What do I do if a public sewer blocks? What do Ido if my drain or private sewer blocks? What happens if I do not clear the blockage or carry out repairs? What if I rent my property? What is a drain? What is a sewer? What do I do if a public sewer blocks? Contact Thames Water – tel. 08459 200 800 who will arrange to visit and clear any blockage. They will advise if it is a private drain or sewer. In these circumstances where clearance is not the responsibility of Thames, they will still clear it, but only if you agree to pay their charge. What do Ido if my drain or private sewer blocks? During the normal working week, Thames Water (tel 08459 200 800) can clear the blockage, for which a charge is payable. You may alternatively choose to employ a private contractor; there is a wide choice to be found in Yellow Pages under "Drain and Pipe Cleaning". Always ask for a quote before employing any contractor.
Where several houses are affected by a blockage in a private sewer you should endeavour to agree to share the cost with each householder before employing a contractor. The Council will not become involved in disputes where householders cannot agree between themselves the sharing of these costs.
What happens if I do not clear the blockage or carry out repairs? Spelthorne Borough Council has powers under Environmental Health legislation which enable it to require clearance of any blockage or the undertaking of any necessary repair works in the private part of the drainage/sewerage network. The works may be carried out by the Council in default and the costs recovered from those responsible. What if I rent my property? If you rent your property you should contact your landlord. What is a drain? A drain is a pipe, which conveys either foul water (sink / bath / toilet etc.) or surface water (rain) from one house only.
The owner or occupier of a house is solely responsible for maintaining a drain, clearing blockages and repairing any faults. Even where the drain extends outside the boundary of the property (for example under the road or under a neighbour's garden) the owner or occupier of the house served by the drain is still responsible, right up to the main public sewer.
What is a sewer? A sewer is a pipe, which conveys either foul water or surface water from more than one house.
A sewer may be either PUBLIC or PRIVATE.
A Public Sewer is a sewer adopted and maintained (in this area) by Thames Water. Such sewers are normally found under the highway, but can be anywhere. A sewer under a highway is not automatically a public sewer. The Council and Thames Water hold copies of the Public Sewer Maps showing the locations of public sewers.
A Private Sewer is the responsibility of the owners or occupiers of the houses it serves. This means that the owners or occupiers of all houses upstream of a blockage or defect are all responsible for clearance or repair. If you live in rented accommodation you should contact your landlord to clarify your responsibilities regarding sewers serving the property you are renting.
