Drainage
Drains and sewers can be surprisingly complicated and it can be difficult to determine who is responsible for fixing any defects.
Problems with public sewers must be dealt with by your local Sewerage Undertaker.
If the sewer is not deemed to be a public sewer, the householder will be responsible for any problems.
The following guidelines will help you to determine if the problem you are experiencing is on a public sewer or one for which you need to take responsibility.
Questions about drainage you may need to ask....
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.
Is it a Road sewer or gully?
Sewers beneath public roads are normally owned and maintained by Thames Water on 0845 200800 or Southern Water on 0845 6021724, please phone the relevant company for your area (your water services bill will tell which one serves your area.)
Kerbside road gullies on adopted roads are maintained by Hampshire County Council - telephone 01730 266411.
Is the blocked pipe serving only your home?
If you own your own home and the defective drain serves only your property, then you are responsible for the maintenance and clearance of all blockages that arise. You are responsible for all sections of drainage both above and below ground right up to the point of connection with the main sewer which is normally under the road but sometimes may be some distance away.
Is the blocked pipe serving several homes?
If the pipe is shared with other homes and the houses were built after October 1937, then responsibility for repairing the shared parts of the defective drain is shared by owners of the affected homes.
If you home was built before 1937?
If you own your own home and the drain is shared with other homes and the houses were built before October 1937, then in certain circumstances, the Water company may be responsible for repairing the parts of the drains that are shared. Please note even if your home was built before 1937, home owners are still responsible for any drains or pipes that are not shared.
Is the problem with the rainwater drainage?
Defective rainwater drains are the responsibility of the owner of the property.
What happens if I am a Tenant?
Tenants are rarely responsible for carrying out repairs on defective drains. Tenants should report any defect to their landlord or agent. If this does not remedy the situation, please contact Environmental Health.
If there is a blockage - The Role of the Local Authority
During office hours, an officer of the Environmental Health Team can come out and determine the extent of the problem, the number of properties involved and the action needed to be taken to resolve the problem. This will usually result in either informal or formal action being taken.
- Informal Action – The Team will attempt to inform the users of the appropriate action that should be taken. For example, using rods to clear the pipes or contacting a local drainage specialist.
- Formal Action – A Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 Notice would require you and the other affected persons to correct any obstruction in the drain within 48 hours. A copy of the notice will be sent to all persons responsible. If the work detailed in the notice is not carried out the Council will carry out the work after the 48 hour period has expired and you will be billed accordingly.
- For more serious problems with drainage (e.g. regular blockages), the Council may need to serve a notice under the Building Act 1984. This notice will give the householders 28 days to resolve the problem - in these instances, householders should contact their household insurance companies as they may be able to provide assistance. If, after the 28 day period has expired, the problem continues, the Council may carry out work in default. We then recoup all our costs by charging all the households.
Drain clearance service
The Council offers a drain clearance service, offering both rodding and jetting. There is a charge for this service. Contact East Hampshire District Council Drainage Team on 01730 234360
Common causes of blockages:-
Tree roots - in particular trees that need a lot of water, including Willow trees, can enter into drainage pipes. Minor amounts of tree roots can be removed either through the use of rods or jetting. Regularly trimming the tree may reduce (although not eradicate) the problem.
Build up of scale or fat in the pipe - often occurs when the water in the pipe is not flowing properly (often due to natural land movement - see below) - the pipes become heavily scaled in hard water areas, or there is a build up of fat. Jetting will normally clean the pipe thoroughly reducing the problem.
Natural movement of land causing dropped joints, bellying (a point where water collects) - soil does shrink and expand depending on how much ground water there is and this movement can cause drainage pipes to move slightly. Blockages can occur at these points and the blockage can be removed either by rodding or jetting. However, the actual defect is more difficult to remedy and this may only be possible by re-lining the pipe or relaying it. Such work can be very expensive.
Inappropriate material flushed down the toilet - regrettably people do sometimes put items down the toilet or into the drainage system, which it cannot cope with. Examples that East Hampshire have dealt with include house bricks and nappies.
Pitch fibre pipes - pitch fibre was a common material used in drainage during the 1960's and 1970's. Unfortunatley, over time it has become obvious that pitch fibre is not as durable as other forms of pipe work. If you have a blockage and you know your pipes are pitch fibre be very careful! Jetting of pitch fibre can actually cause significant damage, especially if the pitch fibre is already in poor condition.
Cross-drainage connections - You should never allow foul waste pipes (waste from toilet, kitchen or bathroom) to discharge into a surface water drainage system (intended for just rainwater disposal) as this may cause pollution to local rivers and water courses, as well as cause blockages. Where there are illegal connections, legal action can be taken against the householder.
Useful Telephone Numbers:
East Hampshire District Council
Drainage Team
Tel 01730 234360
Thames Water
Tel: 0845 9200800
Southern Water
Tel: 0845 6021724