Have neighbours the right to use the drains on my property ?

[clueless63]

Hi, my downstairs wc drain was blocked so the plumber lifted the manhole cover which is by my livingroom patio and discover that nearly 2 years ago the next door neighbours (who changed their kitchen around and built a conservatory while I was away on holiday and accessed my land to do so without my permission) have taken the kitchen sink pipe from their wall, fed it under my land and installed the waste pipe into the brickwork under the manhole to feed into the main waste drain which leads down the side of my house to the main drain in the road. They did not ask permission to do so. The vertical pipe leading from the sink must be installed within their brick wall as it does not appear outside the wall. Their sink was on the opposite wall to which, I assume, their wc/bathroom waste pipe goes under their house. They have no side access to their house. I am concerned that if any waste from their drain blocks the main drain I will have to pay for it. Do they have the right to use my drain ? Thank you.

 

[mikric]

I would say that they definitely should have asked you, so basically you have a 40mm waste appearing somewhere in your chamber, I guess near the top ? If you want to fall out with then bung it up with something and wait and see if they approach you
An external buried waste pipe less than 100mm diameter contravenes building regs BTW and strictly speaking these works required building regs approval if we are being picky

 

[mattylad]

Block it and give them a bill for the previous use, only unblock it on payment received.
Present them the bill for the next years use of your drain

 

[big-all]

it could work in your favour??

if you are the only one using a drain its your responcibility
if its a shared then its the water companies responsibility for repair renewal or unblocking

 

[cjard]

it could work in your favour??

if you are the only one using a drain its your responcibility
if its a shared then its the water companies responsibility for repair renewal or unblocking

Though, only the bitt between the manhole and the main sewer.. The bit from manhole to your house is private

 

[big-all]

yes only the shared bit onward

 

[mattylad]

A bonus for you but I'd still bill the neighbors, they saved a considerable amount of money using your drain without permission.

A pay up or remove it notice is IMO in order.