Definitions

A drain is a pipe which carries waste water and / or surface water from one property.

A lateral drain is a drain that is outside the boundary of the property it serves, ie it passes through a neighbours garden or is situated in the highway beyond the property boundary.

A sewer is a pipe that collects / carries waste water and or surface water from more than one property.

Drains

Problems with or a blocked drain is usually the responsibility of the property owner. You may be covered under your household insurance or a specific drainage insurance scheme, alternatively you could attempt to clear the blockage or repair the defect yourself or engage a suitably experienced builder or drainage contractor to carry out the required work.

Sewers and Lateral Drains

United Utilities are responsible for the repair and maintenance of the public sewer network. A change in legislation effective from 1st October 2011 will also make them responsible for the repair and maintenance of lateral drains and what were previously private sewers. If you think that you have a problem with a public sewer, a former private sewer or a lateral drain you should report it to United Utilities by telephone 0845 746 2200 or online. If you are not sure who is responsible please go to the United Utilities website which has some useful information and may help you.

If you live in rented accommodation and have a drainage problem you should contact your landlord or Housing Association.

Highway Drainage (Grids and Gullies)

We are responsible for highways drainage. This includes the gullies or grids that can be found in the road to take water off the highway.