What are Private Drains and Sewers?

Most people don’t consider who owns the drains and sewers connected to their property until something goes wrong.

It used to be understood that if a drain was within your boundary, it was your responsibility, but that changed with the UK Private Drain and Sewers Act in October 2011.

Drains often end up in the "out of sight, out of mind" category. However, it’s essential to know who is responsible, as you never know when you might encounter a blocked sewer.

In this article, you will find out who is responsible for private drains and sewers.

Public Sewers

Public sewers typically serve entire neighbourhoods, districts, or cities, collecting wastewater from multiple properties.

They are designed to handle large volumes of wastewater and stormwater from residential and commercial buildings.

Private Sewers

Private sewers are owned and maintained by the property owner or a group of property owners (for example, in a housing development or apartment complex).

The property owner is responsible for repairs, maintenance, and cleaning, meaning they must cover any costs associated with issues like blockages or leaks within the private sewer line.

As the property owner, you typically own and are responsible for private drains within your property.

This includes any pipes inside your property that carry wastewater (from toilets, sinks, showers, etc.) to the point where they exit your property.

If your sewer pipes run under your property or through private land, you own and maintain those pipes up until the boundary line where your property connects to the public system.

A homebuyer's drain survey can uncover common issues in the drainage system, allowing you to identify and address any expensive problems with a property.

When is it Your Responsibility to Fix a Drain?

You are responsible for maintaining, repairing, and cleaning drains that run under your property or through private land and any drain pipes inside your property. This includes clearing blockages, fixing leaks, and addressing any damage.

If you’re unsure how to find the drains on your property, you can do so in our article, ‘How do I find out where the drains are on my property?

Private Drains and Sewers Act 2011

Thanks to a clever piece of legislation passed in October 2011, the Water and Sewerage Companies (WaSC) now own a bit more of the sewer network.

So, by default, we householders have a bit less responsibility, and that’s got to be a good thing.

It’s all because the government transferred ownership of most of the private sewers in England and Wales to the WaSCs under what is commonly known as ‘PSaD’ legislation in October 2011.

The key to grasping what’s what here is the word ‘most’. That loosely translates as ‘everything except the bit that’s a) on your property and b) is exclusively yours.

A householder is no longer responsible for private sewers you share with another property or the section of your property’s drain outside the property boundary. But you are still responsible for the drain serving the property located within the property boundary. (Check the DEFRA website for more details.) It’s worth remembering that your house insurance may cover you for any damage to sewers you maintain.

Legal Changes to the Ownership of Sewers

It’s far easier to explain the changes visually, so our graphics here aim to show you quite simply what difference the legislation has made to which drain is which and whose sewer is whose.

It may not look like much. But in practical terms, the legislation has removed a considerable burden from property owners who may have had to find thousands of pounds for unexpected sewer repairs out of their own pockets or via insurance, which inevitably increased premiums. The costs of repairs to private sewers are estimated at some £221 million each year, which is a fair old saving for the public’s pockets.

Can Lanes Fix Private and Public Sewers?

Sewer pipes, like drains, can occasionally become blocked, posing a serious health risk if the sewage overflows. That's why having an expert operator, like Lanes, on hand to handle sewer blockages is essential. Our team is equipped with the necessary protective clothing and equipment to address the issue safely.

We will identify whether the affected pipe is yours or belongs to your Water and sewage company (WaSC), so you’ll know the following steps. In many cases, Lanes performs unblocking services on behalf of WaSCs. As expected, we operate throughout the UK and are available around the clock thanks to our 24/7 local depot network.

If you are sure that your water and sewerage company is responsible for the sewer in question, simply call them directly.

If you're unsure, locate your nearest Lanes depot, contact us for free at 0800 526 488, or use our online inquiry form.