Why Drain Problems Can Bring Your Extension to a Halt
If you are planning a home extension in Derby, Mickleover, Hilton, or Burton, drainage checks are one of the most important steps in the early stages of your project. Builders and planning officers must confirm that your extension will not damage existing drains, and that any public sewers beneath or near the proposed structure are fully protected.
Unfortunately, many projects are delayed because the drains were never inspected. Homeowners often discover too late that the extension foundation sits on top of a public sewer, or that the existing pipework is cracked, misaligned, or structurally weak.
A Build Over Drain Survey provides the clarity needed to keep your project moving without unexpected setbacks.
Why Drainage Affects Planning Approval
Extensions must comply with building regulations and local water authority requirements. Before approval, Severn Trent Water requires confirmation that:
Drains beneath the extension footprint are structurally sound
The extension will not obstruct future access to the drain
Pipework is correctly mapped and installed
No foundation work will damage the drainage system
The extension will not compromise neighbouring properties
Without a professional survey, these points cannot be confirmed, and planning approval can be withheld.
How Drainage Issues Cause Extension Delays
During excavation, builders may discover:
A public sewer running beneath the proposed foundations
Cracked pipes that cannot support a structure above them
Misaligned joints that need repair before building can continue
Old clay or pitch fibre drains that are not structurally safe
Root intrusion weakening the drainage system
Unmapped or unknown drainage routes
When this happens, work must stop immediately until a drain survey is completed and the necessary corrections are made.
What a Build Over Drain Survey Includes
A Build Over Drain Survey is a detailed CCTV inspection carried out before construction begins. The survey confirms whether the drains in the build area are safe, compliant, and suitable for the extension.
Our survey includes:
High definition CCTV footage
A detailed written report accepted by Severn Trent Water
Mapping of all drainage lines in the work zone
Identification of cracks, blockages, displaced joints, or collapses
Condition grading for each section of pipe
Recommendations to achieve compliance
This ensures your extension is built safely and legally.
Common Drain Problems Found Beneath Extensions
Across Derbyshire, we frequently uncover issues such as:
Cracked clay pipes beneath garden extensions
Tree root intrusion from nearby trees or hedges
Collapsed pipe sections caused by older construction
Disconnected or redundant drains from previous alterations
Misconnected pipework leading to incorrect flow direction
These problems can lead to serious structural issues if ignored, which is why surveys are essential.
Repair Solutions That Keep Your Project on Track
If the survey identifies defects, Derby Drain Surveys offers professional treatments including:
Pipe relining to restore structural integrity
Patch repairs for small cracks or fractures
Root cutting to remove intrusive growth
High pressure jet washing to clear heavy deposits
Drain replacement for severely damaged sections
Descaling to improve flow and drainage performance
These solutions ensure the drainage system can support your extension safely.
Why Builders and Architects Recommend Drain Surveys
A Build Over Drain Survey provides essential information during the design phase, including:
Foundation placement
Drain access points
Required building control approvals
Potential risks beneath the extension
Accurate mapping for construction teams
Without this information, builders must work with uncertainty, increasing the risk of costly delays and redesigns.
Why Derbyshire Homes Often Need Drain Checks Before Extending
Many homes in Derbyshire have older drainage systems made from clay, pitch fibre, or mixed materials. These systems are more vulnerable to age related deterioration and are easily damaged by excavation or additional load from an extension.
Newer developments often face different issues, such as poorly mapped drainage routes or rushed installation work.
A Build Over Drain Survey identifies all these concerns before they impact your project.
Benefits of Completing a Survey Early
Carrying out a professional drain survey before building begins helps you:
Avoid project delays
Prevent structural issues
Secure planning approval more easily
Provide evidence to Severn Trent Water
Reduce the risk of costly mid build repairs
Give your builder accurate information from day one
This ensures a smoother, safer, and more predictable construction process.
Why Choose Derby Drain Surveys
We have more than 20 years of experience in drainage and construction, supporting homeowners, architects, and building companies across Derbyshire. Clients choose us because we offer:
HD CCTV inspections
Fast turnaround
Clear, compliant reporting
Honest and practical advice
Local knowledge of drainage networks
Cost effective repair treatments
We help you keep your extension on track and eliminate drainage related delays.
Keep Your Extension Moving Forward
If your extension has been delayed or you are preparing to build, now is the time to complete a Build Over Drain Survey. Avoid costly surprises and get the clarity your project needs.
Click here to book your Build Over Drain Survey or
learn more about our professional CCTV drain inspections for home extensions in Derbyshire.
📍 Serving Derby, Mickleover, Hilton, Burton, and surrounding areas.
