Are Blocked Drains My Responsibility or the Water Company’s?

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Drainage Responsibility

Blocked drains are one of those problems that can quickly turn from a minor inconvenience into a major headache. When water starts backing up, toilets won’t flush properly, or bad smells rise from your drains, your first thought is usually: Who’s responsible for fixing this — me, or the water company?

It’s an important question because knowing who should sort it (and who should foot the bill) can save time, money, and stress. In this blog, we’ll explain how drainage responsibility works in the UK, clear up some common misconceptions, and guide you on what to do if you’re facing a blockage.

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Understanding Drainage Responsibility in the UK

The responsibility for drains and sewers is split between private property owners and the local water and sewerage company. Which side of the fence you fall on depends on the location and type of the pipe.

Private Drains – These are the sections of pipe that carry waste water away from your home or business up to the boundary of your property. If a blockage occurs here, it’s usually your responsibility to fix it.
Lateral Drains – These lie outside your property boundary, often running under pavements or neighbouring land, and connect your private drain to the public sewer. These are the responsibility of the water company.
Public Sewers – Larger pipes that carry waste water from multiple properties. The water company manages and maintains these.

The Blocked Drain Is Within My Garden

If the blockage is in the pipes that only serve your home and are located within your property boundary, you’ll need to deal with it.

The Blockage Is in a Shared Drain

If your property shares a drain with your neighbour, the water company typically takes responsibility for maintaining and unblocking it.

The Drain Runs Under My Driveway But Serves Other Properties

Even if the pipe runs through your land, if it connects multiple homes or leads straight to the public sewer, it’s down to the water company.

The Problem Is on the Road or Pavement Outside

Any issues here will almost always be the water company’s responsibility, as these are classed as lateral drains or sewers.

How to Tell if It’s a Private or Public Drain

Not sure where the blockage is? A few signs can help:

Only your property is affected → Likely your responsibility.
Multiple homes on your street are having issues → Likely the water company’s responsibility.
You can see access covers (manholes) → Lifting these (carefully and only if safe) can show if the water is backing up further along the line.

If in doubt, you can call your local water company — they’ll usually confirm whether the blockage is theirs to sort out.

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FAQs About Blocked Drain Responsibility

1. Who pays if a drain runs under my garden?
If it only serves your home, it’s your responsibility. If it connects multiple properties, the water company is responsible.

2. What if my neighbour’s drains are blocked but it affects me?
If the blockage is in a shared drain or lateral drain, the water company will deal with it.

3. Can I claim on home insurance for drain repairs?
Some policies include cover for private drain repairs, but it varies. Always check your policy details.

4. What happens if I ignore a blocked drain?
The problem will usually get worse, leading to bad smells, leaks, or even flooding. In extreme cases, it can damage your property and become more expensive to fix.

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Final Thoughts

Blocked drains are unpleasant, but knowing where the problem lies helps you act quickly and confidently. As a rule of thumb: if the issue is inside your boundary and only affects you, it’s your responsibility. If it’s outside or shared, the water company will step in.

If you’re still unsure or simply want the problem sorted fast, Pro Blocked Drains are here to help. With expert engineers, the latest equipment, and a friendly approach, we can get your drains flowing freely again in no time.