Private Sewers and Drains

Not surprisingly, foul drains and sewers are  "out of sight and out of mind" for most of the public, and then a blockage occurs, or worse….

We receive many calls from people who do not know what to do when they are affected by a blocked drain. The following information should act as a useful guide:

Public or Private?

Responsibilities for removal of blockages or repairing defective pipes depend upon whether or not the sewer is classed as "PUBLIC" or "PRIVATE", but determination between the two is not always easy.

Public Sewers

These have been adopted by the sewerage undertaker, currently Severn Trent Water Ltd in the Wychavon District.

Cleansing and maintenance of an adopted sewer is the responsibility of the sewerage undertaker. Please note that any enquiries regarding public sewers should be directed to Severn Trent Water Ltd on  0800 7834444

Private Sewers and Drains

A private sewer is a sewer that has not been adopted by a sewerage undertaker.
The foul sewage pipe that exits your house is a drain. If this joins a drain from another property that is not within the same curtilage (the enclosed land around a house or other building), the pipe becomes a sewer from that point.
Blockages or repairs in private drains are the sole responsibility of the property owner.

Blockages or defects in private sewers are the joint responsibility of property owners served by that sewer, above where the problems occur, unless it clearly states otherwise in the property deeds.

Once a private drain or sewer has passed outside your boundary, it does not mean that you have no responsibility for it.

Tackle the problems before they occur…

• Many blockages and other problems could be prevented through good practise.
• Do not dispose of fats or oils into the drain as they cool down and set as a hard scale.
• Do not dispose of bulky sanitary items such as nappy liners into drains.
• Do not apply permanent landscaping over inspection covers as they are needed for access to clear blockages.
• Take care if you are considering planting deep-rooted trees such as willows, as the roots often enter sewers and drains.
• Check to see whether your property insurance covers you for drainage problems. If not, it is possible to take out separate cover for this. It is important to check the amount of cover as you may not be insured for private pipes outside your property boundary.

The Role of Environmental Sevices

In some cases, it is not easy to resolve problems associated with private drains or sewers. Our staff can help, with either the matter being dealt with using informal advice, guidance or information, or by formal enforcement action being taken if necessary.

Formal Action

Blockages of private drains and sewers may ultimately result in a risk to Public Health if left unattended. We can serve a Notice requesting that obstructions are cleared within 48 hours. Failure for this to happen will result in our engaging a contractor to do the work. The cost of this, plus administrative fees will then be re-charged to the person or persons responsible.

Damage to a private drain or sewer can also be remedied by service of a Notice. Non-compliance could result in prosecution and/or the works being carried out in default by us. The cost of the works plus fees will be charged to all parties responsible.

Please remember that problems associated with public sewers must be dealt with by the sewerage undertaker. The telephone number to contact is 0800 783 4444.

What you can expect from us

Click here to see how quickly we aim to deal with your enquiries

For more information contact:

Environmental Protection Section,
Environmental Services,
Wychavon District Council,
Civic Centre, Queen Elizabeth Drive,
Pershore, Worcs. WR10 1PT

Telephone: 01386 565015 - between 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday
Fax: 01386 561826
Email: environmental.health@wychavon.gov.uk