Sewer pipe responsibility
If you experience an issue with a sewer pipe, such as a blockage, it’s important that you know who is responsible for fixing it.
What sewer pipes are your responsibility?
You are responsible for the drains that serve your home up to the boundary of your property or to the point where it joins with pipework from another property, whichever is closest.
We are responsible for maintaining the drains beyond the boundary of your property. This is called the public sewer network.
Other pipes and systems you are responsible for
You are also responsible for:
- pipes connected to private treatment systems, such as septic tanks, soakaways and private treatment works
- systems which do not connect to the public sewer, such as rainwater pipes that discharge directly into a watercourse
- internal drainage pipes or above-ground pipework, such as guttering or vent stacks.
Watch our video to learn more about the sewer pipes, systems and fittings you are responsible for.
Sewer pipe records
We hold maps that show the approximate position of sewer pipes near your property. If you would like to see them, you can request sewer pipe records from us.
Connecting to our network
If you live in an area without public mains drainage and would like us to consider providing a new sewerage system, please contact us.
We accept applications from parish and district councils or groups of householders, and sometimes they are the result of the Environment Agency identifying pollution problems.