Re-Use of Existing Sewer Connection

[benben5555]

Hi, we are in the process of a demo and rebuild. We have an existing combined connection to the public sewer that we are planning to reuse. Do we need to seek approval from Severn Trent for this? The new house is a lot bigger so there will be an increased flow. I'm guessing the correct answer is that it is probably best to inform them, but I'm keen to avoid additional costs and hassle. 

[Mr Punter]

You may need to use a soakaway for your surface water, especially if you propose more impermeable area v. the current arrangement.

[Jilly]

Did you have a Suds planning condition? 

[Johnnyt]

We connected to our neighbours existing combined system. (with their permission)

Building control were fine as we are on clay with no chance of a soakaway.

United utilities merely advised us the hierarchy for connection, with connection to combined being the lowest of 4 but no issues as they left it for BC to deal.

[Conor]

Say nothing to Severn Trent. You have the right to use it.

 

However, you should keep storm water separate and use soak aways and other discharges / SUDS methods were possible.

 

Yours, a water / environmental engineer.

 

[benben5555]

We've already done a soakaway test which failed as we are on heavy clay so BC are happy that soakaways are not suitable

[RC28]

Hi Ben,

 

We are in the same situation, demo and rebuild with larger footprint, existing property surface water was into the foul, failed soakaway due to clay etc etc.

 

I had wanted to run the new surface water into the existing foul but BC says we need confirmation from to Severn Trent.

 

I've been told that we have a separate foul and surface water drains on the street, but would rather do some kind of attenuation/storage.

 

Did anything come of yours? have you got it sorted now?

 

Thanks