drains overflowing - derwnt grove

[pepsi]

Yikes! Our rear drain is overflowing with all manner of unpleasantness! We've noticed our neighbours have the same problem but nobody's home and we're wondering if anyone else in Derwent Grove is having the same problem? It's hard to know whose responsibility it is as Southwark council's website says that if private drains have the problem, we have to sort it. The problem is that we don't know how many people are affected - any advice please?!!

[skidmarks]

If your houses was built before 1901 then it is the responsibility of Thames Water.

[MitchK]

You could call Thames Water, they should be able to help. If it's the private part of the drains, they can fix it but will charge you. If you can get access to the drains through a manhole cover, and can get hold of some drain rods from the DIY, you may be able to fix it yourself.

[pepsi]

Thank you both. I'm not entirely sure when the house was built to be honest but that's good to know. One problem is that we can't locate a manhole cover!

[kford]

Derwent Grove was built around 1875.

[cate]

There should be provision under your house insurance policy to have someone come and have a look. They might need rodding. Happened to me once and I didn't have any inspection covers.

[pepsi]

Thank you kford. They've come round and seem to accept it's their problem. The big worry is that we can't find a manhole (nor can our neighbours.)