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If you have a blocked sewer or drain it is important to know where it is blocked and what sort of sewer or drain it is.

Drains

A drain is a waste pipe from one property or curtilage and is the responsibility of the owner of the property. It remains a drain until it reaches other drains to form a sewer. In some cases they may lead to a cesspit or septic tank which is also the responsibility of the owner of the property or curtilage that uses it.

There are two types of sewer with different people responsible for them:

1) A public sewer

A sewer that has been adopted by the local sewerage undertaker (Thames Water) and leads to the public sewage treatment plant. The cost of maintaining the sewer and the plant is covered by your water bill.

2) A private sewer

A sewer that has not been adopted by the local sewerage undertaker. A private sewer must connect to the sewage treatment works either directly or via a public sewer.

Maintenance and repair

If a public sewer is blocked or defective, Thames Water will clear and repair it as they are the owners of the sewer.

If a private sewer is blocked or defective then every house connected to the sewer and is upstream of the problem is responsible for clearing and maintaining it. 

If a drain is blocked or defective then the property or curtilage that uses it is solely responsible for its maintenance.

Contractors can be found in the local directory and it is advisable to shop around to find the lowest quote. Drainage rods can be bought in most local hardware shops and cost approx. £25.

The following advice can keep your sewers free from blockages and in good condition.

• Only get rid of the normal contents of your toilet, washing machine, dishwasher and kitchen sink waste through the drainage system
• Food waste and cooled fat or oils or other solid matter should be put into plastic bags or containers and put in the bin. Hot fat should be allowed to cool before throwing out.
• Don't put cotton buds, nappies, wet wipes, female toiletries etc. down toilets. Put them in the bin or in a special waste disposal system if one is available.
• Don't pour oils (like engine oil) down the drain, but get rid of them safely in containers provided at Civic Amenity sites.
• Placing any material or matter that is likely to damage or block the sewer is an offence under the Water Industry Act 1991.
• Putting a degreasing agent into drains occasionally may help prevent the build up of fat in the drainage system

South Oxfordshire District Council's Powers and Responsibilities

We do not provide a drain or sewer clearing or repairing service, although we are able to provide advice and support to assist in resolving the problem.

In general if you are having problems with your drain it is your responsibility to clear and maintain it yourself or by hiring a drainage contractor to do the work.

If you are having problems with a private sewer you must discuss it with your neighbours and come to an agreement about how it will be cleared or repaired between you.

If you are having difficulty finding out who is responsible for maintaining a sewer we can help you identify the type of sewer and who is attached to it.

The Council have the power to serve a formal notice on a private sewer or drain requiring works to be completed within a specified deadline.  This action is however a last resort for use in situations where those persons responsible for the sewer or drain do not implement works to remedy a defect or blockage.For any further advice or assistance please contact

Environmental Health on 01491 823203

Email: env.health@southoxon.gov.uk

Other useful information:

Thames Water

They can help clear public sewers and pumping stations they also treat sewage in their treatment plants. They can be contacted to find out information on public sewers.

Maps: 01189 236656
Report a problem: 08459 200800
Address: Thames Water Property Insight, PO Box 3189, Slough, SL1 4WW
Telephone:  0118 9251504
Fax:  0118 9236655/57

Environment Agency

If raw sewage is escaping into a water course it may pollute rivers and streams or bathing areas, the Environment Agency is authorised to deal with this kind of pollution. They also licence private water treatment systems and can advise on cesspits and septic tanks.

Incident hotline: 0800 807060
Enquiries: 08708 506 506
Address: West Area Office, Isis House, Howbery Park, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8BD

Drainage contractors

They can be found in the local business directory and includes neighbouring district councils.  They vary in price so ring a few for the best quote.