Since October 2011, water companies in England and Wales have responsibility for the maintenance and repair of shared sewer pipes.  The change means you are now only responsible for the drainage pipe which serves your own property. Sewer pipes which are shared by more than one property, or run beyond your property boundary, are Severn Trent Water's responsibility. The new rules will stop you being charged for costly repairs for issues that aren't your fault.

As well as the private drains serving a single home or business within the boundary of the property, there are a few other types of pipes that are not covered by the Regulations and will remain the responsibility of the current owners after 1 October 2011. These are:

• Water supply pipes within your property boundary
• Existing surface water sewers that drain directly to watercourses
• Privately owned sewage treatment works and pipes connected to them
• Privately owned septic tanks and cesspits (including all associated pipes even if serving more than one property)
• Private pumping stations

If you have a problem related to the above you should contact Severn Trent Water on 0800 783 4444.