Difference between drains and sewers
A drain is a pipe that serves only one building, conveying water and waste water away to a sewer. A lateral drain is a section of drain positioned outside the boundary of a building, connecting with the drains from other buildings to become a sewer.
Sewers (sewerage), are the underground networks of pipes that carry sewage (waste water and excrement), waste water and surface water run-off, from drains to treatment facilities or disposal points.
Property owners are responsible for the maintenance and repair of drains inside the boundaries of their property (unless the drains of other properties run through their property).
Since 2010, most private sewers and lateral drains that connect to the public sewer network are owned by the regulated sewerage companies.
Some buildings have drains that connect to a cesspool, septic tank or treatment plant rather than a sewer.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Cesspool.
- Drainage.
- Drains.
- Groundwater control in urban areas.
- Lateral drain.
- Maintenance of drainage systems to prevent flooding and water pollution.
- Manhole.
- Pipework.
- Private sewer.
- Public sewer.
- Rain gutter.
- Rainwater downpipe.
- Safe working in drains and sewers.
- Sewer construction.
- Sewerage.
- Sewerage company.
- Stink pipes.
- Sustainable urban drainage systems SUDS.
- Waste water.
- Water transfers and interconnections.
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
CIAT reflects on the party conferences.
CIOB announce the winners of the Art of Building photography competition.
National Scheme of Delegation introduced.
The cost of employing people remains a concern.
Code of Practice for Electrical Energy Storage Systems.
ECA calls on members to comment on draft 4th edition.
Bringing together expertise and creating cultural benefits.
CIOB celebrates positive Ofsted report.
The Building Safety Regulator announces a call for evidence.
Government approach could undermine delivery and regeneration.
World's first mass timber data centre.
The overlooked environmental aspect of data centre development.
Introduction to radon awareness
New technical information sheet published by CIOB.
Updated supplier guide can help electrical contractors engage with NHP.