Responsibility depends on where the damaged section of drain is located and whether it’s private or shared. As a general rule, drains that run within the boundary of your property and serve only your property are your responsibility to maintain and repair. Once a drain connects with a shared sewer or crosses into public ownership, responsibility typically passes to the water authority.
The boundary isn’t always obvious, particularly in older London properties, and disputes over who should pay are common. A CCTV survey with drainage mapping can clarify ownership clearly, and we can help you understand what the findings mean before you commit to any repair work.
