There is often a lot of confusion when discussing who is responsible for drains and sewers repairs. Generally speaking, drains that are found within the boundaries of your property are your responsibility. However, sewerage companies are responsible for all lateral drains and sewers that are outside of your property boundaries.
Most sewers are publically owned, though there are some private sewers around. If your property is served by a private sewer, it’s important to understand that you may be responsible for its maintenance.
The Difference between Drains & Sewers
Drains- a pipe whose purpose is to drain water and waste from a building or property.
Lateral drains- a length of pipe which is used to carry wastewater away from a property or building. These are most often located outside of the property boundary and are found under public pavements and roads.
Sewers- used to collect water and waste from the drains of a number of buildings and properties. Most are publically owned and maintained by water companies.
Drain Repairs
Any drains that are found within the boundaries of your property are your responsibility to maintain. Any work that needs to be done on drains within your property will need to be paid for by the homeowner. Alternatively, you may be able to take our insurance to pay for work on private drains.
Sewer Repairs
Sewers and lateral drains are connected to the public network. These used to be the responsibility of the property owner, though this changed and they are now maintained by water companies. If you think you have any problems with your sewer or lateral drains, get in touch with your local water company.
Private Sewer Repairs
If you have a private sewer and own a property you will be responsible for the cost of maintenance and repairs. If the sewer serves a number of properties or buildings, all owners will be responsible for any costs. Check with your sewerage company if you’re unsure whether or not your sewer is private.
If you have been experiencing issues with drains within your properties boundaries and are looking for efficient, cost-effective help, We Love Drains are the right company for you! We’ve got what it takes to identify and repair any issues within your drains.
For more information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of the We Love Drains team by visiting our contact page or by giving us a call on 0800 849 8099.
