The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering has followed with interest legislation changes regarding private sewers in England and Wales which will take effect from October 1st 2011.
Acting Chief Executive Kevin Wellman said, “At present, the responsibility for pipes connecting external drains to public sewers is often unclear. Sometimes it lies with the homeowner or is shared between neighbours and this arrangement causes problems in assigning the cost of repairs.”
From October 1st ownership of all private sewers and lateral drains that connect to the public sewer will transfer to one of the 10 water and sewerage companies. The law also extends to new sewers which will have to be built to an approved standard to maintain the integrity of the whole network.
The regulations to govern these changes are already in place and the cost of transfer and maintenance will be spread among all water customers.
Added Kevin, “These changes should simplify matters for members of the public and avoid the costly delays which often occur when there is confusion over who is responsible for drains and sewers.”