Protect people first
Sewage and wastewater can carry germs. Keep people and pets away from the affected area, avoid touching the water, and do not attempt to clear or wash it away yourself. If it is safe, stop using toilets, sinks, appliances or other fixtures that may discharge into the affected line. Do not enter a chamber, confined space or flooded area to inspect a pipe.
If sewage is entering a home, workplace or shared area, contact the relevant water and sewerage company promptly if a public sewer may be involved. For a private drain issue, an appropriate drainage contractor may be needed. If the source is unclear, report it to the water company so it can assess its network responsibility. For immediate danger to life, call emergency services.
Record the facts safely
From a safe position, note where the water is appearing, when it began, whether fixtures are backing up and whether neighbouring properties are affected. Take photos only if you can do so without approaching the wastewater. Keep receipts and any communication from the water company or property manager. Do not share sensitive information publicly.
In Birmingham and much of the West Midlands, Severn Trent provides sewerage services, though the exact provider can vary. Its guidance explains that public sewers and lateral drains are generally its responsibility, while a private drain serving one property within the boundary is generally the owner’s responsibility. Layout and property age can affect the answer. Check the current Severn Trent wastewater responsibility guidance and use the relevant provider for the address.
Arrange assessment and follow-up
A private blockage may need emergency drain unblocking. Repeat incidents can need a CCTV survey to locate visible causes. For privately owned property in Birmingham and the West Midlands, use the contact page to describe the situation. For a wider flood affecting the property, follow the GOV.UK public flooding and health advice; it warns that floodwater can contain harmful contaminants and explains protective recovery guidance. Do not authorize repair until responsibility and scope are understood.
Decide who to notify
- Public sewer may be overflowing or several properties are affected: contact the sewerage company for the address so it can assess its network.
- A private drain serving one property appears affected: notify the landlord or property manager, or arrange a suitable private assessment.
- Floodwater affects a road, land or a wider area: contact the local authority or relevant flood response service; the source may be outside private drainage.
- Immediate danger to life: contact emergency services.
These signs do not establish responsibility. Ofwat explains that sewerage companies look after public sewers, which can cross private gardens, while property owners or landlords normally maintain private drains up to the connection with the public sewer (Ofwat guidance). Severn Trent notes that system layout and adoption history can affect the boundary (wastewater guide).
Keep a record of when overflow began, where it is visible, which fixtures are affected, who you notified and any reference number. Do not attempt cleanup or repair from this page; wider flooding can involve hazards beyond a private drain. Follow GOV.UK flood health advice for affected-property guidance.