Our enforcement
procedures
The council is only responsible
for drainage from its own buildings. It is not responsible for
privately owned drains or sewers, nor for public sewers.
In an ideal world where defects were resolved by those
responsible, Housing & Public Protection staff would never have
to get involved. In reality, owners and occupiers are not always
aware of their duties or that there may be a problem with the
pipework. We sometimes have to step in to settle disputes and
prevent serious public health problems.
When we are notified of a blocked private sewer, we first attempt
to identify where the blockage is. Once the blockage has been
found, we then attempt to identify which properties are upstream of
the problem (i.e. the properties most likely to be affected).
Once these have been identified, a Stautory Notice is served on
the occupier giving all occupiers upstream of the blockage 48 hours
to remedy the problem (this is the minimum time allowed under
legislation).
If the sewer is still blocked at the end of this time, we use a
drainage contractor to clear the blockage and pass on our expenses
to the property owner(s).