leak from manhole cover on drive

[JustInTime2021]

Recently moved into a new property and noticed a intermittant leak from this manhole cover on the drive. The leak smells, so I have a feeling it's sewer related.

Is this something I need to fix, or do I need to notify the water company ?

 

[Murdochcat]

Lift the cover, and see if do can determine if there is any flow, to me it looks like the pipe comes down the drive - it could be that there is a blockage downstream that is causing the back log.

Best get onto your water company

And stop flushing your toilet or using water in your home

 

[Alec_t]

Do you share any sewer connection with your neighbours? If so, it's the water co's responsibility to sort out at their cost. If not, it's your responsibility.

 

[JustInTime2021]

I don't know the answer unfortunately.

I've reported it to my water company using their online form and sent some pictures, so will see what they say.

 

[Murdochcat]

0nly after your driveway does the utility take responsibility.

If it’s a shared drain then the water company will probably cover the cost

 

[Nige F]

OP,

Also lift the small access cover on the pavement as well - have a look down
That's a water stopcock or meter in there . Surely you covered that in your alleged C+G PLumbing ?

 

[HERTS P&D]

Blocked manhole, probably the interceptor. Get some rods and have a go.

Or call out a drainage engineer.

Andy

 

[Ivor Windybottom]

Unless it’s a shared drain then the water company will probably cover the cost

The opposite! If it's shared then it's their problem.

But the fact that it points towards the road from the house suggests it's probably the homeowner's problem. But nobody can say without lifting the lid and looking.

Gloves on, deep breath, have a look.

 

[robinbanks]

The opposite!

I think it was a problem of missing punctuation. Murdo meant

"Unless it’s a shared drain, in which case the water company will probably cover the cost"

Not

"The water company will probably cover the cost, unless it’s a shared drain"

-

I read it that way too, first off

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

Blocked sewer. Ring your Water Company.

 

[Ivor Windybottom]

Nobody knows where the blockage is, whether it's public or private or anything else without lifting the lid and looking.

I don't know what the situation is where you call out your water company and it turns out the problem was in your own private pipes - it's likely that you'd end up with a bill for £100s.

 

[Alec_t]

I had to call out Welsh Water a couple of years ago for a blocked sewer. It was not known beforehand if the sewer was private or shared. I was quoted £140 for clearing the blockage if the sewer was private. In the end it was found to be a shared sewer, so no charge.

 

[Koolpc]

A couple of times in the past, at an older property, on lifting the lid on the drain, it was right up to the top with all manner of floaters!!!!! Ewwwwwww

Had to get drain company out....not a nice job.....

Last time it happened i sorted it myself with some drain rods i bought...

 

[Ivor Windybottom]

You get over dealing with sewage. Not nice but it isn't going to kill you.

It does make you wonder why we bother eating sweetcorn though.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Always wise to have a set of drain rods on hand, you can bet your life a problem will manifest itself at 4pm on a Sunday otherwise.