An essential feature of every home throughout the world is the system of pipes which are hidden in your walls, beneath your floors and that carry all the wastewater away. These pipes consist of a drain pipe and a lateral drain pipe which links to the sewerage system. But what is the difference between these types of pipe? Read on to discover what each pipe does and why it is important that you know.
Drain and Lateral Drain Pipes
A drain pipe is the pipe which drains waste and water from your home. These pipes are the soil pipe, which carries the water and any solids from your toilet and the waste pipe, which takes the grey water away from your washing machine or bathtub. The drain pipe then leads to the lateral drain pipe which carries all this wastewater away from your home and connects to the sewerage system. The lateral drain is usually located under the road or pavement outside the boundary of your property but if you share a sewer with a neighbour, it may be found under your house or garden.
Since 2011, the drains that are found within the boundaries of your property, up to where they connect with the public sewers, are the responsibility of the homeowner. This means that you, as the homeowner, are responsible for the maintenance and repair of these drain pipes. However, If you share the lateral drain pipe with your neighbours, then the water company will be responsible for the repair. Any repairs needed may also be covered by your building’s insurance policy.
Sewer Pipes
The sewer pipes are a network of pipes which run underground and carry the wastewater from your drains to the water treatment facility. Most sewer pipes are now owned and maintained by your local water company, so if you have any problems or blockages, contact them in the first instance. Replacement of sewer and drain pipes can be very expensive so it is important to see if they can be repaired before spending vast sums of money. For drain repairs and sewer pipe lining Wolverhampton or elsewhere, it is worth engaging a specialist such as www.wilkinson-env.co.uk/sewer-repairs-drain-lining-concrete-cutting/drain-repairs/drain-repairs-wolverhampton/ for expert advice.
It is important to understand what the drain pipes do and which pipes on your property are your responsibility in case they need maintenance or repair.
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