Planning a new building development? When you’re thinking of building an extension or a new construction project, you must make sure there is nothing underneath the ground that may be affected.
This can include gas pipes, water pipes, and sewers, all of which are vital to the underground infrastructure that serves our homes. Knowing how to bridge over a sewer pipe if your project requires it is important.
Read on to learn how to bridge over a sewer pipe from the experts at Lanes Drainage Services UK, including how to ensure no damage is caused to your home, drainage system, or public sewer system.
You must establish what drainage pipework exists within your property boundary and underneath the ground. Sewer pipes carry wastewater from two or more homes and are usually within your property boundary.
Lateral drains carry wastewater from a single home, and meet the public sewer network outside that house’s boundary – you can read our article ‘Blocked sewer drains: Who is responsible?’ to find out who is responsible for your drains.
If you are unsure of the location of the drains beneath your home, a CCTV drain survey is often the best way to find them. This can enable you to plan your project so that the existing infrastructure is undisturbed.
There may be instances where existing pipes clash with the positioning of a proposed foundation, and building around them would not be possible. One example may be a sewer pipe that runs from the back of a property and crosses over the intended line of the new extension’s concrete foundation.
You must never build foundations along the length of a pipe, and if you intend to build parallel to the direction of a pipe the foundations must lie on one side or the other.
If you are building foundations at an angle to the sewer pipe, you can put concrete on either side of the pipe and bridge over it. This is one of the most common ways to bridge a sewer pipe.
If you build over an existing sewer or drain, you can damage the pipes. This could result in the pipes leaking or becoming blocked, potentially leading to health problems, odour nuisances, or environmental damage.
It also makes replacing and repairing faulty drains and clear blockages more complex, time-consuming, and expensive.
You should also avoid building work that makes it harder for the water authority to access and maintain sewer pipes. Regulations govern how close you can build to sewers and drains, and you should consult these carefully before planning any building works.
Find more information on buildings near inspection chambers in our article ‘How close you can build to an inspection chamber’.
It must be noted that the building regulations state that in some soils, such as silt or sands, buildings must not be constructed within or over 3m of a drain unless you have special measures in place.
Sometimes, a 5m easement may be needed if the pipe is more than 30cm in diameter. Extensions and buildings must not be constructed over an inspection point on a sewer or manhole.
The good news is that, in some cases, you can reroute and move drains if they are in the way of your building work.
Drains are components of complex networks of sewers, pipework, and manhole covers. This means moving just one drain is not always possible. Instead, you may need to consider rebuilding the drainage system in a different location.
You need to ensure it is at the correct depth and obtain permission from your local water authority before getting started. For these reasons, it may be unfeasible in some cases. Working with expert drainage surveyors like those at Lanes can help you find the best solution for your requirements.
Water authorities require a Build-over Agreement for any building work over public sewers or within 3m of a sewer or drain pipe.
This responsibility may even be found in your house deeds, especially if you have a modern property. You must obtain permission before undergoing any work. Find out who is responsible for private drains and sewers in our article ‘Private drains and sewers’.
Yes. There are certain situations where you will not be able to build over a sewer:
If you have been dreaming about improving your property by extending it, you may find a manhole where the foundation of your new structure will go. Should you notice pipework present, you must get this approved by your water authority first.
Contact Lanes .today for support and advice on drainage matters related to a construction project.
You can read more about our sewer inspections and drain services on the dedicated online page, or call us on 0800 526 488 to discuss your next project.
Yes. There are certain situations where you will not be able to build over a sewer:
If you have been dreaming about improving your property by extending it, you may find a manhole where the foundation of your new structure will go. Should you notice pipework present, you must get this approved by your water authority first.
For support and advice on any drainage matters pertaining to a construction project, get in touch with Lanes today. You can read more about our sewer services and drain surveys, or give us a call on 0800 526 488.