A drain that serves only one property is considered private. Its owner is responsible for the drainage system. But there are times when a drain may belong to more than one property. In this situation, it is important to understand which part of a shared drain is shared by others.
Misconnected drains
If you are unsure whether your drain is shared, it is best to consult with your local water authority. This body will be able to tell you the type of drains in your area and what your responsibilities are. It will also be able to advise you on what to do next if there is a blockage.
If you are having problems with a blockage in your drain, you should check with your neighbours to see whether your drainage is shared. In some cases, you may be able to follow a DIY guide to clear up your blockage, if it is a shared drain. If you can’t get in touch with your neighbours, you can call your insurance provider to get assistance with a blocked drain.
Unblocked gullies
Blocked gullies can be a huge problem. They can be clogged with debris or overflow with water. This can lead to flooding or damage to your property. In addition, blocked gullies can allow standing water to seep into neighbouring properties. This can lead to complaints from neighbours and legal action.
It is vital to keep gullies free from debris and dirt. The Government wants to keep our roads safe by cleaning the gullies and ditches. Drains in the UK are dug out and cleaned of vegetation when required. In urban areas, the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) cleans gullies twice a year. This service can also be provided on an emergency basis.
In addition to cleaning gullies, private drains should be cleaned regularly. It is also worth considering installing a sump pump in case of groundwater issues.
Ownership of lateral drains
Drains and sewers are often difficult to determine who is responsible for them. In many cases, disputes over ownership and responsibility can lead to ongoing problems. Drain mapping helps you see the entire picture of your drainage system and remove any ambiguity. It can also help you get a clearer idea of who is responsible for repairing problems.
Most properties in the UK have a lateral drain system. About 50% of properties in England and Wales are connected to a private sewer. Therefore, this transfer will benefit the majority of consumers. No longer will property owners be responsible for costly lateral drain and sewer maintenance. This will reduce the risk of future sewer problems.
Ownership of lateral drains in the United Kingdom is regulated through legislation. Sewerage companies will be responsible for the maintenance and repair of lateral drains. The new laws will apply to all residential and commercial properties.
Ownership of’most’ of a shared drain
Public shared drains are generally the responsibility of your local water authority, which will repair and maintain them. On the other hand, private drains are the responsibility of the block’s owner. A shared private drain network is often complex, with several homeowners and even the local water authority sharing it.
The government recently changed the rules on sewer ownership. From 1 July, privately owned drains and sewers connected to the public sewer network will automatically transfer ownership to water and sewage companies, unless the owners object. The Water Industry (Schemes for Adoption of Private Sewers) Regulations came into effect. On that date, owners of privately owned drains and sewers will have to hand over responsibility for maintenance and repair.
As with private sewers, a shared UK drain may be owned by multiple owners. This is common in large multi-occupancy buildings, such as apartment blocks and terraced houses. If you’re not sure who owns the sewer, you should speak to your neighbours and ask if they have any problems.
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