If you are responsible for building or renovating any property, including its drainage system, you need to be aware of UK building regulations.

These regulations ensure that a building’s drainage system is safe, functional, and environmentally friendly. This is critical if your property is likely to experience high footfall or it’s accessed by the public. Here are some of those essential regulations.

Approved Document H

This Government document (from the Building Regulations 2010) provides guidance on drainage and waste disposal, covering various key aspects of a system, including:

  • Foul Water Drainage. This includes the design and construction of drainage systems for wastewater from sinks, toilets, and other appliances.
  • Surface Water Drainage. This involves managing rainwater runoff from roofs, driveways, and other surfaces.
  • Soakaways and drainage fields. These systems allow rainwater to infiltrate the ground or disperse safely.
  • Solid waste storage. The less said, the better.

Key requirements for a compliant drainage system

Government regulations stipulate some key requisites common to any system. These include:

  • The separation of foul and surface water. Foul water drainage systems must be separate from surface water drainage systems in order to prevent environmental contamination.
  • ‘Adequate capacity’. Drainage systems must be designed to handle the expected flow of wastewater and rainwater. This will vary greatly between a private home, a business property and a building which accommodates occupants, such as a hotel or hospital.
  • Proper ventilation. Drainage systems require adequate ventilation to prevent siphoning and ensuring a smooth flow.
  • Access for maintenance. Drainage systems must be designed to allow for easy access and maintenance. This is very important for our teams at Drain and Sewer Services to work safely.

Compliance and enforcement

Compliance with building regulations is crucial to ensure that drainage systems are safe to operate and function correctly, avoiding health or pollution risks.

Local authorities are responsible for enforcing building regulations, and they can inspect a site to check that contractors are complying with regulations.

The benefits of compliance

It’s tempting to think of compliance with building regulations for drainage systems is a bureaucratic burden which no-one is going to see, but they do serve a purpose and they benefit building operators.

A poorly designed or built drainage systems increases the risk of blockages, backing-up and flooding, causing damage to your property along with the cost and reputational damage from having to close your operation for a period.

However, an effective system protects and enhances the local environment. This improves the experience of employees, visitors or inhabitants and is a plus for your reputation.

Regular maintenance

Understanding the regulations helps you to create a drainage system that meets the needs of your business and its occupants, while protecting the environment. However, your responsibilities don’t end there.

Regular maintenance and inspections are also essential to ensure the continued effectiveness of your property’s drainage system. A routine contract with a specialist company ensures that your property’s drainage systems are safe, functional, and environmentally friendly.

Your drain and sewer partner

At Drain and Sewer Services we offer maintenance contract services, including septic tank and gutter maintenance. Our unobtrusive CCTV inspection service lets us quickly check your drainage systems for problems or damage.

We also offer a 24-hour emergency response service, including drain repairs, flooding response and unblocking drains, to keep your property in prime condition.

With more than 50 years’ experience our trained teams are qualified to work in public areas and confined spaces, using the latest technology to ensure your drainage systems are working efficiently and supporting your operation. NRSWA Streetworks accredited, we carry out road and surface works and we make good all necessary underground work safely and with minimal disruption.

If you would like to talk to Drains and Sewer Services about our drain maintenance or repair services, then call us on 01252 312738 or email info@drainandsewer.co.uk for more information or a free quote.