Whether you’re planning a home extension, a new garden room, or any project involving ground work, understanding the location and condition of public sewers is critical. A build-over sewer survey ensures your plans won’t disrupt underground pipes, avoiding costly delays and unforeseen complications. With advanced tools like CCTV inspections and electro-location technology, build-over surveys provide essential insights for a smooth and compliant construction process. Here’s everything you need to know.
1. Why Conduct a Build-Over Sewer Survey?
A CCTV build-over sewer survey is the gold standard for visually assessing underground sewer lines. This type of inspection identifies blockages, defects, and structural weaknesses while confirming the exact location of sewer pipes. By conducting a survey, you can:
- Avoid damaging sewer infrastructure during construction.
- Prevent project delays caused by unexpected pipework issues.
- Ensure compliance with water and sewer authority regulations.
Key Tip: Hire a specialist contractor who uses advanced technology and meets industry standards to ensure your survey is accurate and reliable.
2. Choosing the Right Contractor
Selecting the right contractor for your build-over sewer survey is crucial. At Happy Drains, we adhere to rigorous standards, including the WRc Model Contract Document for Non-Man Entry Sewer Inspection and the UK Water Industry Manual of Sewer Condition Classification. Here’s why choosing a reputable contractor matters:
- High-Quality Reporting: Accurate and detailed reports that meet the requirements of water and sewer authorities.
- Health and Safety Compliance: Contractors should provide a written method statement outlining how they will safely conduct the survey.
- Permission Secured: Professionals like us ensure all permissions are in place before working on public sewers.
3. What to Expect in a Sewer Survey Report
A comprehensive sewer survey report is essential for a successful project. It should include:
Block Plan
The block plan provides a detailed overview of the sewer layout, including:
- The entry point of the CCTV system.
- The length of the sewer surveyed.
- Connections to drains and nearby sewer locations.
- Accurate tracing relative to buildings and boundary fences.
Pro Tip: Ensure the block plan is dimensioned, drawn to scale, and clearly labeled to avoid any ambiguities.
Inspection Report
The inspection report evaluates the sewer’s condition and includes:
- Sewer type (foul or surface water).
- Pipe size, material, and depth.
- Condition classification based on integrity.
- Observations of defects, connections, and concerns.
- Recommendations for any necessary repairs or maintenance.
- Photographic documentation of significant issues.
4. Ensuring Manhole Access
Manhole access is vital for the CCTV survey equipment to navigate the sewer system. If a suitable manhole isn’t available, you may need to construct one with guidance and permission from the sewer authority. Addressing access issues upfront will save time and prevent delays.
5. What If the Sewer Location Is Incorrect?
It’s not uncommon for sewer plans to contain discrepancies. If the sewer appears misaligned or absent from the marked location, contact your sewer authority for verification before proceeding. Resolving these discrepancies early avoids unnecessary costs and delays.
You’re in Safe Hands
A build-over sewer survey is a small but critical step in ensuring your construction or renovation project runs smoothly. By identifying the location and condition of sewer pipes, you can prevent costly mistakes and delays while meeting all regulatory requirements. At Happy Drains, we combine years of expert knowledge with advanced technology to provide detailed, compliant sewer surveys tailored to your project needs.
Think Happy Thoughts…
Contact Happy Drains today for expert build-over sewer surveys that keep your project on track and compliant!
David & Will
Call 0800 849 8099
