I’m not sure the blockage is on my property. How can I find out?

20th May 2022

Have you noticed a blockage or bad smell coming from a drain around your property boundary, and need to know if you're responsible for its maintenance? In general, you are responsible for drains inside your property's bounds, whereas the sewerage company is responsible for lateral drains and sewers that are normally outside of property boundaries. Although most sewers are now publicly owned, there are still some that are privately held or unadopted. If one of these serves your property, you may be liable for its upkeep.

What’s the difference between a drain and a sewer?

A drain is a tube that empties water and garbage from a building and other buildings that are connected to it, such as a garage.

A lateral drain is a section of pipe that transports wastewater from your property to a sewer. It's frequently found outside your property line, often beneath a public sidewalk or road. If you share a sewer with your neighbour, a lateral drain may flow beneath your property.

A sewer gathers water and garbage from several buildings' drains. Many sewers are publicly owned and maintained by your local water provider. There are, nevertheless, some privately owned sewers. Some households are linked to a cesspool, septic tank, or treatment plant instead of a sewer. You will not have to pay sewage rates to a sewerage company if you are not linked to a sewer.

How can I find out whether it's my responsibility?

Check your property documents or contact your local government for a more illustrated picture of what pipes are inside your household's boundaries. Check a neighbouring manhole to see if it is full, if it is there is a very high chance it is the responsibility of the local water authority. Just give them a call and they will sort out the issue free of charge.

Still unsure? Find out 9 signs you need to call a drainage specialist. Alternatively, if you would like to get in touch to discuss your drains, contact our expert team today .

Get in touch

Contact our friendly and professional team via form, phone or email for any drainage issues you may have.

From blocked drains to septic tank repairs and replacements, we're here to help. We have over 25 years of experience and offer 24/7 emergency callouts.

Luke and his colleague were efficient, friendly and very professional. They arrived on time, kept me well informed and were just brilliant all round. I'd previously used a well known, national company and the contrast was remarkable. The previous company provided me with very little information, they refused to guarantee their work because a manhole was covered with a slab and once the blockage was cleared they left. Cotswold Drainage guaranteed their work and cleared the underlying problem, rather than the symptom. An all round excellent company to deal with.

- L Lynass

A great, straightforward service, thank you! Customer service is excellent - there was a problem with the date we originally booked, but it was quickly resolved by Richard, and he was very apologetic. The engineer who came out was Adrian. He was on time, called ahead of arrival as requested, and was very polite. Did a great job. Thanks guys!

- Zoe - The Wild Oven

Turned up when they said they would. Quickly diagnosed the issue. Have used before and can't fault them.

- Pete English

Good service and quality of work

- Bill Baker

Excellent service, turned up on the day and on time, polite and professional team

- Mark Stevens

I was impressed not only by the speed and professionalism of the work done to install a new septic tank, but by the considerate friendliness of those who carried it out and of those conducting correspondence about the job.

- Robin Gilbert

From the telephonist to the operative, Cotswold Drainage was helpful, flexible, and professional in its work. It arrived on time and went out of its way to show excellent camera footage of the drains.

- Geoffrey