From 1 October 2011, a change in legislation which affects sewer and drainage responsibilities in England and Wales will come into effect.

What stays the same?

Under this change, homeowners will continue to be responsible for all private external drains within the property boundary which serve only their property. They will also retain responsibility for all internal plumbing and drainage pipes within their property.

What will change?

Drainage pipes which run beyond the property boundary (lateral drains) and those which are shared by more than one property (private sewers) will transfer to become the property and responsibility of your waste water company.