How do I know if there is a drainage problem?
Usually, the first signs of a blockage in the drainage system are that the waste water will not drain away when the toilet is flushed, waste water only runs away much more slowly than normal or manholes are overflowing. On a shared sewer some properties may be affected before others.
When there is a break or blockage in the drainage system there may be an unpleasant smell or the ground may become very wet.
What can be done if there is a drainage problem?
The first step is to identify what and where the problem is. In some circumstances it can be quite difficult to identify the problem without excavating or using drainage cameras. It may help to know if your neighbours also have drainage problems. Checking the manholes serving your neighbours' drains with their permission may help to identify the scale of the problem.
If the problem is on a private drain this will be your responsibility.
Everyone who shares a private sewer has a joint responsibility for unblocking and maintaining or repairing it.
How can we help?
The Housing Renewal Team can offer advice about the problem and help to identify the legal responsibilities. Once this has been done your options are
- carry out the work yourself
- if there is a shared responsibility you could contact your neighbours and arrange jointly for work to be carried out
- the Council can arrange for the work to be done and recover the cost from those responsible for unblocking or maintaining the drainage system. This would require a formal written agreement between all parties.
- the Council can serve a legal notice on the persons affected. If the notice is not complied with the work would be done in default and costs recovered. In addition to the cost of the work the Council will also charge an administration fee.