Do Yorkshire Water Charge To Unblock Drains In Cumbria?

If you're a homeowner or property owner in Cumbria, you know that blocked drains can be a huge headache. Not only are they unpleasant, but they can also cause damage to your property if left unchecked. So, when your drains start to back up, it's natural to wonder who is responsible for unblocking them.

One question that comes up frequently is whether Yorkshire Water charges residents in Cumbria for drain unblocking services. As a drainage company based in Cumbria, we have a lot of experience dealing with this issue. In this article, we'll explore the answer to this common question.

However, before we clarify this issue, let's first understand the terms wastewater, sewers, and drains.

Wastewater, sewers, and drains

Wastewater refers to the dirty water that gets flushed down our toilets, sinks, and showers. It can also include water from washing machines and dishwashers. Sewers are the pipes that carry this wastewater away from our homes and businesses to the water treatment plant.

Drains, on the other hand, are pipes that carry surface water from rain and gutters. It is essential to keep these pipes unblocked to prevent flood risk to your property.

Who is responsible for unblocking drains?

The responsibility for unblocking drains depends on where the blockage occurs. If the blockage is in the public sewer, then it's the responsibility of the water and sewerage company to remove it. However, if the blockage is in the private sewer, then it is the property owner's responsibility.

If the blockage occurs in the private drain, it's the responsibility of the property owner to get it unblocked. However, the responsibility shifts to the water and sewerage company if the blockage has been caused by any factor in the public sewer.

Yorkshire Water and drain unblocking in Cumbria

Now that we understand the responsibility for unblocking drains let's address the question of whether Yorkshire Water charges Cumbria residents for drain unblocking services. If the unblocking requirement is in the public sewer, then Yorkshire Water is responsible for the removal of the blockage.

However, if the blockage occurs in private drains, then the property owner will be responsible for paying for the service of a drainage company.

Things that can cause blockage in drains

If you're experiencing blocked drains frequently, it's essential to identify the source of the problem. It is essential to know the things that can lead to drainage blockages to prevent future issues.

Wipes

One of the most common causes of blocked drains is wipes. Many people flush baby wipes, makeup wipes, and cleaning wipes down their toilets, but these items can accumulate in pipes and cause blockages. It's essential to dispose of wipes correctly in the bin since they take a considerable amount of time to break down.

Sink and bath blockages

Hair, grease, and soap scum can build up in sinks and baths, leading to blockages. Using a hair catcher can help prevent hair from accumulating in pipes, and pouring grease into a separate container and disposing of it appropriately can be beneficial.

Heavy rain

Heavy rain can overwhelm your drainage system and cause flooding. It is crucial to keep gutters and drains clear of leaves and debris to prevent blockages.

Are homeowners responsible for the cost of unblocking private drains?

If the blockage is in the private drain, then the property owner is responsible for unblocking it. However, if the blockage is in the public sewer and is causing issues for a property owner, Yorkshire Water will remove the blockage free of charge.

Can you apply to Yorkshire Water for assistance?

Yorkshire Water provides a program called Private Sewer Transfer, which enables you to transfer the ownership of your private sewer to them. After transferring the ownership of the sewer, it becomes the responsibility of Yorkshire Water to ensure the upkeeping and maintenance.

Conclusion

To summarize, if the blockage is in the public sewer, Yorkshire Water is responsible for removing it. However, if the blockage is in the private drain, then it is the homeowner's responsibility to get it unblocked. It is essential to maintain your drainage system in your home or property and seek the service of a reliable drainage company like Drainage Cumbria to eliminate any issues related to blocked drainage.

At Drainage Cumbria, we provide drain unblocking services to homeowners and commercial enterprises, and our experienced team is always ready to provide you with a prompt and efficient solution. If you have any queries or require our services, please don't hesitate to contact us on 01228 734162 or drop us a note at [email protected].