Who is Responsible for Storm Drains on My Property?
It can be confusing for property owners to know which drains and sewers they are responsible for and which ones they aren’t.
In the UK, two types of drains typically serve properties, and property owners and water companies share the responsibility for maintaining these drains.
This article explains the differences between the two types of drains, who is responsible for them, and what to do if you experience a drainage issue
Types of Domestic Drainage Systems in the UK
Foul Water Drain
The first type of drain is the foul water drain, which carries wastewater from your home to treatment facilities. Most homeowners know they are responsible for maintaining these drains on their property.
Storm Drain
The second type is the storm drain, a surface water drain. This drain collects rainwater and groundwater and directs it into streams or rivers. Most storm drains are located along roads or public land, but confusion arises when a storm drain runs within a property’s boundary.
Which of the drains inside my property boundary am I responsible for?
The simple answer is that you are only responsible for private drains (or foul water drains) that are within your property boundary. Your local water company is responsible for storm drains, even if they are located within your property boundary.
You should never attempt to fix a storm drain problem yourself. Doing so can lead to serious consequences.
If you notice a problem with a storm drain, contact your local water company immediately. They will handle the necessary repairs.
It’s also worth noting that in the past, property owners were responsible for maintaining private sewers and lateral drains connected to the public sewer system. However, these drains were transferred to public ownership in 2011. As of 2023, the only private sewer property owners must maintain is a septic tank.
If your local water company is taking longer to resolve the issue than you’d like, do not attempt to fix it yourself. Unauthorised repairs to public drains or blocked sewers can result in legal and financial penalties.
Drainage companies typically won’t perform repairs without proper authorisation from the relevant local authority.
Even if flooding damages your property, the correct action is to inform your local water company and have them handle the repair.
How do I know who’s responsible for a drain issue?
Sometimes, it’s unclear whether a drainage problem is your responsibility. Since private drains usually connect to public sewers, the location of the blockage or leak will determine responsibility.
If the issue seems to originate from your household drains - for example, if foul odours or poor drainage are noticeable from sinks or toilets - it’s best to consult a drainage expert. They can identify the cause of the issue and tell you the following steps to resolve it.
Our homeowner's responsibility and private drains and sewers guides also explain who is responsible for any domestic or private drain or sewer-related issues.
How can I fix problems with private drains?
When a foul water drain has a problem, the property owner is responsible for repairs. If you’re renting, check your lease agreement, as it may assign responsibility to someone else.
Contact a drainage professional if you own your home and the issue is with a private drain. The experts at Lanes Drainage Services can diagnose the problem and assess whether it’s your responsibility to fix it.
If it’s your responsibility, we can quickly remove blockages, repair pipes, and address other common drainage problems.
The best approach is to prevent issues before they arise. To maintain your drains and reduce the risk of problems, avoid putting fat, oil, grease, food scraps, or plastic-containing products (such as wet wipes, sanitary items, and condoms) down your drains. Insulating exposed pipes in cold weather can also prevent freezing, which could cause damage.
If you need clarification about the condition of your drains, a CCTV drain survey can help identify cracks or weaknesses, allowing you to fix problems before they worsen.
Can I Fix Problems with Storm Drains?
You can perform essential maintenance on storm drains on your property. For example, clearing away fallen leaves or debris will help prevent blockages and reduce the risk of flooding.
However, if a storm drain has a serious problem, contact your local water company, as they are responsible for handling such issues.
Need Help with a Drain Problem?
If you have a domestic drainage issue that needs attention, contact the experts at Lanes Drainage Services.
With years of experience, we can quickly identify and fix a wide range of drainage problems, minimising disruption to your home.
Call us 24/7 on 0800 526 488 or use the enquiry form to request a callback at your earliest convenience.