Private Sewers and
Drains
Not surprisingly, foul drains and sewers are "out of sight
and out of mind" for most of the public, and then a blockage
occurs, or worse….
We receive many calls from people who do not know what to do
when they are affected by a blocked drain. The following
information should act as a useful guide:
Private Sewers and Drains
On 1st October 2011 the ownership of
all private drain pipes outside householders
own boundaries and all shared private sewer
pipes transferred to the water/sewerage
companies.
Prior to this date, many property owners will
have had responsibility or shared responsibility for sewers and
drains both inside and outside their boundaries up to where they
connect to public sewers, which could in the past lead to
difficulties in resolving problems and large bills to pay
for repairs. Environmental Health Departments have previously
advised upon and used enforcement powers to deal with these
issues, but from 1st October 2011
all blockages and other problems relating to shared
sewers and drains outside house-holders’ boundaries
should now be reported direct to the relevant sewerage
company, which for Worcestershire is Severn Trent Water.
The contact number for Severn Trent Water
is 0800 7834444. Any issues relating to the
service provided by Severn Trent in dealing with such matters
should be taken up in accordance with their complaints
procedure.
Non mains drainage remains within private
ownership, and pollution or nuisance from private treatment
plants, septic tanks, pump stations and cesspools will be
investigated by Worcestershire Regulatory Services. The contact
telephone number is 01905 822799.
Tackle the problems before they occur…
- Many blockages and other problems could be prevented through
good practice.
- Do not dispose of fats or oils into the drain as they cool down
and set as a hard scale.
- Do not dispose of bulky sanitary items such as nappy liners
into drains.
- Do not apply permanent landscaping over inspection covers as
they are needed for access to clear blockages.
- Take care if you are considering planting deep-rooted trees
such as willows, as the roots often enter sewers and drains.
- Check to see whether your property insurance covers you for
drainage problems. If not, it is possible to take out separate
cover for this.
The Role of Worcestershire Regulatory Services
In some cases, it is not easy to resolve problems associated
with private drains or sewers. Our staff can help, with either the
matter being dealt with using informal advice, guidance or
information, or by formal enforcement action being taken if
necessary.
Formal Action
Blockages of private drains may ultimately result in a risk to
Public Health if left unattended. We can serve a Notice requesting
that obstructions are cleared within 48 hours. Failure for this to
happen will result in our engaging a contractor to do the work. The
cost of this, plus administrative fees will then be re-charged to
the person or persons responsible.
Damage to a private drain can also be remedied by service of a
Notice. Non-compliance could result in prosecution and/or the works
being carried out in default by us. The cost of the works plus fees
will be charged to all parties responsible.
Please remember that problems associated with public
sewers must be dealt with by the sewerage undertaker. The telephone
number to contact is 0800 783 4444.
For more information contact:
Worcestershire Regulatory Services, Wyatt House, Farrier Street,
Worcester. WR1 3BH
Telephone: 01905 822799 between 8am-8pm, Monday-Friday and
9am-5pm Saturday
Email: wrsenquiries@worcsregservices.gov.uk
