In most cases, you are responsible for the drainage pipes located within the boundary of your property, particularly if they only serve your home. This includes private drains that carry waste water from sinks, toilets, baths and appliances, along with gullies, gutters and soil stacks. These systems are part of your internal plumbing and external drainage and must be maintained by the homeowner or landlord. Once the waste water passes the boundary and enters a lateral drain or public sewer, then it becomes the responsibility of the local water or sewerage company such as Thames Water.
Private drains are located within the property boundary and are designed to remove household waste water. These include waste pipes from your kitchen and bathroom, underground pipes, soil stacks and inspection chambers. As the property owner, you are expected to maintain these systems. Regular maintenance helps avoid blockages and more expensive repairs. If these drains become damaged or blocked due to tree roots, debris build-up or structural failure, it is your responsibility to carry out repairs.
Lateral drains are located outside your property boundary and typically connect your private drainage to the public sewer network. These may pass under pavements or neighbouring land. According to UK regulations, these are usually looked after by your water or sewerage company. Public sewers carry sewage and waste from several properties to treatment works and are maintained entirely by the water authority. If you experience issues that seem to originate beyond your boundary, it is worth contacting your provider, such as Thames Water, to inspect the problem.
If you need help identifying where your responsibility ends, you can request a drainage map from your local provider or contact our team at 24hrs Drainage for guidance.
Shared drains are common in terraces or semi-detached homes. These drains may serve multiple properties before connecting to the public system. If the shared section is within your boundary, responsibility is usually split between you and your neighbour. However, once the shared drain leaves the property line and becomes a lateral drain, the water company takes over. To confirm your obligations, review your property deeds or lease. If you notice problems in a shared section, it is best to communicate with others connected to it to agree on the next steps.
Supply pipes carry drinking water from the property boundary into the home. You are responsible for this section.
Communication pipes run between the water main and the edge of the property boundary. These are managed by the water company.
Water mains are large pipes that distribute clean water across towns and cities. They are always maintained by the water provider.
Pro Tip: Don’t ignore slow-draining sinks or gurgling noises. These are often the first signs of a deeper blockage forming within your private drainage.
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Homeowners in places like Reading, Wokingham or Henley-on-Thames are responsible for drains located within their own property. This includes domestic waste systems, pipe junctions, external inspection chambers and all fittings that link up to the lateral drain. If there is a blockage in your internal system, or if foul smells or slow drainage occur in your sinks or toilets, it is your job to resolve it. Our CCTV drain surveys help pinpoint the location and cause of problems quickly.
Tenants should report drainage faults immediately. While landlords are usually responsible for maintaining the structure of the plumbing and drainage system, tenants can be liable for damage caused by inappropriate use. This includes items such as wet wipes, cooking fat or sanitary products being flushed or poured down drains. For rental agreements, it is always wise to check the tenancy terms. Housing associations or councils typically manage their own housing stock, including the full drainage infrastructure.
Public roadside drains, gullies and stormwater systems are the responsibility of your local council or the Highways Agency. These are designed to divert rainwater away from roads and public spaces to reduce flooding. If a gully on your street is overflowing or blocked, you should report it to Reading Borough Council or the relevant authority. These systems are not connected to your private drainage and are managed separately.
We offer full drain services throughout Berkshire and neighbouring counties, including: Reading, Wokingham, Bracknell, Maidenhead, Ascot, Henley-on-Thames, Marlow, Earley, Lower Earley, Woodley, Tilehurst, Twyford, Winnersh, Crowthorne, Sandhurst, Basingstoke, Newbury, High Wycombe, Slough, Virginia Water, Sonning, Pangbourne, Shinfield, Arborfield and Theale.
Our services include:
CCTV inspections to assess drain conditions
Drain unblocking for toilets, sinks and external areas
Root removal and high pressure water jetting
Reporting for insurance claims and homebuyer surveys
Support for disputes with neighbours or water providers
We use advanced diagnostic tools and local knowledge to solve drainage problems accurately and promptly.
Private drains inside your property are your responsibility.
Shared drains within your boundary are often jointly managed. Check your deeds for confirmation.
Lateral drains located beyond your boundary are maintained by the water company.
Public sewers are managed entirely by the water and sewerage provider.
Communication pipes and water mains are also looked after by your water company.
Street drains and highway gullies are maintained by the local council or Highways Agency.
If you are unsure who should deal with a drainage problem, you can contact your water company, check your property deeds or speak with a professional. Our team at 24hrs Drainage can assist with locating the fault, identifying who is responsible and helping you take the right action quickly.
We provide drainage services across Reading and nearby areas to keep drainage systems clear, compliant and working as they should. Call us for straight answers and reliable support whenever drainage issues arise.
Pro Tip: Keep a record of any past drainage repairs or inspections, especially if your property shares a drain with neighbours. It helps with future maintenance and responsibility disputes.
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33 Falmouth Rd, Reading RG2 8QR
0800 020 9198
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