This page explains the difference between public and private sewers and drains, and who is responsible for each.
Definitions
Generally a drain is a pipe taking waste or rain water from one property.
A private sewer begins where the drain joins another pipe, and is then serving two or more buildings.
A public sewer is the main branch of the sewerage system which carries waste water to the sewage treatment works. Smaller branches of the system serving buildings built before 1936, may also be classed as public sewers.
Public Sewers
In Oadby and Wigston, Severn Trent Water| is responsible for drainage problems to the public sewers. If you know or suspect that a problem is associated with a public sewer, you should contact Severn Trent Water|, telephone 0800 783 4444.
Drains and Private Sewers
Responsibility for drains and private sewers lies with the owner or occupier of each property that benefits from them.
If a public health risk arises from a drainage problem, usually in the form of a blockage causing a build up of waste and foul water, we may serve a legal notice on the owners who are responsible for the system at the point of blockage. The notice may require the owners to clear or repair the drain or private sewer.
The cost of repair work should then be divided equally between each of the responsible owners.
For more detail on responsibilities, go to our private drains and sewers information|. Please contact us |if your enquiry is not covered by these pages.