Public Health - drainage

Environmental Health

Drains are pipes, which carry waste and surface water from one or more houses. When one drain meets another, it becomes a sewer. These are not the gullies or grids that can be found in the road to take water off the highway.

• How do I know if it is my drain that is blocked?
• How do I report a blocked drain?
• How much does it cost to have my private drain emptied?
• Who is responsible?

Blocked drains?

Drains are underground pipes that carry waste and surface water from one house or property.

When one 'drain' meets another arising from two or more properties, it becomes a sewer. If two or more properties were constructed or connected to a sewer before 1936, it is classed as a 'public sewer'. All sewers constructed after 1936 are deemed as private sewers.

Maintaining 'drains' in good order is the responsibility of the owner/occupier of the property the drain serves. If you are a tenant, the responsibility lies with the landlord. If it is found that the 'private sewer' is blocked the responsibility rests with the owners of all those properties affected by the blockage or served by the defective section of drain.

In circumstances whereby properties served by a public sewer are affected by a blockage, the regional water undertaker (Severn Trent Water for Stafford Borough) have the duty to clear the sewers. They can be contacted on 0800 783 4444.

 Private property owners can find details of drain clearance contractors in the Yellow Pages under 'Drain and Pipe Clearing'.

This authority may, where deemed necessary, serve notices upon those served to ensure that a private sewer is adequately maintained. This Council has no responsibility for maintenance of private sewers and the only involvement is in an enforcing capacity. Investigation and enforcement action is only undertaken if it is considered that there is a significant public health implication. Click here to contact us for further information. TOP

How do I know if it is my drain that is blocked?

If your drain is blocked you will usually know because your waste will stop going away when you flush the toilet, or gullies outside will overflow. There will also probably be a smell. Private drains/sewers are the responsibility of the owner-occupier and any other properties connected to it. TOP

How do I report a blocked drain?

Severn Trent Water are responsible for the work of maintaining public sewers in the surrounding areas.

If you have a sewer problem, please contact Severn Trent Water on 0800 783 4444. Or access them at www.stwater.co.uk for further information.

For help and advice on highway drainage, land drainage or private drainage, continue to contact the Council during office hours at the above contact details.

Please contact us to confirm whether it is a public or private drain. TOP

Who is responsible?

It is the responsibility of the owner-occupier to maintain and clear a private drain/sewer. If the property is rented then it is the landlords responsibility. If you live in a row of houses then the problem could be a shared one. TOP

To make an online request for information please click here