Overflowing or Blocked Road Gullies and Drains:
Kent Council Council provide these services at: Kent County Council (Drainage Department)
Blocked Domestic Drains and Sewers:
The Council does not own any drains or sewers except for those in its own properties. The Council has no responsibilities for cleaning or maintaining sewers or drains in the borough.
A sewer takes the foul drainage from more than one property, if these are damaged or blocked you should contact the relevant service provider. You can find out who your local provider is here.
If you feel that you are not receiving the service you require from the water company please make contact with them directly. If you wish to make a complaint, follow the company's procedures or contact the Consumer Council for Water here.
A drain takes the foul drainage from only one property, if these are blocked or damaged it is up to the owner to unblock or fix them.
If someone does not do this the Council can take enforcement action against them to have the drain fixed.
If you are having a problem with someone who is not getting their drain fixed please contact us here.
Cesspools, private drainage systems and other type of rural drainage are the responsibility of the houses that they serve.
If someone has a faulty rural drainage system that goes into a water course the Environment Agency can take action against them and they need a consent to discharge from the Agency. If it does not go into a water course and causes a problem the Council can take action against them.
If you are having a problem with a rural drainage system please contact us.
Advice for Residents
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Don't flush disposable items such as nappies, sanitary towels, condoms, baby wipes, incontinence pads down the toilet. You should get rid of these bits with your normal rubbish collection double bagging them if necessary to avoid odour problems.
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Don't get rid of food scraps down the kitchen sink.
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Don't get rid of cooking fat down any sink or drain, instead allow it to solidify and then put it in with your normal rubbish collection. Fat solidifying within drains is a common cause of blockages during the winter months and can build up over years.
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Don't over use soap powder when using your washing machine.
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Keep your drain grates free from leaves and moss, and regularly wash down with hot water and disinfectant.
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Don't put chemicals down your drain other than those specifically for use in kitchens, bathrooms and drains.
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Keep objects such as bottles and toys away from where they may fall into your toilet.
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Cesspits should be regularly emptied by a licensed waste carrier. Don't leave it until the cesspit is full before arranging for it to be emptied as unforeseen delays may result in it overflowing.
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Septic tanks do not need to be emptied however you must not discharge any detergents/bleaches in to the system as these will kill the bacteria that is required to break down foul waste. Discharging untreated foul waste into the ground, especially if near a watercourse or aquifer, is a serious offence. Septic tanks must therefore be serviced annually to ensure they are in good working condition.