Drainage problems

We can provide advice and investigate some drainage problems affecting residential properties. Before reporting a drainage issue, please check the guidance below to identify who is responsible.

Blocked drains affecting only your property

If a drain serves only your property and none of your neighbours are affected, it is usually your responsibility to arrange repairs or clearance.

If you would like Environmental Health to assess whether the problem falls within our remit, you can contact us or complete our drainage enquiry form.

Blocked drains serving more than one property

If a blocked drain or sewer serves two or more properties, you should report the problem to your water company.

• United Utilities customers
• Yorkshire Water customers

The water company will determine whether the drain or sewer is their responsibility and arrange any necessary works.

Neighbour's drain causing a nuisance

If you believe a faulty or blocked drain on a neighbouring property is causing water, sewage or dampness to affect your property, you can report the matter to Environmental Health for investigation.

Complete our drainage enquiry form or contact Environmental Health.

Gutters and downpipes

Responsibility can vary depending on the property layout, but in most cases:

• Eaves gutters (guttering) are the responsibility of the owner of the property they serve.
• Rainwater downpipes are usually the shared responsibility of all property owners whose roof water drains into them.

Please note that exceptions can apply.

Which pipes am I responsible for?

• See what pipes you are responsible for and what the water company is responsible for

Water from land drainage or groundwater

Environmental Health is generally unable to assist where flooding or water ingress is caused by:

• Natural groundwater
• Land drainage
• Water entering cellars or sub-floor areas from groundwater

However, we may investigate drainage systems first before concluding that the issue is caused by groundwater or land drainage.

Highway drainage

If your concerns relates to drainage on a public highway, road or pavement, please report them to Lancashire Highways.

When to contact Environmental Health

If you are unsure who is responsible for a drainage problem, or wish to report a neighbour's faulty drain, please complete our drainage enquiry form.

• Back to Environmental Health