Customer Advice
Drainage Consultants have put together this information to help answer some of your questions and provide solutions to any problems with your drainage system, problems that can occur at any property.
Should you require any further assistance please contact one of our qualified and experienced Engineers on 0161 485 3054 or e-mail us via our contact information page.

Q. What is the difference between a drain and a private sewer and who is responsible for them?

i) Private Drains
A private drain transports wastewater away from a single property. There are two kinds of wastewater, foul sewage and storm water run off. A private drain is the responsibility of the property owner.

ii) Private Sewers
Drains combining to serve more than one property are termed private sewers and remain private up to the point of connection with the public sewer.
The overall ownership of the private sewer is with all property owners, whose wastewater flows into it, they are jointly responsible for its repair and maintenance. Any problems with the drain such as blockages are the responsibility of all private owners discharging into the drainage system upstream of the blockage.

Q. What are Public Sewers and who is responsible for them.

The large diameter pipes that run beneath public roads are the most common types of public sewers. Those sewers built on properties prior to October 1937 and at the point at which they become common (serving more than one property) are normally considered to be public sewers. Public sewers are owned and maintained by the local water authority.

Q. How can I reduce the likelihood of a blocked drain or sewer?

• Using the correct disposal methods for many waste items will help keep the drains free flowing. Items such as nappies, cotton buds, food waste and fats should not be disposed of through the drainage system.
• Personal items like nappies and sanitary towels should be sealed in plastic bags and placed in the bin, do not flush these items down the toilet.
• The use of a sink sieve when preparing food will prevent the traps on your sink from blocking.
• Maintain the drainage gullies around your property. Clean away leaves and garden debris that if left will eventually block the drainage system.
• Drainage Consultants operates cost effective drainage maintenance programmes. For further information on how you can implement such a programme please contact our office on 0161 485 3054.

Q. My drains are blocked. How do I clear the drainage line?

Simple Blockages
Simple blockages can be cleared quite easily and more often than not it is possible for the property owner to clear the drain following these simple steps.

i) Blocked trap below the kitchen sink.
Waste traps located below the kitchen sink will block as a result of food deposits and fats building up in the u-bend. Simply empty the wastewater from the sink in to a bucket and pour warm water from the kettle into the plug hole being careful not to scold yourself. The action of the warm water flowing around the food waste should eventually break down the blockage. Should the trap still be blocked them gently plunge around the plug hole. Please contact us for further assistance should you require.

ii) Blocked toilet.
Blocked toilets often result from too much toilet paper in the toilet, children’s toys or general misuse. Most of the time to clear the drain it requires a quick and easy step. Obtain a drain plunger, most properties have them and if not your local hire shop will be able to hire one to you for a few pounds. Plunge around the trap in the toilet pan and this should clear the drain. If the drain has not cleared then inspect the drainage gullies around the point at which the soil pipe discharges into the ground externally. Should the gullies be overflowing then the drainage system serving the property is likely to be blocked and you should call Drainage Consultants for further assistance.

iii) Blocked house gullies.
Generally building and house gullies block from leaves, debris and garden cuttings. Wearing some long gauntlets clear the waste at the bottom of the gully and wash the gully and branch through with some water from the hose pipe. Important, do not allow the end of the hose pipe to come into contact with the wastewater.

iv) Blocked drainage systems.
We do not advise that you attempt to clear blocked drainage systems. Foul wastewater can be a high risk to the health and safety of the person attempting to clear the drain. Please contact our office and we will advise accordingly.