Why Drain Problems Can Stop Your Home Extension in Derby
Planning a home extension should be exciting, whether you are adding a kitchen, a new bedroom, or a garden room. However, many homeowners in Derby and Derbyshire find their projects delayed because of drainage issues that were never checked before building work began.
Local building regulations require safe distances from public sewers, proof of structural integrity, and confirmation that any work will not damage existing drainage. Without the right checks in place, builders, planning officers, and even Severn Trent Water can halt your extension until the issue is resolved.
A Build Over Drain Survey provides the clarity you need to keep your project on schedule and prevent costly redesigns or construction delays.
Why Extensions Often Run into Drain Problems
Many properties across Derbyshire sit above complex drainage networks. These include:
Public sewers running close to the extension area
Old clay pipes that are cracked or fragile
Shared drainage between neighbouring homes
Drains that were incorrectly mapped or not mapped at all
Previous extensions that were built without proper surveys
When builders begin digging and discover these issues, your project can be stopped immediately until a professional assessment is completed.
What Is a Build Over Drain Survey?
A Build Over Drain Survey is a specialist CCTV inspection carried out when building near or over an existing sewer. The purpose is to confirm the condition, location, and structural integrity of the drainage system before any work begins.
Our survey includes:
High definition CCTV footage of the pipework
A written report accepted by Severn Trent Water
The exact layout and depth of drains beneath the extension area
Identification of defects such as cracks, blockages, or root ingress
Recommendations to ensure your project meets approval requirements
This survey is mandatory in many cases, especially when building within three metres of a public sewer.
Why Builders and Architects Rely on Drain Surveys
Construction teams need accurate drainage information to design safe and compliant foundations. Without this information, the following risks arise:
Foundations placed directly above damaged pipes
Heavy loads causing pipe collapse
Misaligned drainage affecting neighbours
Delays due to re-design or excavation
Failed inspections from building control officers
Providing a Build Over Drain Survey in advance helps your builder stay on schedule and prevents surprises during excavation.
Common Drain Problems Found During Extension Surveys
During Build Over inspections across Derby, Hilton, and Burton, we regularly find:
Cracked clay pipes beneath planned foundation areas
Tree root intrusions near garden extensions
Collapsed drains due to previous building work
Drains located in unexpected positions due to old mapping
Redundant or misconnected pipes that need sealing
The good news is that most of these defects can be repaired quickly. Identifying them early prevents far bigger problems during construction.
The Cost of Delayed Drain Checks
When drain issues are discovered after digging has already started, homeowners often face:
Additional engineering costs
Stop work orders from building control
Fees for last minute re-designs
Delays that extend the entire project timeline
Potential disputes with neighbours or contractors
A Build Over Drain Survey is a small investment that protects your budget, timeline, and legal compliance.
How Our Build Over Survey Process Works
Our surveyors at Derby Drain Surveys follow a clear and efficient process:
Initial assessment: We review your extension plans and identify drainage areas that need inspection.
CCTV drainage check: Our engineer accesses manholes and inspects all pipework in the build zone.
HD recording and defect grading: We record the internal condition of drains and identify any issues.
Written report: You receive a clear, Severn Trent compliant document accepted by planning teams.
Advice on next steps: If repairs are needed, we outline cost effective solutions.
Most surveys are completed in under two hours and reports are delivered promptly.
Professional Treatments That Keep Your Extension Moving
If issues are identified, our team offers practical and fast treatments:
Pipe relining to repair cracks without excavation
Root cutting to clear intrusions affecting pipe structure
High pressure jet washing to remove blockages
Drain mapping to support architectural planning
Sealing redundant connections to prevent future problems
These treatments ensure your drains are safe, strong, and ready for construction work above them.
Why Choose Derby Drain Surveys
With over 20 years of industry experience, we support homeowners, architects, and builders throughout the extension process. We understand local authority requirements, Severn Trent Water standards, and the specific challenges of Derbyshire’s drainage network.
Clients choose us because we provide:
Professional, HD CCTV surveys
Fast turnaround to keep projects moving
Clear reports accepted by planning teams
Local knowledge and honest advice
Cost effective repair options if needed
We help you complete your extension safely and without disruption.
Avoid Delays. Get Your Project Moving Today
A Build Over Drain Survey is essential for any extension involving drainage. Do not wait until the builder is digging or the planning team raises concerns. Get the information you need now.
Click here to book your Build Over Drain Survey or learn more about our professional CCTV drain inspections for home extensions in Derbyshire.
📍 Based in Derby. Serving Derbyshire, Hilton, Burton, and surrounding Midlands towns.
