Many people are understandably unsure of the difference between a sewer and a drain - and who is responsible when things go wrong. The easiest way to explain is as follows:
- A drain is a pipe serving one property. The owner of the property is responsible for maintaining the drains.
- A sewer is a pipe serving more than one property.
Public Sewers
In Wigan Borough, United Utilities plc (External link) are responsible for maintaining public sewers. These are usually the main sewers that lie under the road. Problems caused by the public sewerage system can be reported by calling United Utilities on 08456 020406, or by writing to the address below.
Private Sewers
In most cases, pipes with a diameter of less than 225mm (9 inches) in gardens are private sewers. The responsibility for maintenance of these lies with the owners of the properties they serve, whether they are privately owned or Council housing.
The exception is where properties have been built before 1st October 1937. In most of these cases the sewers count as public sewers. Very often these are terraced properties.
