Private sewer
A pipe carrying sewage (waste water and excrement) that serves only one property is referred to as a drain. Drains are privately owned and maintained as far as the boundary of the property. Beyond the boundary of the property a drain is referred to as a public lateral drain.
A pipe that serves more than one property is referred to as a sewer. Sewers that connect to the public sewer network are referred to as public sewers.
Under the Public Health Act 1936 all sewers (as defined by the Public Health Act 1875) which were in existence on 1 October 1937 became public sewers. After 1937 new sewers were only public if they were laid or adopted by the sewerage undertaker.
However, on 1 October 2011 in England and Wales, private sewers and lateral drains that were connected to the public sewer before 1 July 2011 were transferred to the ownership of the regulated sewerage companies (generally water companies).
This means that property owners only remain responsible for drains that serve only their own property, up to the point they connect to another drain or sewer, or as far as the boundary of their property. In the case of blocks of flats, the property owner(s) are responsible for the drain as far as the boundary of the property.
Properties not connected to the public sewer network, for example if they have a septic tank or cesspit, are not affected by this change, and their sewers or drains remain private. In addition, large commercial sites with multiple occupants may have private sewers or drains, as may sites in which sewers or drains discharge to a watercourse. Sewers owned by Railway Authorities also remain private.
New or existing sewers or lateral drains can be adopted by a sewerage company under Section 102 of the Water Industry Act 1991 (existing sewers) or section 104 of the Water Industry Act 1991 (new sewers). The sewerage company will then maintain them at their own expense.
Successful ‘adoption’ of sewers requires that they are constructed to required standards. If they are not, it may then be necessary to carry out remedial works to bring them up to an adoptable standard.
For more information see:
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Cesspool.
- Difference between drains and sewers.
- Drainage.
- Drains.
- Grease management.
- Lateral drain.
- Manhole.
- Manhole cover.
- Public Health Act 1875.
- Public sewer.
- Safe working in drains and sewers.
- Sanitary pipework.
- Section 102 existing sewer adoption.
- Section 104 new sewer adoption.
- Septic tank.
- Sewer construction.
- Sewerage.
- Sewerage company.
- Sustainable urban drainage systems SUDS.
- Thames Tideway Tunnel.
- Waste water.
Featured articles and news
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.