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 Burford to clear the blockage.
What should I do if sewage is backing up into my home in Burford? +
Stop using all taps, toilets and appliances that discharge into the drains immediately. Open windows for ventilation as sewage gases are hazardous. Do not attempt to clear the blockage yourself if raw sewage is involved — it carries serious health risks including E. coli and other bacteria. Call an emergency drainage engineer in Burford straight away and keep children and pets away from the affected area.
Are emergency drainage engineers available at weekends in Burford? +
Yes, most emergency drainage services covering Burford 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.
What is the difference between a drain and a sewer? +
A drain serves a single property and runs from your house to the boundary. A sewer carries waste from multiple properties and is maintained by the water company. Lateral drains — the section connecting your drain to the public sewer — transferred to water company responsibility in October 2011. Understanding this distinction matters because it determines who pays for repairs.
What is the NADC and why does it matter? +
The NADC — National Association of Drainage Contractors — is the leading UK trade body for drainage professionals. NADC members must demonstrate competence, carry appropriate insurance, and adhere to a code of practice. Choosing an NADC-registered drainage engineer in Burford gives you confidence that the work will be carried out to professional standards with proper equipment.
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 Burford can help identify where the blockage is.