Drainage

We do not offer a service to remove blockage of drains and private sewers but we can take enforcement action under legislation requiring remedial works to be carried out.

The following information is to provide you with an outline of who is responsible for drains and sewers and how problems can be remedied.

Your property probably drains to the main public sewer if you live in a town or a village. If you live in a more rural area, where there is no public sewer, then the foul water from your property probably drains to a septic tank or sewage treatment plant.

The responsibility for repairing and unblocking the main public sewer rests with Anglian Water. If you are experiencing problems with the main public sewer you should contact them on 08457 145 145.

If the sewer of your property was in use before 1937 you should contact Anglian Water as it may be part of the public sewer.

If the problem is not with the public sewer then it will be occurring on the private drain or private sewer for your property. There is an equal and shared responsibility for all those who drain to the point of an obstruction on a private sewer to resolve the problem. You should work with the other people affected to employ the services of a qualified and experienced contractor to remove the obstruction. You could employ the company to carry out a camera survey (CCTV) of the pipework to find out if there is disrepair or a defect causing the problem.

Problems can be covered under home insurance and you should consider contacting your Home Insurance Company to enquire if they can provide assistance.

If the problem is not resolved by owners and occupiers we can serve notice on all those responsible to carry out the necessary remedial works.

Building Act 1984   This legislation allows notice to be served on owners and occupiers of premises requiring the repair of drainage.

Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 - This legislation allows notice to be served on owners or occupiers of premises requiring the unblocking of a private sewer.

Public Health Act 1961 - This legislation allows a notice to be served on owners and occupiers requiring the unblocking of drains and private sewers within 48 hours.

Public Health Act 1936 - This legislation allows notice to be served on a person who causing an overflowing and leaking cesspool.