Blocked Drains

The Environmental Protection Team at Thanet District Council is responsible for the investigation of complaints concerning blocked or defective private drains and sewers across the district.

The Council is not responsible for the maintenance of all sewers and drains in the district, unless of course they are Council owned properties.  The responsibility for repairing or unblocking private drains or sewers will either be with Southern Water Services or the owner/occupier of the property the sewer or drain serves.

Under normal circumstances the following applies to blocked or defective drains or sewers:

• A private drain that serves only one property will be the responsibility of the owner/occupier of the property.
• A sewer that serves more than one property and may be private or public. A sewer may either be the responsibility of the owners/occupiers of those properties it serves or Southern Water Services. 
• A sewer built before 1936 that serves two or more properties is likely to be the responsibility of Southern Water Services who can be contacted on 0845 272 0845.

Basic Definitions

Drain

The pipe work leading from your property alone, up to where it meets a sewer.

Shared Sewer

A shared sewer is pipe work serving 2 or more properties, these properties would have generally been built prior to 1^st October 1937.

Private shared Sewer

A private shared sewer is pipe work serving 2 or more properties that where built after 1^st October 1937.

Main Sewer

The shared and private shared sewer will ultimately run into a main sewer.

If you live in a Victorian or Edwardian house in Margate (including Cliftonville, Garlinge and Westgate) and you have a blocked drain you may have a special problem.  Your property is likely to be fitted with a ‘Margate Interceptor’.  Look for a small rectangular cover, usually near the kerb, beneath this is a U-bend, similar to that at the back of a toilet.  The sewage from your house has to pass through this bend and it is the most likely point of blockage.  Clearing it can be difficult.  It is made from pottery and can easily by broken by violent rodding so take care when trying to unblock it.

Good Advice

• Do NOT put fat or cooking oil down your sink or toilet, it will form a hard greasy cake and could cause a blockage.
• ONLY put toilet paper down your toilet, drains aren’t designed to take kitchen roll or feminine hygiene products or face wipes, flushing these away can lead to expensive blockages.
• DO employ a reputable firm to clear any blockage and check they are familiar with ‘Margate interceptors’.
• DO take care if attempting to unblock a drain yourself.

If you require further information or wish to register a complaint concerning a blocked or defective drain or sewer please contact us on 01843 577000 or environmental.health@thanet.gov.uk.

If you have witnessed flooding or any other issues relating to surface water drainage on highways and public footpaths please contact Kent Highways Department.

Kent Highways, Kent County Council, County Hall, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1XQ 24 hours helpline 08458 247 800 or kent.highwayservices@kent.gov.uk.

E-mail:

environmental.health
@thanet.gov.uk 

Tel: 01843 577580

Fax: 01843 290906