Private drains & sewers

Which drains and sewers are private?

Private drains and sewers are those which have not been adopted by Southern Water.

Who's responsible?

Private drains and sewers are the responsibility of the owner or occupier of the buildings that the drain or sewer serves. This means that if you live in a property served by a private sewer before it enters the public sewer, it is the responsibility of you and the other people served by the blocked or defective section of sewer to repair and maintain it. View a diagram showing the difference between public and private sewers.

What happens if there's a blockage?

If there is a blockage on a private sewer, it is up to individuals who are affected by the blockage to clear it. Should this not be done the Council can serve notices requiring clearance, the notices must by law allow at least 48 hours for the sewer to be cleared. If it is not cleared after the notice period has expired the Council can arrange for the clearance and recover the costs incurred in clearing the sewer and administration costs from the people served by the relevant section of sewer.

What happens if repairs are needed?

The same principle applies to private sewers in need of repair, except the period allowed for you and other people served by the sewer to complete the works will be much longer and typically around 8 weeks is allowed. Once again if the notice is not complied with the Council can do the works and recover costs from each of the people served by the relevant section of sewer.