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If your drain is blocked you will usually know because your waste will stop going away when you flush the toilet, or gullies outside will overflow. There will also probably be a smell.

United Utilities looks after the network of public sewers in Knowsley.

How do I report a blocked drain?

• If the property is built before 1st October 1937, and so long as there are two or more properties connected to the length of drain/sewer affected, it is the responsibility of the United Utilities to clear. Contact them on 0845 602 0406.
• For properties built after 1st October 1937, all drains/sewers are the responsibility of the owner/occupiers and any other properties connected to it, unless it is the main sewer.

For help and advice on highway drainage, land drainage or private drainage, continue to contact the council 0151 443 4712 during office hours, or to report a blocked road gully please contact the Department of Environmental and Operational Services 0151 443 2400.

Who is responsible?

It is the responsibility of the owner- occupier to maintain and clear a private drain/sewer. If the property is rented (e.g. from Knowsley Housing Trust) then it is their responsibility. If you live in a row of houses then the problem could be a shared one.

Knowsley MBC has a statutory duty in the interests of public health to ensure that blocked / foul smelling private drains are cleared and, where appropriate, to recharge the householders for this service. Any recharge is apportioned equally to all households feeding into the sewer up to the point that it is blocked and follows the serving of a notice. See earlier section if the problem is with a public sewer.