Reporting a blocked drain in a neighbouring property

Who is responsible for clearing a blocked drain? 

The responsibility to clear a blocked drain is the owner of that drain. This tends to be the landowner and the owner of the property that drains into it.

What is the difference between a drain and a sewer? 

A drain serves 1 building on a plot (or curtilage) of land. This could be a house, a pair of flats or a block of flats. The owner whether that be an owner occupier, the landlord or a privately rented property or a social landlord is responsible for maintaining and clearing the blockage.  

A drain that serves more than 1 building or plot of land is known as a sewer. Most sewers are now adopted sewers and are the responsibility of the Water Company in Sunderland this is Northumbrian Water. Contact Northumbrian Water to report a problem with a drain.

Blocked drains and drainage issues in neighbouring properties  

If there is an issue at a neighbouring property with blocked drains or gullies causing an issue to your property or enjoyment of your home and you have raised this matter with your neighbour, but the issue is not resolved, you can complain to the Council. The Council will investigate the matter and can take formal action by service of a legal notice requiring your neighbour undertake work to rectify the drainage defect, if this course of action is deemed necessary. This tends to be to prevent a public health issue or abate a statutory nuisance if the thresholds are met. Failure of your neighbour to comply with a legal notice can result in criminal charges and prosecutions liable to a fine in a magistrate court and / or the Council undertaking work in the default of the responsible entity issued with such a legal notice and any costs incurred recovered from that entity.   

If a blocked drain or gully in a neighbouring property is causing you an issue, you can report it here:

Report issues from another property

Further information regarding blocked drains

Citizen Advice has some useful information regarding drainage issues.

Report flooding, blockages and water pollution.