In Rickards v Lothian, what was determined about the blocked washbasin?

In Rickards v Lothian, the court determined that the blocked washbasin was not considered an unnatural use of the land. This conclusion is significant because the concept of what constitutes a "natural" versus "unnatural" use of land directly affects the determination of nuisance claims.

In this case, the use of the washbasin was deemed to be within the normal expectations of urban living, where plumbing and sanitation issues such as a blocked washbasin can occur due to everyday activities. The court recognized that typical household functions and usages, like washing or bathing, are inherently expected in residential areas. Therefore, these activities do not rise to the level of creating a nuisance unless they significantly deviate from what is generally acceptable or poses an unreasonable threat to others.

By affirming that the blocked washbasin was not an unnatural use, the court essentially aligned with the view that common functionalities of property—like the use of plumbing—are an ordinary part of urban life. This perspective helps delineate the boundaries of nuisance law, emphasizing that only substantial deviations from normal use that result in harm or injury would potentially qualify as actionable nuisances.