Drainage (Private Sewers)

The public sewerage network in the Carlisle City Council District is owned by United Utilities. You may find a different company collects your water charges than the one providing this service. If you wish to report a problem affecting the public sewerage network you can contact United Utilities on 0845 602 0406. If you have a problem with a shared drain or a private sewer you can contact Environmental Quality on 01228 817559, who will investigate.

Your Drains

If your drain is blocked you will usually know because your waste will stop going away when you flush the toilet, or gullies outside will overflow. There will also probably be an odour.

The drains which runs from your property are your own responsibility. Where your drain meets with a neighbours drain, the pipework becomes a private sewer whose responsibility is shared amongst those whom derive benefit from it. Disputes can arise where blockages occur and one of the respsonsible owners is unwilling to pay their proportion of the cost of clearance. It is a common misconception that when a drainage pipe leaves the boundary of one property, the responsibility for its maintenance becomes someone leses responsibility . In actual fact, If your property is upstream of the defect or blockage, you are partially responsible for its upkeep.

In properties where there are separate drains for wastewater and surface waste, the water from your bathroom, toilet, kitchen and washing machines must go into the wastewater drain to be taken away and treated. The separate surface water drain collects rainwater from roofs, gutters and paths. This relatively clean water can be put back into local rivers and streams. Wrong connections can happen when new toilets, sinks or kitchen appliances are fitted, particularly in home extensions. The pipes which take water to each of the separate drainage systems are often very close together and can be confused.

Dont connect waste pipes to drains which collect rainwater from your roof or paths
Do check with your local council if you are in any doubt about proposed or existing drains
Do use a reputable plumber, or if you do the work yourself, make sure you know exactly what is needed.