If you have not already received a letter from your water provider you are likely to do so explaining a recent change in the Law concerning private sewer ownership.

From 1 October 2011 you will no longer be responsible for the repair and maintenance of certain private sewers and lateral drains that connect your property to the main drainage system.  The responsibility will be passed to your water provider.  The aim of this legislation is to prevent confusion and disputes between neighbours by making it clear who is responsible for the ownership and maintenance of the sewerage network.  See http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/quality/water/sewage/sewers/ for more information.

Although the potential benefits of this change are clear to see you should also be aware that, if you wish to build over or within 3 meters of a public sewer, you must first obtain the written consent of the water provider in the form of a “build over agreement”.  This means that if you have any plans to extend your property you have not only to consider the usual Planning Laws and Building Regulations but you must also ensure that consideration is given as to whether a build over agreement is required.