The Environmental Protection Section will investigate any complaints relating to drainage and sewerage, finding out the nature of the problem and decide who is responsible for any further action. Middlesbrough Council's Pest Control and Drain Clearance Team provides a service to unblock drains but you will need to call out a private contractor to carry out any necessary repair work.

Drainage systems

Recent changes in drainage law have simplified the roles and responsibilities relating to drains and sewers.

• A private drain, is a pipe which connects from one property to the public sewer and is the reponsibility of the property owner. When this pipe extends beyond the curtilage of the property, either into other privately owned land or under the public highway, it is then called a LATERAL and becomes the responsibilty of the Water Authority.

• Public sewers, being the responsibilty of the Water Authority, now include all those pipes that take the waste from more than one property.