The drainage system serving my property is blocked, who is responsible for unblocking it?
Before we can answer this we need to find out whether or not the blockage you are suffering from is a blocked drain, a blocked private sewer or a blocked public sewer. People use the terms ‘drain’ and ‘sewer’ very loosely, without really understanding what they mean. Under Public Health Law they do have strict legal meanings, which can be defined as follows: (please note that this information is not a full guide to the law and should not be considered as a legal document) Drain A pipe that only takes drainage from a building or buildings within the same property boundary is called a drain. The water that drains into it may be surface water (for example rainwater from the roof) and/or foul water (for example, bathroom or toilet waste). The responsibility for unblocking a drain or repairing any defects on it lies with the owner or occupier of the building. This is the case, even if the problem on the drain is beyond the boundary of the building, or under a road or pavement. Sewer From th
