Drainage

If you have a problem with a blocked or damaged drain or sewer you may contact the Environmental Protection section for advice.

The law on sewers and drains is quite complex the Council is not responsible to cleanse or repair any sewer or drains.

If the pipe which serves your property is blocked it will be the responsibility of the occupier together with any other occupiers who are also served by the pipe to clear it. This means that a number of houses on an estate may be equally liable even if their system is not so full that the gullies and chambers at the property are affected.

In these circumstances we would suggest that you:

• establish the point at which your pipe is blocked and which other properties are likely to be affected.

• contact the other occupiers and agree to employ a contractor and share the costs of this services.

• In the event that this is not successful you may contact us for assistance. The Council has powers to serve notice on all affected properties and after a minimum of 2 days clear any blockage and charge those involved. This process will usually take longer and cost more than arranging works yourself. Should repairs be required a longer notice period is involved.

There are also circumstances where other bodies may be involved:

• If the blocked pipe is the "main" public sewer, usually in the road, then Anglian Water will be responsible.
• For certain properties built before 1937 with shared drainage "a sewer", Anglian Water will be responsible.
• Overflowing road gullies will normally be the responsibility of Northamptonshire County Council.

The Council has produced a leaflet on sewers and drain problems that can be sent to you upon request or downloaded.

 

 

 Last Updated 22/10/2009