Council can engage the services of a contractor to undertake works in default of the notice and recover costs from the owners or occupiers of affected properties.

Whilst you will not be charged for the initial survey and investigation work carried out by officers, including the serving of the notice, the Council will recharge all expenses incurred for undertaking any work in default of the notice including:

• the cost charged by the contractor
• the officer’s time for instructing the contractor and inspecting the work
• charges for dealing with enquiries
• the cost of issuing the invoice.
  
  Additional charges will be incurred if prompt payment is not received.
  
  If your property insurance includes drainage cover you should contact your insurance company immediately.

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How can I prevent further blockages?
Common causes of blockages include

• disposable nappies
• sanitary towels and hot fat, which can solidify in the pipe work.

These and other similar non-degrading items should be disposed of in a responsible manner and never placed in the drainage system.

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