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Responsibilities
Many people do not realise that they have responsibilities for the drainage pipes up to and including the connection with the public sewer, whether as owner, landlord or tenant. Often you may find that you are responsible for the maintenance of a section of pipe which is nowhere near your own property or land. The basic principles are outlined below:
The responsibility for repairing or unblocking drains or sewers can lie with either the owner/occupier of the property or Severn Trent Water. For further information please telephone 08456 016 016
The maintenance of surface water drains on highways is normally carried out by Derbyshire County Council Highways. For further information please telephone 08456 058 058 (Local call charges apply)
The District Council can help to identify where the responsibility lies and has legal powers to require unblocking of drains and remediation of drainage defects.
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 (which may include outbuildings under the same ownership) and it is the owner/occupier's responsibility to unblock or maintain.
A private sewer serves more than one property and it is usually the owner/occupier's responsibility to unblock or repair and maintain. Sometimes, however, the responsibility may revert back to Severn Trent if, for example, the properties are both pre-1937.
What are public sewers?
Generally speaking a Public Sewer is nothing more than a sewer which has been adopted by Severn Trent Water. Often, but not always, this will be the sewer in the public highway. Public sewers are the responsibility of Severn Trent and if problems occur then they can be contacted on 0800 7834 444.
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 drainage services or sewage consultants.
Many house owners who have septic tank systems in place do not realise that they require regular maintenance. This normally takes the form of a tanker sucking out the sludge which collects at the bottom, thereby preventing this sludge building up and blocking the soak-away system. It is normal for this tankering operation to occur approximately every six months, depending on the size of the household. Failure to empty the sludge regularly may lead to damage to the system which can cost more long term.
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 runs away 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 sewage may be evident on the ground.
If you have a problem with your drainage system, and are unsure as to how to resolve the matter, please contact us using the details below.
Standard: We will investigate complaints as soon as possible, and normally within 24 hours.Contact details
South Derbyshire District Council
Environmental Services
Civic Offices
Civic Way
Swadlincote
Derbyshire
DE11 0AH
Tel: 01283 595795
Fax: 01283 595855
Online: contact form
email: environmental.health@south-derbys.gov.uk
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