By Can you build an extension over a public sewer?
Extending your house or building a conservatory or garage can impact on underground sewer pipes that lie within your property’s boundary. Therefore, householders and developers planning to build over or close to (within 3 metres of) a public sewer have to seek permission from the relevant sewerage company.
Are you allowed to build over a sewer?
Buildings and extensions should not be constructed over a manhole or inspection point on a sewer. Access points on a sewer may need to be relocated as part of the works and included in the design.
Do I need a build over agreement for a private sewer?
The general rule is that if you will be building within 3 metres from a sewer or drain that the building works will need to be approved by the water company. If having considered the alternatives the only option is to apply to the water company for a build over agreement then an application should be made.
Can you build a garage over a drain cover?
It is not permissible at all to build directly over a manhole or a pressurised pumping main. The local water authority could do this. However, it would be at your expense. You should contact the water authority to see if diversion is possible, and to ask for a quote for the works.
Do sewer pipes run under houses?
All wastewater from your house is carried to the municipal sewer line by one main drain pipe that runs horizontally, but with a slight downward slope, under the lowest floor in your home out to the municipal sewer main or out to the septic field.
Should a downpipe go into a drain?
A rainwater downpipe is a pipe that is used to direct rainwater away from a building, typically from roof guttering to a drainage system. The discharge from a downpipe can be: Directly connected to a drain discharging into a soakaway. Directly connected to a drain discharging into a surface water sewer.
What happens if I don’t have a build over agreement?
Without a build over agreement, your local council’s building control department might not sign off your Building Regulations completion certificate – and without this, you may have problems when trying to sell your property.
Can you get retrospective build over agreement?
A sewerage undertaker can refuse to grant a retrospective build over agreement. If they refuse then insurance is unlikely to be available. Even if consent is granted, the homeowner may be requested to make changes to the property which could result in significant cost being incurred.
How much does it cost to divert a drain?
You also need to factor in the cost of getting permission from the local water authority to move the drain, which can be between £200 and £1,300. On average, you can expect to pay between £1,200 and £3,000 to move a drain for an extension. More complex jobs can cost up to £4,500.
Can you build over a drain inspection chamber?
If you are intending to build over an inspection chamber, it is essential to check whether you have permission to do so – in many cases, it may be necessary to move the chamber or have the pipes diverted, or to change the building plans to maintain access to the existing manhole.
How deep is a sewer line buried?
The depth of sewer lines varies greatly. They can be as shallow as 12″ to 30,” or as deep as 6+ ft. Often times this is simply a matter of climate. In really cold climates, the pipe is buried deeper to prevent the pipe from freezing solid in winter.
Does shower water go to sewage?
The shower and toilet are connected to the sanitary sewer system. The wastewater from both can be treated at the same facility. Gray water is waste water that doesn’t contain anything.
When did south west water start using public sewers?
Public sewers serve multiple properties and are owned and maintained by South West Water. Exceptions exist, such as where the pipework was installed after July 2011. Connections to a public sewer are called direct connections.
Do you need approval to build over a sewer?
If you are building a new property or extension you will need to ensure it does not affect our public sewer mains. Therefore, if your proposals mean building over/near (within 3 metres) a public sewer or lateral drain you will need our approval before doing so.
Can a private sewer be connected to a public sewer?
Sewer connections can be made directly to a public sewer or indirectly to a private drain that in turn discharges to a public sewer. Public sewers serve multiple properties and are owned and maintained by South West Water. Exceptions exist, such as where the pipework was installed after July 2011.
What should I do if my building is near a sewer?
If you find your plans could affect a public sewer, you should first consider one of the following options: • Avoiding the sewer through modifications to your plans so the buildings are at least three metres away from the sewer. This is often the easiest and cheapest option. • Diverting the sewer.