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Installing Drainage
The decision on whether to construct your drains once
you have reached oversite or damp proof course (DPC)
level with the underbuilding is a tricky one. It may
seem best to get drains out of the way and backfilled
at the same time as all of the other groundworks are
taking place. On the other hand if work on the superstructure
is to continue, they may be in the way, prevent the
erection of scaffolding or get damaged by the ensuing
works. |
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There are two main functions of your Drainage:
The first is to dispose of 'foul water' the domestic waste
from bathrooms, toilets and sinks etc. The second is to deal
with 'surface water,' the rainfall from the roof etc. |
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Key Points |
1 |
The Environment Agency will
need to approve the use of a septic tank, treatment plant
or cesspool. They will expect you to have undertaken your
own soil porosity test as evidence for your election. |
2 |
Surface water is usually dealt with by taking it to
soakaways constructed 5 metres from the home. These
are often simple holes filled with rubble but in areas
of poor Take care when siting off mains drainage systems
as all of them need to be emptied or maintained at times
and tankers can only reach 60 metres. |
3 |
Consider recycling your rainwater, not only is it ecologically
friendly but with our partners tank and assembly kit
it offers a simple alternative. |
4 |
Talk to your Key Account or Sales
Development/Branch Manager about the many different
options for treatment which exist. In certain circumstances
you may need to pump your drainage, our partners have
specific products to help with this. |
5 |
Our drainage sponsors, Hepworth Drainage, offer technical
assistance on all drainage product ranges please contact
our technical advisory service on: Tel 0870 443 5551
or
Fax 0870 443 5552. |
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Foul Drainage
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Foul drainage is best disposed of to the ‘mains drains',
which may be adopted or private at the point of connection.
If mains drainage is available you will be required to connect,
even if this is not the cheapest option. If a sewer is not
available there are at least three other options:
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An on site septic tank. This passes partially
treated effluent into subsoil irrigation.
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A treatment plant. This passes more refined
semi-sterile effluent into subsoil irrigation, a soakaway
or a watercourse.
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A cesspool. This is where the household
effluent is stored for collection and off site disposal.
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Surface Water
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Surface water is usually dealt with by
taking it to soakaways constructed 5 metres from the home.
These are often simple holes filled with rubble but in areas
of poor drainage may have to be more complicated brick or
concrete chambers. If a watercourse is available, this is
the best option. Consider recycling your rainwater, not
only is it ecologically friendly but with our partners tank
and assembly kit it offers a simple alternative.
Most self builders opt for plastic type
drainage, which is easier to handle on site and stand to
test. Drains must be laid in carefully dug trenches and
surrounded by clean pea gravel. All routes must follow straight
lines and all changes of direction must be made at a manhole
or inspection chamber. Falls are usually 1-40 but can go
as low as 1-100 if plastic drainage is used. No drains can
be backfilled before inspection and testing.
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