Utilities

If you are planning to make alterations to your property, you need to find out if the work is near a water pipe and if so, you may need to request permission from the water company to build over or divert the pipe.

Even if your project falls within the permitted development rules or does not need building regulations approval, it does not mean that you can build over or near a sewer.

Find out more from our drains and sewers guidance¹.

Building Regulations information relating to Drainage and Waste Disposal can be found in Approved Document H².

Maintenance

Most pipes within the boundary of a property are the responsibility of the owner to maintain. Some of these may also be shared between property owners and a water company. If you are unsure about where the reasonability falls of maintaining a water pipe, you should contact the water company supplying the property or check the property deeds. Water companies will have maps of sewers and water mains that they are responsible for, so will be able to help you establish ownership.

Ofwat have useful information regarding ascertaining ownership³.

1. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/drains-and-sewers
2. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/applications/building-control-applications/building-control/approved-documents/part-h-drainage-and-waste-disposal/approved-document-h
3. https://www.ofwat.gov.uk/households/supply-and-standards/supply-pipes/