Blocked/Broken Drains and Sewers
Many people do not realise that they have responsibilities for the drainage pipes for their premises, whether as owner, landlord or tenant.
Blocked or broken drains and sewers can cause problems.
The responsibility for repairing or unblocking drains or sewers can lie with either the owner/occupier of the property or Northumbrian Water Ltd.
The maintenance of surface water drains on highways is normally carried out by Darlington Borough Council highways Department. The Borough Council can help to identify where the responsibility lies and has legal powers to require unblocking of drains and remediation of drainage defects.
Contact the Housing Renewal Section for further help and advice.
Owner occupiers, landlords and tenants can contact the Consumer Council for Water for advice about drainage problems and other related matters.
The Consumer Councli for Water
What is a private drain or sewer?
Drains and sewers are the pipes which carry foul waste and/or surface water away from one or more houses.
A private drain serves only one property and it is the owner/occupier's responsibility to block or maintain.
A private sewer serves more than one property and depending on the age and other legal aspects, it may be the owner/occupier's responsibility to unblock or repair and maintain.
What are public sewers?
Whilst there are variations, generally, a sewer built before 1936 is normally the responsibility of Northumbrian Water Ltd. A private sewer built after 1937 will normally be the owner's responsibility.
Public sewers are the responsibility of Northumbrian Water Ltd. For problems on public sewers telephone Northumbrian Water Ltd on 0845 171100.
Septic tanks
In rural areas without main sewers most properties are served by septic tanks. The responsibility for emptying and repairing septic tanks always rests with the owner or occupier of the property. To arrange emptying of septic tanks you may want to consider the advertisers in Yellow Pages under sewage consultants.