Drainage responsibility guide • homeowner vs water company
This is the bit nobody tells you when your downstairs loo starts doing that slow “rise” thing: the blockage is stressful… but the money question is worse. “Am I about to pay for something the water company should be dealing with?” Let’s strip it down and make it usable.
People describe the symptom (“toilet blocked”, “sink won’t go down”) but responsibility is about the section of pipe that’s blocked. Two houses can look identical inside — one pays a plumber, the other needs the water company.
If you’re in a terrace or flats, it gets even murkier because “your” drain often isn’t just yours. That’s why this page exists.
I’ve had calls where the customer is ready to throw money at it because it smells bad and guests are due. I get it. But this little check can stop you paying for the wrong fix.
If the blocked section is pipework that serves only your property, it usually lands on the homeowner. That includes internal wastes and the private drain run leaving the building.
Most common causes I see:
A one-off? Often a clean, proper unblock sorts it. Keeps returning? That’s when you stop guessing and get evidence: camera inspection guidance here.
If the restriction is in a shared line carrying waste for more than one property, responsibility can shift. This is what catches people out — because you can’t always see it from your garden.
Common real-life situation: everything “looks fine” inside, then the outside gulley starts bubbling or the downstairs toilet begins backing up. The blockage is further down where multiple properties connect.
If you’re in flats, terraces, or anything with shared runs, be cautious about paying for major work before confirming the location of the restriction.
“Fast response… calm, professional, and got it resolved.”
That’s what we aim for. Reviews are here: SKR on Checkatrade.
I’m Stuart — SKR Plumbing & Heating. Sole trader, based in Orpington and regularly working across Bromley. SKR started in 2020, and I’m Gas Safe registered on the heating side (I don’t put the reg number on-site).
Drain responsibility is one of those topics where homeowners get bounced around and end up paying twice. I’d rather you ask and get a straight answer than fund an unnecessary dig.
If you want the main SKR hub, it’s here: SKR Plumbing & Heating homepage.
If the blocked section is private pipework/drainage serving only your property, it’s usually the homeowner. If it’s a shared drain or sewer serving multiple properties, it can sit with the water company or building management. The key is locating where the restriction is.
Flats often share drainage. Depending on the setup, responsibility can sit with the freeholder or managing agent. If multiple flats are affected, it’s rarely “just your bathroom”.
For a minor sink blockage, a plunger and hot water can help. Avoid harsh chemicals — they don’t fix structural issues and they can make later work nastier. If multiple fixtures are backing up, stop and get advice.
First-time issue: start with an unblock. If it returns, or you need evidence for landlord/insurance/home purchase, CCTV becomes sensible. Practical start: drain unblocking call-out options.
Sometimes it’s a dry trap or ventilation issue. Sometimes it’s a slow leak or a partially restricted run. If you’re also seeing damp or unexplained wet patches, look here: hidden leak investigation page.
Yes. Call 07706 889 614. Tell me what’s backing up and whether neighbours/building are affected — I’ll sanity-check it with you.
If you’ve got active backup and you’re unsure whether it’s private or shared, call 07706 889 614. If it’s clearly a private blockage, we can sort it. If it looks like shared/sewer responsibility, I’ll point you the right way so you don’t waste money.
Short CTA: call and we’ll sanity-check it. Long CTA: if it’s your responsibility, we’ll fix it properly — if it isn’t, we’ll say so.
