DRAINAGE AND SEWERAGE

Please note – Crewe & Nantwich Borough Council do not own any drains that serve private properties.

HIGHWAY DRAINAGE AND GULLY (GRID) EMPTYING

The gullies at the edge of the road incorporate a trap to collect leaves, paper, stones, etc which could clog the drainage system, causing flooding. The gully traps have to be emptied to ensure the continued efficient functioning of the gully.

They are normally emptied once a year but in some locations (e.g.: on unkerbed roads) they are emptied twice a year. 

This service is provided by Cheshire County Council, please visit their website to find out more or to report blocked gullies.

DRAINS

"Drains" are underground pipes that carry waste and surface water from one house or property. Where drains meet they become sewer.

If a sewer serving more than one property was constructed before October 1937 it is classed as a "public sewer". All sewers constructed after October 1937 are classed as "private sewers" although the Government has suggested that this situation may change in the future.

Maintaining drains in good order is the responsibility of the owner/occupier of the property that the drain serves. If you are a tenant, the responsibility usually lies with the landlord but you should check your tenancy agreement.  If it is found that the private sewer is blocked the responsibility rests with all the owners of those properties affected by the blockage.

If you are having a constant problem with blockages, then there could be something wrong with the sewer, which will have to be repaired. Sometimes your buildings insurance will pay for this, but you need to check.

The Council is able to undertake enforcement action, if all parties cannot agree to unblock the private sewer themselves. In that case the cost of the unblocking will be divided between all the affected properties, plus an administration charge.

The Council no longer has a drain clearing service, so you will have to employ a company. Names of drain clearing companies can be found in the Yellow Pages.

PUBLIC SEWERS

The regional water undertaker, United Utilities plc is responsible for the maintenance of public sewers and blockages in public sewers are cleared free of charge.

All problems with the public sewer network must be reported by telephone to United Utilities Control Centre, which is open for 24 hours a day.  Their telephone number is 0845 746 2200 

LAND DRAINS

Land drains, ditches, streams and rivers are, generally, the responsibility of the land owner where they are. There are times however when The Environmental Agency (external link) will have enforcing powers and authority for “main rivers”.

SEPTIC TANKS AND CESSPOOLS

Septic tanks and cesspools are not part of the public sewerage network and are the responsibility of the owners of the properties that they serve.  However, the Council can assist you with identifying the problem.

Sometimes this is as simple as having the sludge emptied from the tank. Contractors can be found to empty the tank in Yellow Pages under Waste Disposal Services or by yell.com or Thompson Local On-line.

Consent to discharge from a septic tank into any brook, stream or river is controlled by the Environmental Agency (external link)