Who is responsible for clearing blockages?
Private drains/sewers are the responsibility of the
owner-occupier and any other properties connected
to it. However Melton Borough Council has a responsibility
under public health legislation to ensure that blocked or foul
smelling private drains are cleared and, if residents or occupiers
do not clear the blockage themselves we can carry out the work
ourselves and will recharge the householders for this
service. This will likely incur additional administrative
costs. It is therefore more economical for residents to band
together and agree for the works to be carried out without us
getting involved.
We can also issue notices under Public Health
Acts or The Building Act for the work to be completed but again
legal action is complex and expensive.
Each owner is only responsible for sharing the
maintenance of the private sewer downstream of their connection
into it. So a blockage at the downstream end of a private sewer
serving a terrace of houses should be cleared and paid for jointly
by all of the owners, while a blockage at the upstream end would
fall only to the two owners at that end. If the owners cannot clear
the blockage themselves then they need to call in a drain cleaning
company.
It is important to note that the boundary of
the property does not indicate the end of responsibility
If you feel that you are not solely
responsible for resolving a drainage issue Environmental
Health can offer advice and assistance.
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