How to Find Drainage Plan for Your House? | Sewer Mapping Techniques
Every house or commercial building has drainage systems running underneath them that are normally overlooked. However, there are certain times when it becomes crucial to know your drainage system, such as building an extension. In this blog, we will guide you on how you can find drainage plans for your house. We will also describe the techniques to map your drainage system.
Where Can I Find Drainage Plans for My House?
Local Council:
The local council is a valuable resource for obtaining house drainage system plans in the UK. Their planning or building control department can provide information on the availability of drainage plans for your area or specific property. They may have records that the public can access, and they can guide you on the necessary steps to obtain the drainage maps. Contacting the council’s relevant department is a recommended starting point for your inquiry.
Previous Owner:
If you have recently purchased a property, reaching out to the previous owner or seller is worth considering. They might have acquired drainage plans from previous property transactions during their ownership. They could provide you with copies of any drainage plans they possess, giving you valuable information about the property’s drainage system. It’s worth contacting them to inquire about the availability of such plans.
Your Neighbour:
Engaging in conversation with your neighbour, especially if they have resided in the area for a considerable time, can be beneficial. They may have knowledge about the typical house drainage layout in the UK. They could offer insights based on their experience or provide you with copies of any drainage plans they have obtained. Establishing a good relationship with your neighbour may facilitate sharing information about the drainage system.
How to Map the Drainage System Beneath Your House?
Utility Mapping:
Utility mapping services, including ground-penetrating radar and electromagnetic locators, are utilised to locate and map underground drainage systems. These techniques help identify the presence and route of pipes and sewers.
CCTV Surveys:
Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) inspections are widely used in the UK to visually inspect and assess the condition of drainage systems. CCTV cameras are inserted into drains and sewers to capture real-time footage and identify any issues or blockages.
Sonar and Lidar Surveys:
Sonar and Lidar technologies are also used to map underground drainage systems in the UK. These techniques provide an accurate 3D mapping of the underground environment, helping identify the layout and features of the drainage network.
Tracer Dyes and Smoke Testing:
Tracer dyes and smoke testing methods are employed to trace the flow of water or smoke through the drainage system. This helps identify the connections, leaks, or blockages in the pipes and provides insights into the layout of the network.
Ground Investigation:
Ground investigation techniques, such as trial pits and boreholes, may be used to gather information about the soil conditions and the depth of drainage pipes. This information aids in mapping the drainage system accurately.
What is included in a Drainage Plan?
Drainage plans typically include important information and details about a property’s drainage system or an area. The specific content can vary depending on the purpose and scope of the plans, but here are some common elements that are often included:
Drainage Network Layout:
The plans show the layout and configuration of the drainage network, including the position and alignment of pipes, drains, manholes, and other components. They illustrate how the drainage system is interconnected and provide an overview of the network’s structure.
Pipe Sizes and Materials:
The plans indicate the sizes and types of pipes used in the drainage system. This information helps determine the capacity and flow characteristics of the system.
Flow Direction and Inverts:
The plans typically depict the flow direction within the drainage network. Arrows or annotations indicate the intended flow path of the wastewater or stormwater. Inverts, which are the elevation of the pipe bottoms at specific locations, may also be included to illustrate the slope and gradient of the pipes.
Connection Points and Manholes:
Drainage plans often identify the locations of connection points, such as property connections or junctions between different sections of the drainage system. They also show the position of manholes, which provide access for maintenance and inspection purposes.
Levels and Gradients:
The plans may include information on the pipes’ levels and gradients, indicating the drainage system’s relative elevation and slope. This data is crucial for assessing the system’s proper functioning and hydraulic performance.
Property Boundaries and Ownership:
Drainage plans sometimes feature property boundaries, indicating the extent of the drainage system’s coverage. They may also include ownership information, specifying which parts of the system are privately owned or maintained by local authorities.
Drainage Design Standards:
In some cases, the plans may reference the applicable drainage design standards or regulations that were followed during the construction or installation of the system. This ensures compliance with established guidelines and requirements.
When Do You Need to Map Your Drainage System?
Property Maintenance: Drain layout helps with routine inspections, maintenance, and addressing issues promptly.
Renovations and Upgrades: Understanding the drain layout ensures that proposed changes do not interfere with existing drainage lines and helps plan necessary adjustments.
Property Development: Drainage plans aid in designing effective drainage systems for new constructions, ensuring compliance with regulations.
Property Ownership and Disputes: Drainage plans clarify ownership, maintenance responsibilities, and liability in case of disputes.
Future Property Transactions: Drainage plans provide valuable information for buyers to assess the condition and functionality of the drainage system.