Blocked Drains

[Burton900]

We have blocked drains at the rear of our property. We have three inspection covers and there is water and sewage seaping from under the covers. It started recently during this period of sustained heavy rain. We have had Drainsaid out on 2 occasions; firstly with the normal jetters and then with a larger tanker but they were unable to clear the blockage. We have contacted Welsh Water who say that it is a private matter although the Council have told us there is an adopted sewer next to the property. Any ideas what action I should take next with the problem to get the blockage cleared.

[BoxBasher]

What age is your property? Do you share drains with your neighbours?

[Burton900]

The property is about 30 years old and according to Welsh Water the sewer is shared between 4 houses in our row.

[BoxBasher]

Right, only asked about age because different rules apply to pre-1937 houses with shared drains.

As a householder, you are solely responsible for any drain that carries waste from your dwelling. You are also jointly responsible for any drain that carries both waste from your dwelling and the dwellings of others.

This responsibility ends at the point where your pipe "drops" into the public sewer (the actual connection to the sewer is also your responsibility).

Welsh Water MUST come out and investigate any blockage on a public sewer. Ring them back and tell them that you have had all pipes that are your responsibility checked, and that your contractors have indicate that the blockage is likely to be on the public sewer (if that is what you have been told). From you OP it is just that your contractor couldn't clear it

Ring WW and they should come out and check their pipes, and the guys on site will be able to confirm if it is Welsh Waters fault (and clear it) or that it is your fault (in which case you may get them to do a foreigner and clear yours too, as their gear will be much more powerful )