A public sewer is a length of sewer that is vested in and maintained by the local water and sewerage undertaker, which in Greater London is Thames Water. Under the Water Industry Act 1991 and subsequent transfer regulations of 2011, most pipes serving more than one property became public sewers, removing this maintenance burden from individual homeowners. Public sewers typically run beneath the highway or along the rear of properties and connect to lateral drains at the property boundary. Responsibility for clearing blockages, repairing collapses and dealing with root ingress in public sewers lies with the water company. Homeowners can usually request a free attendance if a blockage is suspected to be in the public section, although charges may apply if the fault is later traced to private pipework.
Public sewer
Sewer maintained by the water and sewerage company serving multiple properties.
