Sewer Pipes: Your Responsibilities as a Homeowner

When it comes to managing the drainage system on your property, understanding your responsibilities as a homeowner is crucial. Whether it's maintaining, unblocking, repairing, or replacing sections of the sewer system, knowing what falls under your purview can save you time, money, and hassle.

What Are Your Responsibilities?

Lateral Drain vs. Sewer: Understanding the Difference

A lateral drain is a pipe that carries wastewater away from your home. It often runs under your property and continues beneath a pavement or road adjacent to your house. You are not responsible for the maintenance or repair of lateral drains; this falls under the remit of the local water authority.

A sewer collects wastewater from the drains of multiple buildings. Most sewers are publicly owned and maintained by your local water company. However, there are still some privately owned sewers, often found in older properties. If you are connected to a cesspit or septic tank, this system is your responsibility to maintain.

Experiencing problems with your underground drainage system can be daunting, but clarifying your responsibilities can make the situation more manageable. Generally, homeowners are responsible for drains within the boundaries of their property. This includes the sewer system and any surface water drainage system. However, the extent of your responsibility can depend on the location and type of the drainage system.

Within Property Boundaries

Typically, any pipework within your property's boundaries is your responsibility. This includes pipes that connect your home to the main sewer system. If there is a blockage, breakage, or any need for repair or replacement, it is up to you to manage and fund these activities.

Outside Property Boundaries

Any pipework outside your property boundaries is usually the responsibility of the local water authority. This includes sewer pipes that serve multiple properties. For instance, if you live in a terrace or semi-detached house, shared drains fall under the local water authority’s jurisdiction.

Unadopted (Private) Sewers

In older properties, some sewers might be unadopted and therefore privately owned. If your property is connected to such a sewer, you will be responsible for maintaining it. This includes any necessary repairs and ensuring it functions correctly.

How Do I Know if My Sewer or Drain is Private?

Determining whether your sewer or drain is private can be done through several methods:

Ask Your Local Water Authority or Council

Contact your local water authority or council to find out the status of your sewer or drain. They can provide you with information on whether your drainage system is private or publicly maintained. You can typically find contact details on your water bill or by searching online for your local water authority or council.

Refer to the Deeds of Your Home

Your home's deeds will often contain detailed information about the drainage system. Look for sections that mention drainage responsibilities or easements. The relevant wording will typically indicate if the sewer is private and outline your maintenance obligations.

Typical Wording on UK Deeds

If the responsibility lies with your Local Water Authority, you will find this worded similarly to one of the following statements:

• "The property is subject to an easement in favour of [Local Water Authority] for the maintenance of sewer pipes."
• "The local water authority is responsible for the sewerage system serving the property."
• "Drainage easement granted to [Local Water Authority] for access and maintenance."

If you are exclusively responsible as the Property Owner it might be worded as follows:

• "The owner of the property is responsible for the upkeep of the drainage system within the property boundaries."
• "Private sewer maintenance is the responsibility of the homeowner."
• "The property owner must maintain and repair all drains and sewers within the property limits."

If you are jointly responsible with other Property Owners, it may say something like:

• "Shared drainage systems must be maintained jointly by all connected property owners."
• "Responsibility for the sewer line is shared among the owners of properties connected to it."
• "Costs for maintenance and repair of shared drains are to be divided equally among the participating homeowners."

Look at a Sewer Map

Sewer maps are available through your sewerage company upon request. These maps can help you understand the layout of the drainage system in your area. To request a sewer map, contact your sewerage company and ask for details on how to obtain and interpret the map.

Interpreting a Sewer Map

In the UK, sewer maps typically use standard conventions for line styles and colours to denote different types of drainage systems. These help to easily identify and differentiate between private drains, lateral drains and public sewers. Here are the common styles used:

• Red or orange lines, solid or dashed

  These indicate private drains that are the responsibility of the homeowner. They are typically within the property boundaries.

• Green or blue lines, dashed or dotted

  These represent lateral drains that run from the property boundary to the public sewer, often under public roads or pavements. The responsibility for these drains falls to the local water authority.

• Thick, solid dark blue or black lines

  These denote public sewers that collect wastewater from multiple properties. Public sewers are maintained by the local water authority.

Requesting Sewer Adoption

If you have a private sewer or lateral drain, you can request your sewerage company to adopt it. The company must be satisfied that adopting your sewer or drain benefits the overall sewage system. This process can relieve you of maintenance responsibilities if approved.

Understanding your responsibilities regarding sewer pipes and drainage systems is vital for effective home maintenance. By knowing whether your drains are private or publicly maintained, you can take the necessary steps to ensure your drainage system remains in good condition. Should you have any doubts, consult your local water authority, refer to your home deeds, or request a sewer map from your sewerage company.

We hope you have found this information interesting and helpful. If you have any further questions you are always welcome to call our friendly team of experts on 01420 555600 or email [email protected]. 

Also, look out for more articles in our ongoing series of blog posts, bringing you useful information, insights, guides and tips on all things drainage!