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Sewage and drainage
Who is responsible for different types of drainage, managing private systems and what to do if there's a problem.
The public sewerage network is owned and maintained by United Utilities.
You are responsible for the drainage pipe that serves only your property. Once your drain connects with a neighbour’s, it becomes a private sewer and is also the responsibility of United Utilities.
United Utilities is also responsible for:
- shared sewer pipes serving more than one property
- sewer pipes that run beyond your property boundary
If you have a problem with these pipes, contact United Utilities.
Some pipes remain the responsibility of the property owner. These include:
- water supply pipes within your property boundary
- surface water sewers that drain directly to watercourses
- privately owned sewage treatment works and connected pipes
- privately owned septic tanks and cesspits (including pipes serving more than one property)
- private pumping stations
Signs of a blocked drain
You may notice:
- waste not going away when you flush the toilet
- gullies outside overflowing
- bad smells
Your drainage system
Drains from your property are your responsibility.
In homes with separate drains for wastewater and surface water:
- wastewater from toilets, sinks, kitchens and washing machines must go into the wastewater drain
- surface water from roofs, gutters and paths goes into the surface water drain
These two systems are close together and can be confused, especially during home improvements.
To avoid problems:
- don’t connect waste pipes to surface water drains
- check with us if you’re unsure about your drains
- use a reputable plumber or make sure you understand the work if doing it yourself
Non-mains drainage
Non-mains drainage are mainly found in rural areas. It includes cesspools and septic tanks.
Cesspools
A cesspool is a sealed underground tank with a minimum capacity of 18,000 litres. It stores foul water until it is emptied.
Older cesspools are made with brick or concrete. Newer ones use plastics, polythene or steel.
Only a competent contractor can empty a cesspool. It is an offence for anyone else to do this.
Septic tanks
A septic tank treats wastewater from properties not connected to the mains drainage.
Inside the tank:
- sludge (waste material) settles at the bottom
- bacteria break down the waste
- a clear liquid flows out through a soakaway
You are responsible for the quality of the discharge and its impact on the environment.
Emptying should happen every 12 months. Depending on the tank's size and usage, this may be extended but not beyond 2 years. We do not provide this service.
You will need:
- permission from building control to install a new septic tank
- consent to discharge from the Environment Agency
Road gullies
A road gully is a chamber covered with a metal grate or grill, at the edge of a highway. It collects and drains rainwater.
Visit Flooding, blocked gullies and drains for more information.
Contact us
Let us know if you think there is a danger to the environment or human health, from a:
- sewer or drain
- cesspool or septic tank