Drainage works are not always the first thing homeowners associate with the Party Wall Act.
However, new drains are often installed at the same time as extensions, and the excavation needed to construct them can sometimes become relevant.
Does installing a drain automatically require notice?
No.
The installation or repair of a drain does not automatically require a Party Wall Notice.
The question is whether the associated works fall within the provisions of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
Excavation may be the important point
New drainage runs can require trenches or chambers to be excavated.
Where excavation is close to a neighbouring building and extends sufficiently deep, the excavation provisions of the Act may apply.
The assessment therefore depends on matters including:
- the depth of the trench;
- its distance from the adjoining structure;
- the depth of neighbouring foundations; and
- whether the drainage forms part of wider building works.
Drains near the boundary
Drainage frequently runs close to boundaries, particularly on terraced properties and side-return extensions.
Care is needed to distinguish between Party Wall issues, drainage rights and questions of land ownership.
These are not necessarily the same thing.
Shared drains
A shared or public sewer can also introduce separate requirements.
Depending on the circumstances, you may need advice from your designer, Building Control, drainage specialist or water authority.
Again, this is separate from Party Wall compliance.
Review the drainage plan with the foundations
The most sensible approach is to review all proposed excavations together.
It is common for the extension foundations to require Party Wall notice even where the drainage trench itself would not.
Simple Survey can review the proposals
If your extension or refurbishment includes drainage close to a neighbouring property, Simple Survey can review the drawings and advise whether the Party Wall Act is likely to apply.
Contact Simple Survey before excavation starts and let us help you establish the correct procedure.