Who is responsible for drains — me or the water company? +
You are responsible for private drains within your property boundary. Since October 2011, lateral drains (the section that runs from your boundary to the public sewer) and the public sewer itself are the responsibility of your local water company. If a blockage is beyond your property boundary, contact your water company first — they will clear it at no charge. A drainage engineer in Brewood can help identify where the blockage is.
What equipment should a professional drainage engineer have? +
A properly equipped drainage engineer should have high-pressure water jetting equipment (typically 3,000+ PSI), a CCTV drain camera for surveys, electro-mechanical cleaning machines, drain rods, and root cutting attachments. They should also carry personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, eye protection and waterproof clothing. Be wary of anyone who turns up with just a set of drain rods — they will struggle with anything beyond a minor blockage.
What should I do if my drain is overflowing outside? +
If an external drain or manhole is overflowing, check whether it is a shared drain serving multiple properties. Since October 2011, lateral drains and public sewers became the responsibility of your water company, so contact them first if the blockage is beyond your property boundary. If it is a private drain within your boundary, call a drainage engineer in Brewood to clear the blockage.
Are emergency drainage engineers available at weekends in Brewood? +
Yes, most emergency drainage services covering Brewood operate 7 days a week, including weekends and bank holidays. Sewage backups and flooding drains are genuine emergencies that cannot wait until Monday. Expect to pay a premium of around 25% to 50% for weekend and out-of-hours call-outs compared to weekday rates.
How often should I have my drains surveyed? +
For most domestic properties, a CCTV drain survey every 3 to 5 years is sufficient to catch problems early. If you have mature trees near your drains, older clay pipes, or a history of blockages, consider annual surveys. You should also commission a drain survey before buying a property — it can reveal expensive problems like collapsed sections or root intrusion that are not visible from the surface.
Can I build over an existing drain on my property? +
Building over or near a public sewer requires a Build Over Agreement from your water company. For private drains, you do not need permission but you must ensure the drain remains accessible for maintenance. Building Regulations require that drains under or near buildings are adequately protected. A CCTV drain survey before and after construction is strongly recommended to prove the drain's condition.