Drainage And Sewers

What is the difference between a drain and a sewer?

The pipe that takes bath and toilet water from your house is called a drain. If it joins another pipe from another property it becomes a sewer from the joint onwards.

Who is responsible for a blocked sewer or drain?

This depends upon where the blockage has occurred in the sewer network serving your property. Firstly, it needs to be established if the blockage is on a public sewer or a private drain.

Public sewer blockage: Anglian Water is responsible for most public sewers and sewers serving dwellings which were built before 1 October 1937. Contact Anglian Water on free phone 08457 145 145.

Private Drain Blockage: You are responsible for private drains serving your dwelling. If the private drain serves more than one dwelling, collective responsibility will lie with you and your neighbours.

NOTE The Council has no responsibility for the clearance of blockages in private drains or public sewers.

Below is a diagram that illustrates the various responsibilities for sections of pipe dependent on where there may be a blockage.

Section of Pipe                        Responsibility

A - C                                           Property 1

B - C                                           Property 2

D - E                                           Property 3

H - F                                           Property 4

I - J                                             Property 5

C - E                                           Properties 1 & 2

E - F                                           Properties 1, 2 & 3

F - G                                           Properties 1, 2, 3 & 4

K - L                                           Properties 1, 2, 3 & 4 and Anglian Water Services

The blockage is in my private drain, what do I do?

Lift the inspection chamber cover to see if sewage is backed-up. The blockage may only affect your property but check that your neighbours are not also affected.

How do I arrange to clear the blockage?

If it's your dwelling, call out a specialist drain clearance company if you cannot resolve the problem yourself. You should find these companies listed in your Yellow Pages. If you are a private tenant, get your landlord to sort out the problem. If they will not please contact the Environmental Health.

How do I know which drain clearance company is reputable?

Unfortunately the Council cannot give recommendations. Make sure you understand what is included within the price. For instance, do they charge travelling time or just for the time on site.

Who pays for the work?

If your drain is blocked or broken you will need to pay for the work. You might be able to make a claim under your building insurance policy so please check. If it is a shared private sewer you will share the cost with the other residents of the properties that benefit. If it is a pre-1937 public sewer, normally it will be the responsibility of Anglian Water.

I have checked with my neighbours, I am not the only property affected. What do I do?

Agree with your neighbours to share the bill if you call in a company to clear the drain. Remember the company will bill the person who calls them out so you will have to seek reimbursement from your neighbours.

My neighbours are affected but some will not agree to pay/ I cannot contact my neighbours/ We do not know which houses are connected to the private drain. What shall I do?

Contact Environmental Health. The Council may be able to mediate a solution. Alternatively, it may be necessary for Environmental Health to arrange to clear the blockage and recover the cost from the householders involved. The Council's expenses will be added to the bill so it's better for households to resolve the work themselves.

How can I prevent blockages from occurring?

Do not put fat or oil into your drainage system. Use kitchen paper towels to mop-up fats and oils from your cooking utensils and use the bin. Then use plenty of detergent and hot water on your utensils.

Never put nappies, incontinence pads or sanitary towels down the toilet. Never allow rubble, children's toys or other objects to fall into an inspection chamber. Never hide an inspection chamber. Check that your inspection covers are accessible and in good condition.

The private drain serving my dwelling and my neighbour's keeps blocking. What should I do?

Most drainage companies also operate CCTV camera systems to go into drains to investigate problems.

If you require more information please contact us.