A private drain takes wastewater away from a single property; there are two kinds of wastewater these being foul sewage and surface water. A private drain is the responsibility of the property owner.

Drains combining to serve more than one property are termed private sewers and remain private up to the point of connection with the public sewer. The overall ownership of the private sewer is with all property owners whose wastewater flows into it, they are jointly responsible for its repair and maintenance. 

Any problems with the drain such as blockages are the responsibility of all private owners discharging into the drainage system upstream of the blockage.

Public sewers

The large diameter pipes that run beneath public roads are the most common types of public sewers. Those sewers built on properties prior to October 1937 and at the point at which they become common (serving more than one property) are normally considered to be public sewers. Public sewers are owned and maintained by the local water authority.

Kwik Flow have the ability to prove the status of a drain be it private or public, and would only charge the responsible party.
Reducing the likelihood of a blocked drain or sewer.

• Using correct disposal methods for waste items such as nappies, cotton buds, food waste and fats should help the drain to stay free flowing, as these should not be disposed of through the drainage system.
• Personal items like nappies and sanitary towels should be sealed in plastic bags and placed in the bin; these should not be flushed down the toilet.
• The use of a sink sieve when preparing food will prevent the traps on the sink from blocking.
• Maintain the drainage gullies around your property, cleaning away leaves and garden debris will help stop the drainage becoming blocked.