Drainage and Site Solutions

It’s not about claiming to know it all. Rather, it’s a testament to our belief in the transformative power of data. After all, the quality of decisions is directly linked to the quality of the data that informs them.

At Clever Works, our work goes beyond just surveying or unblocking drains. We’re committed to unlocking the potential of data-driven decision making in the drainage industry. When we encounter a problem, our approach isn’t limited to just fixing it. We delve deeper, asking ‘why did this happen?’ and ‘how can we prevent it in the future?’

We view drainage issues as opportunities – opportunities to learn, to innovate, and to improve. We’re not content with just maintaining the status quo; we’re actively challenging it.

When considering the addition of a conservatory, garage, or any other extension to your property, it is essential to ensure that your project does not impact a sewer or obstruct access for necessary repairs. Determining the presence of nearby drains or whether drainage systems run beneath your planned extension is a vital step in the process.

To identify nearby or underlying drains, you’ll need a drainage CCTV survey. Our team will visit your property and employ specialized drainage cameras and radio detection tools to assess the drainage layout and condition. We will then plot the discovered assets on a topographical layer map for your reference.

If drainage pipes are found in the path of your proposed extension, you may need to obtain a build-over agreement.

Local water authorities are responsible for maintaining and repairing public sewers and lateral drains within their jurisdiction. Obtaining a Build Over Agreement ensures that your construction project does not hinder their ability to access and maintain these pipes, which may be running under or near your property.

The agreement also helps confirm that the additional weight of your new structure does not cause damage to the water authority’s pipes, preserving the integrity of the public drainage system and preventing potential disruptions or costly repairs.

Building without a Build Over Agreement can lead to several complications. Firstly, the building control department may not approve your Building Regulations completion certificate. This can create issues when attempting to sell your property, as potential buyers may be deterred by the lack of proper documentation.

Furthermore, if you cause damage to the public sewer during construction, you will be held responsible for fixing it at your own expense. Moreover, if you have built on top of existing access and a blockage or defect occurs beneath your foundation, you will be liable for the necessary repairs.

Obtaining a Build Over Agreement helps avoid these potential problems, ensuring that your project complies with local regulations and safeguards your property’s value.

The responsibility for drains begins with the property owner and extends until the drain crosses the boundary into land owned by another party. At this point, it transforms into a public lateral drain. When a second property connects to the public lateral drain, it becomes a public sewer. From that moment, the local water authority assumes responsibility for its maintenance and repairs, as they are in charge of all public sewers and lateral drains within their designated region.

Sewers and lateral drains constructed after 1 July 2011 are private unless adopted, no matter how many properties they serve. For more information and detailed schematics, please refer to the provided resources here