Statutorily, drains are the pipes which carry waste and surface water from one or more houses. They are not the gullies or grids that can be found in the road to take surface water off the highway. When the pipes are serving more than one house they then become a sewer.
Septic Tanks
The investigation of private drainage problems that are served by septic tanks and cesspools is carried out by the Council and may on occasion require the enforcement of legislation in order to ensure that defective systems are repaired.
From 1st October 2011 the ownership of private sewers and lateral drains will be transfered to water and wastewater companies (Wessex Water). Private drains, cesspits, septic tanks and private treatment plants will remain the responsibility of the owner or owners concerned. Details of the transfer is outlined on Defra's website. For more information and detailed images of the current and proposed arrangement please view the following link Wessex Water.
If your drain is blocked your waste will stop going away when you flush your toilet and manholes outside may overflow. There will also probably be a smell. Private drains/sewers are the responsibility of the owner-occupier so if the blockage only effects your drain and is within the boundary of your property it is your responsibility. In which case you need to contact a plumber or a drainage company.
Wessex Water looks after the network of public sewers in Bath & North East Somerset. If you live in the area and have a sewer problem please contact Wessex Water on: 0845 600 4600.
For help and advice on highway drainage contact Council Connect on: 01225 394041 and for further advice on drainage or private drainage, continue to contact Environmental Services on: 01225 477000.
To determine whether the problem is on a drain that is a public or private sewer and who is responsible, the guidelines below will assist:
- If the property was built before 1st October 1937, and so long as there are two or more properties connected to the length of drain/sewer affected, it is the responsibility of Wessex Water to clear any problems. Modern alterations to the pipes may alter this.
- For properties built after 1st October 1937, as from 1st October 2011 Wessex Water has become responsible for ownership and maintenance of all shared sewers even on private land and for all drains beyond a private property boundary.
Our Environmental Protection Team provide information, advice and assistance to residents experiencing problems with septic tanks and cesspools.
They will investigate complaints of nuisance from leaking tanks or defective soakaways. We can require the owner or owners of the tanks to remedy the problem. Failure to do so can result in legal action against the person responsible under the public health or building acts.
A cesspool or cesspit is a sealed underground storage tank which holds sewage until it is emptied out and disposed of. If the tank leaks a waste contactor should be contacted to empty the tank and clear up any waste. To avoid leakage the tank should be emptied at regular intervals.
A septic tank is a type of biological sewage treatment system. Naturally occuring bacteria break down the solid matter, reducing its volume. The liquid flows out and is discharged via an underground drainage system called a 'soakaway'. The accumulated solids need only be pumped out occasionally. The tank should ideally be located away from housing and the council's Building Control Team can provide further advice.
Statutory Drainage Legislation
Bath & North East Somerset Council has a statutory duty in the interest of public health to ensure that blocked/foul smelling private drains are cleared and or repaired. Notices can be served and where appropriate a recharge to the householders for this service can be made.