How do I know if it is my drain that is blocked?

If your drain is blocked you will usually know because your waste will stop going away when you flush the toilet, or gullies outside will overflow. There will also probably be a smell.

Who is responsible?

Householders are responsible for the maintenance and repair of their drains until they connect with the public sewer. If you own the property, you will need to arrange to have a plumber or pipe/ guttering contractor come and fix the problem.

Occasionally, when serious blockages occur in a shared drainage system, all property owners downstream of the blockage are expected to share in the cost of removing the blockage. The council’s public protection team is able to give advice in the case of disputes.

Public sewers

A public sewer is a network of pipes which collects sewage from properties and into treatment works. Usually the public sewer runs underneath the nearest road, but sometimes it can be some distance away. If you suspect that a public sewer is blocked you should contact Wessex Water on 0845 600 4600.

Complaints

In suspected cases of blocked drains when strong odours or stagnant water are causing a health hazard to people in the surrounding area the Public Protection team can investigate and where necessary take enforcement action to remedy the situation. In these cases all property owners downstream of the blockage will have to share in the cost of removing the blockage

For further advice or to report a possible blocked drain please contact us using the links on the right hand side.