Build Over Drainage Survey in Stoke-on-Trent
Build over drain survey carried out at a residential property in Stoke-on-Trent for a regular architect client, supporting plans for a proposed extension over an existing shared drainage line.
The CCTV drainage survey assessed the condition, alignment and performance of the existing below-ground drainage infrastructure before construction, helping identify whether any defects needed attention before the build began.
Location: Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire
Service: Build over drain survey
Overview
We were instructed by an architect we regularly work with to carry out a build over drain survey in Stoke-on-Trent.
The homeowner was planning a proposed extension over a shared drainage line, meaning the condition and route of the existing drainage system needed to be assessed before the project could progress.
Build over drainage surveys are commonly required where a proposed extension or structure is planned over or near a shared sewer or public drainage line. The survey helps confirm the condition of the pipework, records any existing defects, and provides supporting evidence for the architect, homeowner, contractor and local water authority.
For this project, the purpose of the inspection was to assess the condition, alignment and operational performance of the existing below-ground drainage infrastructure and identify whether any defects could affect the proposed development.
What we did
We carried out a CCTV drainage survey using specialist drainage inspection equipment, surveying all accessible sections of the relevant pipework where conditions permitted.
The survey was completed to assess:
The condition of the existing drainage line
The alignment of the pipework below ground
The operational performance of the drainage system
Any defects that could affect the proposed build over works
Whether remedial works were required before construction began
The suitability of the drainage system to remain in use during and after the proposed extension
The inspection identified several medium displaced joints within the drainage line. These had caused moderate misalignment between adjoining pipe sections, creating localised irregularities within the internal bore of the pipework.
Some minor settled deposits were also observed along the invert of the pipework. However, these deposits were not causing any significant reduction in drainage capacity at the time of the inspection.
The channel and inverts were found to be functioning correctly, with no evidence of surcharge, substantial ponding or complete obstruction recorded during the survey.
Outcome
The build over drain survey confirmed that the existing drainage infrastructure was in a serviceable condition and suitable to remain operational in connection with the proposed build over works.
Although several medium displaced joints were identified, the defects were not having a significant effect on the operation of the drainage system at the time of survey. No major fractures, collapses or other defects requiring immediate intervention were identified within the surveyed sections. The displaced joints should still be recorded and monitored as part of any future drainage inspections. Defects of this nature can create areas where debris may collect and may deteriorate over time due to ground movement, continued loading or construction activity.
We advised that care should be taken during construction to ensure the existing drainage infrastructure is properly protected from accidental damage, excessive loading and the entry of building materials or debris. Any build over works should be completed in line with the relevant building regulations and the requirements of the local water authority.
A post-construction CCTV drainage survey was also recommended once the extension works are complete. This will confirm that the existing drainage system has not been adversely affected by the build and remains clear, functional and serviceable. This project is a strong example of how build over drain surveys help architects, homeowners and contractors plan extension works with greater confidence by confirming the condition and suitability of shared drainage infrastructure before construction begins.
Location
This project was carried out at a residential property in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, as part of a build over agreement for a completed extension.
We regularly undertake pre-build and post-build over CCTV drainage surveys across Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire and the surrounding areas, helping homeowners, architects and contractors obtain water authority approval and sign-off from providers such as Severn Trent.
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