New legislation regarding responsibilities for unblocking and repairing drains

From 01 October, 2011 property owners will no longer be responsible for certain sewer pipes that connect their homes to public sewers. New legislation has transferred responsibility for these pipes, called private sewers and lateral drains, to Southern Water. Before then property owners were often unaware that they were responsible for these pipes until they faced a repair bill, this former situation caused confusion and sometimes caused disputes between neighbours. The Government wants clear ownership and better long-term maintenance for the sewer network.

Visit www.southernwater.co.uk for further information.

Property owners remain responsible for all pipes that serve one property that are inside that properties boundary. In the event of difficulty please contact us.

If you are having problems with blocked and overflowing pipes that are not serving just one property or the blockage is not on the property please contact Southern Water on 0845278 0845.