Public health - housing
Environmental Health
The Public Health and Housing Service is delivered by officers from the Council's Enviromental and Health Services.
| Service ID: | 661 |
|---|---|
| email: | ehadmin@staffordbc.gov.uk |
| telephone: | 01785 619402 |
| sms: | 07781 471023 |
| fax: | 01785 619319 |
| complaints: | welcome.asp?id=2505 |
My sewer is blocked can you sort it out?
I rent my house, am I still responsible for the drainage?
What drainage maps do you hold?
What is the role of Environmental Health regarding drainage?
Can the Council unblock my drain?
Can you arrange for my septic tank/cesspit to be emptied?
Surely I am not responsible for foul water drainage not on my land?
The aim of the service is to ensure that comprehensive housing and public health advice is delivered to all residents and property owners of the Borough, as well as the enforcement of public health and housing statute where appropriate.
FAQ
My sewer is blocked can you sort it out?
First of all it is important to understand who is responsible for what parts of the sewer;
The part of your drainage that serves only your house which can either connect into a private sewer or directly into the public sewer is called a private drain and is solely your responsibility.
A private sewer is the section of pipe that serves several properties and includes the connection to the main public sewer. A private sewer is the responsibility of all who are served by it.
The public sewer is the responsibility of the Local Water Authority, which in the Stafford area is Severn Trent. It is important to understand that public sewers are only those which have been adopted by the Local Water Authority. To check this or to report a problem you can call Severn Trent Water on 0800 7834444 they should be able to help you with your queries.
There is one exception to the above responsibilities and that is if your property was built before 1937, in this situation all of the foul drainage if blocked or damaged is the responsibility of the Local Water Authority.
In the case of a fault or blockage on a private sewer the responsibility would be everyone upstream of the problem.
Often it can be difficult to work out which houses are served by a particular private sewer and where it joins the public sewer. This can be determined by contacting a contractor who can dye test the system with the co-operation of neighbours to see who is connected. Alternatively you can contact Environmental & Health Services on 01785 619402 and we can visit the site to advise on responsibilities and investigate the problem further.
Please refer to the question 'What is the role of Environmental Health regarding drainage?' on this page.
(Some Services are currently under review and maybe subject to a charge)
To contact please call Environmental & Health Services on 01785 619402 or e-mail
In some instances you may be covered for the costs of repairs to your sewer/drain by your household insurance policy. It is advised that you contact your insurance company at the first sign of any problems, if you are insured then they maybe able to arrange everything for you. TOP
I rent my house I am still responsible for the drainage?
This will depend upon your rental agreement, contact your landlord to discuss the problem. TOP
For Stafford Rural Homes houses please ring the Property Services Repairs line on 01785 619582 or e-mail
What drainage maps do you hold?
We do not hold records of private sewers or drains. TOP
What is the role of Environmental Health regarding drainage?
Where a private drain or sewer is causing problems then we have powers under various pieces of legislation to require works to be undertaken. We can also prosecute and/or carry out works in default.
We have similar powers to deal with defective private drainage systems such as cesspits and septic tanks. TOP
Can the Council unblock my drain?
Stafford Borough Council no longer provides a drain clearance service for private houses. There are a number of local contractors listed in the telephone directory and yellow pages who can help.
If your property is a Stafford & Rural Homes property, contact the Repairs Line 01785 619582 or e-mail. TOP
Can you arrange for my septic tank/cesspit to be emptied?
We do not offer this service. There are plenty of contractors listed under 'drainage' in the yellow pages or other local directory services. TOP
Surely I am not responsible for foul water drainage not on my land?
Yes you are, for a private sewer you are jointly responsible for the entire sewer that you use until it meets a main sewer. It does not matter through whose land the sewer/drain runs. TOP
Who deals with road drainage?
This is the responsibility of Staffordshire County Council Highways Department, contact them on 0800 232323.
If the problem relates to pollution entering a surface water ditch that runs into a water course then please contact the Environment Agency (Tel 08708 506506). TOP
To make an online request for information please click here