Blocked drain or blocked sewer? Who fixes it in Scotland

The difference between a drain and a sewer

A drain carries waste water from one property. A sewer carries waste water from more than one property and is usually owned by Scottish Water once it reaches the public network.

Citizens Advice Scotland explains that homeowners and landlords are responsible for household waste pipes up to where they connect to the public sewer, normally at the boundary of the property. If pipes are shared, the owners are jointly responsible, and your title deeds should say how repair costs are split.

Signs the blockage is in your own drain

1. Only one sink, bath or toilet is slow or blocked.
2. The problem started after something went down a particular fixture, such as wipes, fat or food waste.
3. The inspection chamber nearest your house is empty, but the fixtures still drain slowly.

Signs it may be a shared drain or the public sewer

1. Several fixtures in the home are backing up at the same time.
2. Neighbours have the same problem at the same time.
3. The inspection chamber nearest the road is full, or sewage is coming out of a manhole in the street.
4. In a tenement, waste water is backing up on the lowest floor.

Who to call

For a blockage in your own drain or a shared private drain, call a plumber or drainage engineer. Our drain unblocking labour is £70–£180 in standard hours, plus the callout.

If the public sewer is blocked or overflowing, contact Scottish Water on 0800 077 8778. Scottish Water can also inspect private drains and order repairs, recovering the costs from the owner.

In a tenement or block of flats, tell your factor and neighbours, because the repair cost may be shared.

Stopping it happening again

Only flush the three Ps: pee, poo and paper. Wipes, even those labelled flushable, cooking fat and food waste are the most common causes of blockages. If a drain keeps blocking, a CCTV survey can show whether roots, a collapse or a displaced joint is the cause.