Blocked drains are the top causes of costly plumbing issues in homes and businesses. In fact, water companies in the UK deal with over 366,000 sewer blockages every year! Many of which are caused by the wrong things going down the drain. So, who is responsible for blocked drains and how do you report it? Let’s break it down.
This guide will answer some key questions, including:
- Who is responsible for blocked drains in different property types?
- Who pays for a blocked drain: tenant or landlord?
- Who do you call, and what’s the best way to get the drain unblocked?
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty and make sure you know exactly what to do (and who to call) when you’re faced with a blocked drain.
Who is responsible for blocked drains?
Responsibility for blocked drains usually falls on either the homeowner, tenant, landlord, or local water authority. It all depends on where the blockage is and what type of property you’re dealing with. Below is a breakdown of scenarios:
If the blocked drain is within your property boundary
Unfortunately, you’re the one responsible. This includes everything from the toilet and kitchen sink to outside drains that serve just your home. These are called private drains, and any issues here are on you to sort out.
If it’s in a shared drain
Once a drain goes beyond your property boundary or connects with your neighbours, it’s often considered a shared drain. In this case, if the blockage effects more than one property, the local water company steps in. In Dorchester, that’s typically Wessex Water. They’ll handle the clearing, repairs, and maintenance for any shared or public sewers.
If you’re not sure where the blockage is, don’t guess! Call a professional drainage company to do a quick CCTV survey and locate the problem.
Who is responsible for blocked drains in flats?
Blocked drains in flats can get tricky! It’s a bit of a grey area and depends on the structure of the building and the agreement between tenants, owners, and the property management company. Here’s how it usually works:
If the blockage is in your flat’s plumbing
The flat owner or tenant is responsible. Think of it like this: if it’s inside your walls, it’s your problem to fix. This includes blocked sinks, showers, or toilets that aren’t part of a shared system. Any blockages within this boundary have been caused by your property and therefore become your responsibility.
If it’s in a shared drainage system
Now, if the blockage is in a shared drainage pipe serving multiple flats, it’s generally the responsibility of the property management company or the building owner. They should be the ones coordinating repairs and paying for the drain unblocking service. If you notice slow drains or water backing up in communal areas, report it to your building manager immediately—they need to take action.
Still unsure? Check your lease or tenancy agreement. It should outline who is responsible for what. When in doubt, contact your property management company for clarification.
Who is responsible for blocked drains: tenant or landlord?
This is one of the most common disputes when it comes to blocked drains, especially in rental properties. So, who is responsible for blocked drains in a tenanted property?
Landlords responsibility:
The landlord must keep the property’s drainage system in good working order. That means any structural damage, tree roots breaking through pipes, or issues with the shared drainage system are on the landlord’s shoulders. They need to fix it and foot the bill.
Tenant responsibility:
If the blockage is due to something the tenant did—like flushing wipes, pouring cooking oil down the sink, or letting food waste go down the kitchen drain, it is usually up to the tenant to sort it out and pay for the work.
A lot of tenants don’t realise that everyday habits can cause massive issues down the line. For example, pouring grease down the sink might not seem like a big deal, but it solidifies and builds up, creating a rock-hard blockage.
It can become an issue when a blocked drain occurs in a rental property as neither the tenant nor the landlord want to pay for the work to be complete. Without a drainage professional carrying out a CCTV survey, it is usually hard to clarify who is responsible. If you are in doubt, refer back to your rental lease.
Pro tip: It is always a good idea for landlords and tenants to keep open lines of communication. A quick chat about how to care for the plumbing system can save a lot of hassle down the line.
Who deals with blocked drains?
Now, let’s talk about the practical side: who should you actually call when faced with a blocked drain? And when should you pick up the phone?
For minor blockages
Try a few DIY fixes. Boiling water, a plunger, or even a drain snake can sometimes clear simple clogs. But be cautious—if you suspect the problem is deep in the pipes, or if water is backing up in multiple places (e.g., sinks, toilets, and showers), it’s time to bring in the professionals.
For severe blockages
Contact a drainage company like Blocked Drains Dorchester. Professionals have the right tools, like high-pressure water jetting and CCTV drain surveys, to handle stubborn blockages that are way beyond a quick DIY fix. Plus, they can diagnose the issue properly, ensuring you don’t face a similar problem again in a few weeks.
Who to report blocked drains to?
If the blockage is in your private drains, you should report it to a drainage company immediately. Delaying can cause the problem to escalate, leading to more damage and higher repair costs.
Shared drains and sewers:
If you’re in Dorchester and suspect the problem lies in a shared drain or shared sewer, contact Wessex Water. They manage shared drainage systems and public sewers. Here’s what you can do:
- Visit their website and check their blocked drains section.
- Give them a call and provide details, including your address and the nature of the blockage.
- They’ll inspect the issue and inform you if it’s their responsibility to clear the drain.
Communal blockages in flats:
If you live in a flat and think the blockage is affecting more than just your home, inform the property management company right away. They’ll handle communication with drainage professionals or the water authority if it’s a shared system.
Who clears blocked drains?
So, who actually comes out and gets their hands dirty to clear blocked drains? That’s where professional drainage companies come in. Here’s why you should consider hiring a specialist:
- Advanced equipment: Professionals use high-pressure water jetting, mechanical cleaners, and CCTV drain cameras to effectively clear blockages. These tools aren’t something you’d find in your typical household toolkit.
- Proper diagnosis: A quick survey can identify the exact cause and location of the blockage, saving time and money. Professionals can tell you whether it’s a build-up of grease, a root ingress, or something more serious.
- Preventive advice: A good drainage company won’t just fix the problem—they’ll also offer advice on preventing future blockages. This could include recommending grease traps for commercial kitchens or regular maintenance checks for older properties.
At Blocked Drains Dorchester, we offer all these services and more. Our team is trained to handle everything from minor household blockages to complex commercial drainage issues.
Final thoughts
Blocked drains can be frustrating, but knowing who is responsible for blocked drains or who to call, and what steps to take can make all the difference. Whether you’re a homeowner, tenant, or landlord, understanding these key points will help you get the problem resolved quickly and effectively. If you’re dealing with blocked drains in Dorchester, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help!