For information on the disposal of sewage where no mains drainage is available, please click here.
What is a drain?
A drain is a pipe that carries either foul water (sink / bath / toilet etc.) or surface water (rain) from one house only. The owner or occupier of the house is solely responsible for maintaining a drain, clearing blockages and repairing any faults. Even when the drain extends outside the boundary of the property (for example under the road or under a neighbour's garden) the owner or occupier of the house served by the drain is responsible up to the main public sewer.
What is a sewer?
A sewer is a pipe that carries either foul water or surface water from more than one house. A sewer may be either PUBLIC or PRIVATE.
A Public Sewer is a sewer adopted and maintained by the Water Utility Company, e.g. Anglian Water. The Water Company hold copies of the Public Sewer Maps showing the locations of these public sewers.
A second type of Public Sewer was one built as a private sewer before 1 October 1937 but as a result of a change in the law, became the responsibility of what is now the Water Company. Plans of this type of public sewer seldom exist. Each case has to be assessed using the evidence available.
A Private Sewer is the responsibility of the owners or occupiers of the houses it serves. This means that the owners or occupiers of all houses upstream of a blockage or defect are all responsible for clearance or repair. If you live in rented accommodation you should contact your landlord to clarify your responsibilities regarding sewers serving the property you are renting.
Property 1 and 2
Length A - C is the responsibility of property 1.
Length B - C is the responsibility of property 2.
Length C - D is the joint responsibility of properties 1 and 2, unless the sewer was laid prior to 1 October 1937, when it will be Anglian Water's responsibility.
Property 3 and 4
Length A - C is the responsibility of property 3.
Length B - C is the responsibility of property 4.
Length C - D is the joint responsibility of properties 3 and 4 unless the sewer was laid prior to 1 October 1937, when it will be Anglian Water's responsibility.
Property 5
Length A - B is the responsibility of property 5.
What can I do if my drain or private sewer blocks?
Several private contractors can be found in Yellow Pages. It is advisable to get a quote for the works before agreeing to employ a contractor. Where several houses are affected by a blockage in a private sewer you should attempt to agree to share the cost with each householder before employing a contractor.
What can I do if a public sewer blocks?
Telephone Anglian Water on 08457 145145 who will be pleased to respond.
What happens if my drain or private sewer requires repair?
You should arrange for the repair to be carried out by a contractor. The cost of repairs to private sewers should be shared by the various householders. Your Buildings Insurance Policy may cover the cost of repairs, you should check your policy document or contact your insurers.
What happens if I don't clear the blockage or carry out repairs?
East Lindsey District Council have various powers under different Acts of Parliament which enable it to require, by formal legal notice, the clearance of any blockage or the undertaking of any necessary repair works. Failure to comply with formal legal notices is an offence and can lead to prosecution. The works may be carried out by the Local Authority in default and the costs recovered from those responsible with an additional administration charge.
The information contained on this web page is provided as advice and guidance on general drainage issues and is not a statement of law.
Do you need further advice?
PLease click here to link to our contact the Environment Section Page
Contact the Environment Section
