This section of the site is aimed at providing information about what to do when you experience a problem with the wastewater system, who is responsible for what and how you can become more SewerWise.
More information can be found on our Sewage flooding advice or Avoid blockages page
Who is responsible for the wastewater system?
The network of sewers and drains, which takes wastewater away from your property are part public and part privately owned.
Anglian Water
In most cases we are responsible for the large sewers, normally under the road or pavement. If you think the sewer is blocked please call us on 08457 145 145, this number operates 24 hours a day.
We will arrange to visit and identify if the problem is in the public sewer (owned by Anglian Water) or in your drain or private sewer.
-
If it's a public problem - Anglian Water will clear the pipe free of charge
-
If the problem is in your drain or private sewer - you will need to contact an independent drain clearing service specialist to carry out the work at your own cost.
The Customer
Most drains or private sewers, which carry your household's rainwater and wastewater from your property to the point of connection with our sewer, are your responsibility. You may share a private sewer with one or more of your neighbours, in which case responsibility is also shared. In some cases, mainly on housing estates and older parts of towns and villages, the whole network of sewers and drains is private and is the joint responsibility of all the properties joined to that part of the network.
Council
Blocked highway drains and road gullies can sometimes cause surface water flooding. They are the responsibility of the Highways Authority. You can find a contact number for your County Council highways department in your local telephone directory.
Environment Agency
Advice and valuable information on how to be prepared for general flooding can be obtained by calling their 'Floodline' number 0845 988 1188.
Areas not connected to the main wastewater system
If you have a cesspool or a septic tank and are suffering environmental problems as a result, you may qualify for mains connection under Section 101A of the Water Industry Act 1991