Blocked and Defective Drains and Sewers
From the 1st October 2011 NORTHUMBRIAN WATER is now responsible for unblocking your shared private drains/sewers.
Northumbrian Water should be contacted first if the problem is outside or there is water/sewerage back flushing in to your toilet/sink. All house owners, Council and Private Tenants should call 0845 7171100 as soon as you recognise that there is a problem.
Blocked drains and sewers should not be allowed to remain blocked as they could become a health risk and cause damage to your property.
Council Tenants
Northumbrian Water may advise after inspection that the fault is not within the drainage system, or not part of a shared drain/sewer. As the Council is your Landlord, please contact the Housing and Repairs team on 01325 388542, option 1. We will arrange an appointment for our drainage specialist to inspect.
If Northumbrian Water do not respond in an adequate time or you believe that the problem is getting worse and they are not responding then you should contact Darlington Borough Council on 01325 388535.
You should allow time for Northumbrian Water to unblock or repairs your drains and sewers before you contact the council.
Owners and Private Tenants
Northumbrian Water may advise after inspection that the fault is not within the drainage system, or not part of a shared drain/sewer. They may still be able to carry out remedial works but they may charge.
If Northumbrian Water do not respond in an adequate time or you believe that the problem is getting worse and they are not responding then you should contact the Private Sector Housing Team on 01325 388953 or email housing.renewal@darlington.gov.uk
If you are experiencing problems with your water and sewage utility company the Consumer Council for Water [external link] can help.