Blocked drains are infuriating. The worst thing is that everyone can suffer from them, and it usually escalates to a level where emergency plumbing work is needed at short notice. In some cases, blocked drain problems can come down to a shared responsibility. In other cases, they will fall onto you to ensure they get fixed.
At Blocked Drains Northwest, we know how stressful it can be to determine whose responsibility it is and who is liable to pay for any repairs. Luckily, with our extensive work in drain repairs for residential and commercial settings, we can provide the insight.
Like many other facilities that the public uses, responsibility will fall on the drain location and the situation of the occupier.
Owning the Property
If your blocked drain problems are on a property you own, it will come down to where the issue lies. Most drains that water companies are duty-bound to maintain are on public land, outside the private property barrier.
A property owner is responsible for maintaining their drains when they have a blockage. A property relying on a private sewage system is also a responsibility that falls on the owner. Should any damage be inflicted on the drain, any repairs will also be the responsibility of the property owner – including any excavations and relining to restore the pipe and ensure that waste flows smoothly in the future.
Shared Responsibility
Property owners in flats and other residential properties that share a drainage system will commonly have a management company responsible for any building maintenance – including the drainage system.
The management or caretaker company is the party that would pay for fixing any drainage issues, especially if your contract has maintenance fees. However, responsibility for any drains inside the individual flat may fall on the individual owner.
Tenants usually can pass on repair and maintenance costs for the property, including drainwork. It helps to appeal to tenants in alleviating a lot of financial pressures. However, there could be stipulations in tenancy agreements that include tenants to contribute to any costs or have them liable for any repairs or maintenance. If you rent your property and worry about drainage issues, check your tenancy agreement or ask the landlord/letting agent.
Sewer Drain Blockage
In other cases, certain drains will fall under the responsibility of the local council or water company. These drains will not fall under the responsibility of either the property owner or any tenant, including the sewer and lateral drains.
If you are suffering from blocked drains in Manchester and the responsibility falls onto you, contact the team at Blocked Drains Northwest and we can take care of the problem in the most cost-effective manner.