'Did you know that on 1 October 2011, the ownership of most private sewers and lateral drains in England and Wales will transfer to the 10 water and sewerage companies.

This includes all underground sewer assets outside the boundaries of a property and those within property boundaries that are shared with neighbouring buildings.

As a result, the cost of repairing these pipes will no longer be the responsibility of individual property owners but will effectively be spread across the entire Water Company customer base.

Whilst this will have obvious benefits for individual homeowners/landlords when a problem arises it will probably mean a small additional cost to each annual water bill to cover this liability.

When you purchase a property your solicitor will advise a Water and Drainage search is undertaken to confirm various aspects relating to the property. This will include a map outlining the extent of the sewers and water mains that surround the property.

With an up to date search and map your solicitor should be able to advise the extent of your responsibility for the pipes within your property and of any potential liability that may arise in the future.