Sewer connections
From filing your Section 106 application to the project groundworks and construction, we cover all aspects of the sewer connection process across the east and south east of England.
Compliant public sewer connections
We work closely with local water authorities to ensure full compliance, enabling us to legally connect to public sewers.
50+ years experience
We leverage our years of industry expertise to help you save time and money on your project.
Free advice available
We’re here to help, and happy to offer advice, recommendations, and a free, no-obligation quote.Sewer connection contractors for the whole of the South East
Sewer connections act as the essential link between your property’s personal drainage system and the public sewer network, safely transporting foul and surface water to the main sewers. Without a proper, approved connection (or safe alternative), you run the risk of flooding the ground beneath your building, causing significant damage to the surrounding environment, and incurring serious fines.
Several situations may require a sewer connection, including new builds, property extensions, upgrading old systems, or connecting to newly accessible public sewers. Whatever the reason, it’s crucial to hire professionals for the planning and execution to ensure full compliance with the UK’s various legal regulations.
With over five decades of experience, we have the skills and local water authority relationships necessary to plan and build compliant sewer connections, as well as file for Section 106 applications. We turn what might seem like an overwhelming process into a simple, manageable project, handled by complete professionals.
How the mains sewer connection process works
The Premier Drainage Solutions team follows a clear process for its sewer connection work, and we keep you updated every step of the way.
- Initial consultation – If you have already identified that you require a sewer connection, give us a call to discuss. If you accept our free, no-obligation quote, we’ll get to work on understanding your needs and planning the sewer connection.
- Obtaining water authority permission – If you haven’t already done so, we can assist with or file for a Section 107 application, which is a legal requirement for connecting to a public sewer.
- Other permissions – Sometimes, we may need to access the sewer through a public road or pavement. If this is the case for you, we’ll assist with a Section 50 application and any other necessary local council permissions.
- Groundwork and construction – Once permission is granted via Section 106 by your local water authority, we’ll conduct the physical work. This includes excavating to gain access to the sewer and preparing and installing all necessary pipework.
- Final inspection – Once the works are complete, we will fully inspect and sign off on the newly installed sewer connection.
Why choose Premier Drainage Solutions?
By choosing to work with Premier Drainage Solutions, you’ll benefit from a team of fully-certified professionals with over 50 years of industry experience. We are leaders in our field, which we prove time and time again in the way we conduct our work, the specialist equipment we use, and our commitment to outstanding customer service.
We believe in early contractor involvement to help save you time and money on your sewer connection project. We offer free advice on which sewer connection method is best suited to the job, and the best time to carry out the connection works.
As experienced professionals with strong relationships to local water authorities, we’re more than happy to handle the compliance paperwork, including Section 106 applications and Section 50 applications.
Installing a sewer connection is complex, with many legal requirements to navigate. However, we are here to help you through this process, keeping you informed and taking on much of the communication if required.
Sewer Connections FAQs
What are the different types of sewer connections?
There are six different types of sewer connections:
- Surface water sewer connections – rainwater from driveways, pavements, roads, and rooftops
- Foul water sewer connections – wastewater from toilets, showers, sinks, baths, dishwashers, and washing machines
- Combined sewer connections – foul water and surface water (this is not an ideal option and typically a last resort; see our ‘combined foul and surface water’ FAQ below for more info)
- Trade sewer connections – wastewater from industrial properties
- Trunk sewer connections – wastewater from smaller street sewers (very complex; only local authorities can carry out these works)
- Chemical sewer connections – corrosive and/or toxic wastewater from plants, labs, and other industrial properties (very complex; only local authorities can carry out these works)
There are also different types of sewer connection methods, which will be chosen based on the situation. These include:
- Preformed junctions
- Oblique drainage junctions
- Square drainage junctions
- Saddles
- Manholes (existing and new)
Do you need permission to connect to a sewer?
Yes, it is a legal requirement to get permission from your local water authority before connecting to the public sewer. This is called a Section 106 application. If the works require digging through a public highway, you will also need to complete a Section 50 application.
Speak to professional teams such as ours if you need help identifying what you need to apply for, or if you’d like us to handle the applications for you.
How much does it cost to connect to a sewer?
The cost of connecting your property to a public sewer system will vary depending on a variety of factors, including:
- Distance from the main sewer
- Size of the sewer connection needed
- Systems are already in place
- Type of drainage needed.
We offer free, no-obligation quotes, so get in touch today for an estimated cost.
Can I have a combined foul and surface water connection?
You can have a combined foul and surface water connection, but the ideal scenario is to have separate sewer connections. If there is both a surface water sewer and a foul water sewer in the local vicinity, then two separate connections should be made.
However, if it has been deemed impossible for surface water to be discharged into the ground or a local watercourse, then it may be possible for surface water to be accepted into a public sewer as a last resort. You will need to provide evidence of this to the local water authority, such as percolation test results, the relevant section of a ground investigation report, or an email or letter from Building Control.
What is the difference between a direct and indirect connection?
A direct connection is any connection that leads straight into a public sewer.
An indirect connection is any connection that goes to a private drain or sewer first, then to a public sewer. A private drain may serve just one property, but sometimes it could serve several. An example of this would be a row of houses that share a drain network, which then leads into a public sewer.
“The job went well, the men carrying out the works were great – as are the office staff. The extra works needed were dealt with swiftly and I am extremely happy with all aspects of Premier Drainage.”
Tracey Russ
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Find us
P4 Allen House Business Centre The Maltings, Station Road Sawbridgeworth Herts CM21 9JX
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