Build Over Drain survey in Meir, Stoke-on-Trent
Build over drainage survey carried out for an architect’s client ahead of a planned residential extension, helping support water authority approval to build over a shared drainage line.
Our survey mapped the private and public drainage network within the proposed build area, identified existing defects, and provided clear recommendations before construction works began.
Location: Meir, Stoke-on-Trent - Staffordshire
Service: Build over drain survey
Overview
We were instructed to carry out a build over drainage survey on behalf of the client of an architect, who was preparing plans for a residential extension.
The proposed works involved building over a shared drainage line located within the rear garden. Before the project could move forward, the homeowner needed to obtain approval from the relevant water authority. A build over drainage survey is often required where construction works are planned close to or directly above a public or shared sewer. The survey helps confirm the location, route, depth and condition of the drainage assets before any building work begins.
For this project, our role was to inspect the drainage network within the proposed extension area and provide the evidence required to support the build over application.
What we did
We carried out a full drainage survey across the site of the proposed extension to understand the layout and condition of both the private drainage system and the public shared drainage line. The survey allowed us to identify how the drainage network ran through the rear garden, which sections were affected by the proposed build area, and whether there were any existing defects that needed to be addressed before construction. Our work included:
Surveying the drainage system within the proposed extension footprint
Mapping the private and public drainage network
Identifying the shared drainage line requiring water authority approval
Assessing the condition of the existing pipework
Reviewing private drainage sections that could be affected during construction
Providing recommendations for remedial works where required
Producing evidence to support the build over approval process
Although the build over survey was required to help secure approval for the shared line, it was also important to inspect the private drainage sections. These areas can often be overlooked, but they may still be affected by excavation, foundation works, loading or construction activity.
In this case, the survey identified a section of private drainage beneath the proposed build area showing signs of structural deterioration, including a displacement and cracking. We recommended installing structural patch liners at the affected locations to stabilise the pipework, prevent further deterioration and reduce the risk of the defects worsening during construction.
Outcome
The build over drainage survey provided the homeowner and architect with the information needed to support the water authority application for the proposed extension over the shared drainage line. The survey also gave the homeowner valuable insight into the condition of the private drainage system before construction began.
By identifying structural defects before the build started, the project team could plan remedial works at the right stage, rather than discovering the issue later when access may have been more difficult, disruptive or expensive.
This project is a strong example of why build over drainage surveys are not just a box-ticking exercise for water authority approval. They can also identify hidden drainage issues beneath the proposed build area, helping homeowners, architects and contractors make informed decisions before construction works begin.
Location
This project was carried out in Meir, Stoke-on-Trent. We regularly undertake build over drainage surveys across Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire and the surrounding areas, including Longton, Fenton, Hanley, Trentham, Blurton, Barlaston, Caverswall, Blythe Bridge and Newcastle-under-Lyme.
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