Rats in drains and sewers: signs, responsibility and what to do

Fact-checked against 2 sources · Updated 20 September 2026

Why rats use drains

The BPCA notes that brown rats are often found living in sewer systems. A sewer or drain gives rats shelter, warmth, water and a hidden route between buildings. If a pipe is cracked, collapsed or disconnected, rats can travel up into gardens, burrow beside pipes and manholes, and sometimes into the property.

Signs of rats and drains

• Burrows beside manhole covers, downpipes, gullies and patios.
• Droppings near drain covers, in gullies or around outbuildings.
• Scratching or movement noises in pipes or under floors.
• Repeated rat problems even after treatment, in the same spot near a drain.
• Gurgling drains, slow drainage or bad smells, which can point to a damaged pipe (a drainage contractor can investigate).

If you find any, see garden rat control.

Who is responsible: the water company or you?

Responsibility depends on whose pipe it is. As a general guide:

• Public sewers are looked after by your water and sewerage company. If you see rats coming from a public sewer or manhole in the road, report it to them.
• Private drains serving only your property are normally the owner’s responsibility.

The boundary between the two isn’t always obvious, and ownership rules have changed over time, so check with your water company (details are on your bill) which pipe is whose before paying for repairs. A pest controller or drainage contractor can also advise.

What to do if you think rats are using a drain

1. Don’t block or seal anything yet. Get advice, as with rats anywhere.
2. Have the drain inspected. A drainage contractor can use a camera survey to find cracks, collapses and disconnected pipes.
3. Repair damaged pipes and seal disused ones. The BPCA advises making sure drain inspection covers are in a good state of repair and any disused pipes are sealed off.
4. Consider drain flaps or grilles. The government’s poultry code lists fitting grilles or flaps on drainage pipes and gullies among its proofing measures.
5. Treat the rats and remove food sources. See how rat control works.
6. Report to the water company if the source is a public sewer.

Stopping rats using your drains

• Don’t put food waste, fat or cooking oil down the sink or outside drains.
• Keep drain covers in good repair, and keep gullies clear.
• Store bins away from drain covers and keep lids closed.
• Fix leaking pipes and gutters, which provide water.

Proofing your home helps too: see rat proofing.

Rats in drains: common questions

This site connects households and businesses in the Newark-on-Trent area with an independent local rat-control technician. We are not the servicing contractor and do not carry out treatment ourselves. See our terms & disclosure.