Public and private sewers
People often use the terms ‘drain’ and ‘sewer’ loosely without really understanding what they mean.
What is a drain?
A drain is a pipe that only takes water from a building (or buildings within the same property boundary). It may be surface water (e.g. rainwater from roofs and paved area) and/or foul water (e.g. kitchen, bathroom or toilet waste). The responsibility for unblocking or repairing any defects in a drain lies with the owner or occupier of the building.
What is a sewer?
A drain becomes a sewer from a point at which a pipe takes water from two or more buildings that are not within the same property boundary.
There is often a separate drainage system for rainwater. This must never have waste or foul water discharged in them. It is an offence to connect washbasins, washing machines or dishwashers to the surface water system as this may lead to pollution to water courses and subsoil waters.
Main sewers in the road are normally public sewers.
The Council do not own any drains or sewers, except those serving its own properties. The Council is responsible for highways drainage but this is separate from drainage of buildings.
The Council may become involved if ….
Private households being served by a drain and/or private sewers are unable to adequately deal with the problem. In these cases we are able to serve a legal notice requiring the work to be done. The work may be done by the Council in default of the owners. This can involve extra cost and delay.
Drainage problems contact details
If you feel that you are not solely responsible for a blocked drain and need, or you have further queries, please contact Environmental Health on 020 8496 3000.
Drainage and sewers
On 1 October 2011, the water and sewerage companies in England and Wales take responsibility for privately owned sewers, and drains located outside of your property boundary.
How the transfer will affect you
On 1 October 2011, private sewers and lateral drains will automatically transfer to the water and sewerage companies.
You will no longer be responsible for
- Private sewers that you may share with another property owner
- The section of your property's drainpipe that lies outside the property boundary
Thames Water will be responsible for the maintenance and repairs to these pipes after 1 October 2011.
Please note that you will still retain the ownership and responsibility of the drain serving your property and located within your property boundary.
Thames Water have a dedicated phone number for private sewers 0845 0709 150. The lines are open from Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, and closed at weekends and bank holidays.
For further information please see: http://www.thameswater.co.uk
