What is the difference between a Private and Public sewer?
A Private Sewer is solely the responsibility of the occupiers/owners of the properties that it serves. As a result, this means that the occupiers/owners of ALL properties upstream of the blockage or defect are responsible for the unblocking or repair of the pipework. If you do not own your property and live in rented accommodation then you may need to contact the landlord to confirm whether you are responsible for the maintenance of the drains at the property you are renting. A Public Sewer is a sewer that has been adopted and maintained by a Sewerage Undertaker. In Blackpool the public sewers are the responsibility of United Utilities and are normally found under the public highway, however, this is not always the case and can indeed, be found anywhere. It should be noted that just because a sewer is under a highway does not mean that is automatically a Public Sewer . United Utilities may hold up to date copies of Public Sewer Maps that may show the locations of any public sewers, how
