Building Act 1984

61 Repair etc. of drain

(1) No person shall—

(a) except in case of emergency, repair, reconstruct or alter the course of an underground drain that communicates with a sewer, or with a cesspool or other receptacle for drainage, or

(b) where in a case of emergency any such works have been executed without notice, cover over the drain or sewer,

without giving to the local authority at least 24 hours' notice of his intention to do so.

(2) While any such work as aforesaid is being executed, all persons concerned shall permit the proper officer, or any other authorised officer, of the local authority to have free access to the work.

(3) A person who fails to comply with this section is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(4) This section does not apply to—

(a) so much of a drain or sewer constructed by, or belonging to, a railway company as runs under, across or along their railway, or

(b) so much of a drain or sewer constructed by, or belonging to, dock undertakers as is situated in or on land of the undertakers that is held or used by them for the purposes of their undertaking.