The basic guidelines are the same across the world, if the sewer pipes are on your property then you are responsible for them. The only real exception to this is if the sewer pipe going through your property is shared.
This means it is the main connection to the public sewer line for several houses and happens to go across your yard. This generally happens when several houses are clustered together and set back from the main sewer line. It is simpler and cheaper to connect the houses together and then direct the sewage to the mains pipes.
However, this doesn’t mean you are not responsible. Joint sewer pipes do not become the responsibility of the water board. Instead, the responsibility is shared between the houses the pipe serves.
This is something you should be made aware of when you come t purchase a house as it can be more complicated organizing repairs and especially emergency plumber. The reason for this is that all homeowners should agree on the plumber chosen and the costs before one can be called. This ensures that everyone will pay their fair share. But, as mentioned, it can be much harder to negotiate this, the larger the group of houses the more difficult it is.
The simple solution is to have a fund that deals with repairs, including sewer pipe issues.
Blockages:
If you have a sewer pipe blockage then it will probably be your responsibility to sort it out. The easiest way to ascertain this is to have a sewer diagram done. This will help you to confirm that the pipe is your sole responsibility or that it is shared.
You can then assess where the pipes run and, by using a sewer camera you can locate the exact distance into the pipe where the clog is. This will make it easier to decide the best course of action to remove the clog.
Don’t forget that the simplest way to confirm it is your responsibility is to check with your neighbors to see if they have a clog. If it is just your home then the clog is in your pipes and you need to resolve the issue.
If the clog is affecting several homes you can call the water board who will handle the issue for you.
Dealing With Issues:
Clogs are generally a result of damaged pipes. This can happen over time, especially if you have been digging in your yard and the pipes are getting old. It can also be the result of tree roots getting into your pipes. This damages the pipes and causes a clog, creating an array of issues.
Knowing where your sewer pipes run will help you to consider the likelihood of root damage as you can assess how close trees are to your pipes.
Don’t forget, a good plumber will sort these issues for you in no time and will save you a lot of hassle. Even if you prefer to resolve issues yourself, you may find a professional is the best option when dealing with sewer pipes.
