We provide a number of services in relation to our wastewater network. These include sewer connections, sewer adoptions (existing and new), building over a public sewer, sewer diversions and sewer requisitions.
Connecting to a public sewer
All domestic customers are entitled to connect their drains to our sewer system. But written approval from us is required before any new connection to a sewer is made. A pack 'How to apply for a sewer connection' is available which explains the procedure and contains the application forms. This can be obtained by contacting our call centre or by downloading it. It is a good idea to speak to our network operations staff prior to making an application to discuss your proposed connection via our call centre on 0845 602 0406.
Please note that it is not permitted to enter into any public sewer or sewer manhole for any reason without the express written consent of United Utilities. Unauthorised entry into the public sewerage system is in contravention of Health and Safety legislation and may result in prosecution.
We reserve the right to make the connection to our sewer and to ask you to pay the costs. If we decide to allow you or your contractor to do the work, it must be done under our supervision and at your cost. We can in certain circumstances refuse permission for new connections to our sewers. For example we would not allow a foul drain to be connected to a surface water sewer, nor generally surface water to a foul or combined sewer. When a property is connected to the public sewer network for the first time a sewerage infrastructure charge is payable to us. This is usually collected at the same time as the charges for any new water supply to the property.
If you are a developer who requires further information about making a connection to a public sewer, please consult the developers guide.
Adoption of an existing sewer
If you wish to request the adoption of an existing sewer by us, you will need to apply for a section 102 (S102) sewer adoption. You will have to demonstrate that the sewers have been properly designed, constructed and maintained and are suitable for adoption as public sewers. When adopted the sewers will be maintained at our expense. You will be required to pay the costs involved with inspecting the sewers and any remedial work prior to adoption.
For more information on a section 102 sewer adoption please read our guidelines.
Adoption of a new sewer
It is possible to arrange a section 104 (S104) agreement with us, prior to construction, for us to adopt sewers constructed to the nationally agreed standard as set out in the 'Sewers for Adoption' document. This document is published by WRc plc on behalf of Water UK, the association of UK Water Companies. For more information visit the WRc plc website. Our developers guide to wastewater adoptions is available here; and the pumping station adoption agenda here.
Planning permission and pre-planning advice
Before construction can begin, most types of development or building work will need planning permission from the local planning authority.
Whilst United Utilities is not a statutory consultee for planning applications, we proactively review all applications for planning permission that are submitted to local authorities, to ensure that we can support the proposed development and our assets i.e. water & wastewater pipes, are protected from being inappropriately built over.
In the case of larger developments, we will support developers with pre-planning advice. It is usually possible to re-design the layout of developments to avoid building over our assets or alternatively a diversion might be required.
Our Developer Services and Asset Protection Team can be contacted via planning.liaison@uuplc.co.uk
Building over a public sewer
If you are planning any development; building a structure or extending an existing property, you will need to check the location of the public sewers.
When a sewer or drain belongs to United Utilities, you need our agreement to build over or near to these pipes, even if they are located on your land. This is so that we can make sure that the pipes are protected from any potential damage caused by the development, ensure that they are accessible for maintenance and repair, and ultimately to make sure that the service we provide to you is unaffected by the new development.
United Utilities is working with Building Control Bodies i.e. Local Authority Building Control Departments and/or Independent Approved Inspectors, to make this approval process as efficient as possible. Find further information on how to arrange approval to build over or within close proximity to our assets.
Diverting an existing sewer
If the location of a public sewer prevents land development or a property extension, it may be possible to divert the sewer(s) on a site as part of an adoption agreement (section 104/116) or we may divert the sewer on a chargeable basis (section 185).
To request a sewer diversion please call 01925 679 364.
Requisition of a sewer
If you have a site with no means of drainage to an existing public sewer due to third party land and cannot agree an easement with that third party, you may need us to construct a new public sewer. You will be required to contribute towards the cost of the work. For further information please call 01925 679 364.