Are drains shown on deeds?
When you purchase a property, you will usually receive a set of legal documents known as the 'deeds'. These give details about the ownership of your property and sometimes can highlight the existence of drainage systems. However, drains and other utility services are not always included in the deeds for your property as they are not directly required to transfer title.
Drainage plans may be noted in the deeds if they provide details about services near the house, such as external sewers or surface water systems. The deeds will also include maps of the property’s boundaries – if there is a drain located on your land, it should be shown on the map. If the drainage plans are unclear or outdated, your local council may be able to provide a more up-to-date copy.
However, it is important to bear in mind that while the deeds for your property may provide some information about the property's drainage plans, these documents do not provide detailed information about where exactly the drains are located on your land. It is therefore recommended that you consult a professional surveyor for any further information about the presence of drains on your property.
Where is the main drain located in a house?
The main drain in a house is typically located just outside the boundary of the property, or near the front of the house. In most instances, the main drain will be run from the upper floor bathroom to the nearest public sewer. Drainage companies should be able to identify the main drain and provide advice on any maintenance works that may be required.
In the event that the main drain runs beneath an extension or conservatory, it is advisable to have the drains surveyed prior to carrying out any work. This will help prevent any inadvertent damage to the pipes and make sure that any construction works are carried out in accordance with requirements.
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Get a QuoteHow do I find out about drainage on my property?
The best way of finding out about drainage on your property is to consult the relevant local authority. The local government's website will provide detailed information about the location and ownership of sewers in the area. They should also be able to provide advice about any maintenance work that may need to be carried out.
Another option is to speak to your local water company. They should be able to provide you with a map of the water network in the area, which will identify any publicly maintained sewers in close proximity to your property.
Finally, it is also possible to hire a private contractor or engineer to carry out a survey of your property. This is often the most reliable way of gaining an accurate understanding of what drains may exist on your land.
How do you find out if your property has a soakaway?
A soakaway is a positioning feature that is designed to disperse excess surface water away from a house and into the ground. To find out whether a soakaway exists at your property, you should consult an experienced drainage engineer. They will be able to carry out a thorough inspection of your property and inspect any surface water channels and drainage systems.
It is also possible to contact your local water company and ask if they hold a record of any existing soakaways in the area. Depending on the age of your property, the local authority may also be able to provide information about the existence of soakaways.
How do I find out who a drain belongs to?
If your property has external drains, it is likely that they will belong to the local water authority. To find out the exact ownership of any drains on your property, it is best to contact your local authority. They will be able to provide you with detailed information on the ownership of the drains, as well as offer advice on any repair works or maintenance that may be necessary.
If your property is connected to a main public sewer, then ownership of the drain will usually lie with the local water authority. However, in some cases, private drains may run across individual properties, especially if several separate properties are connected to the same sewers. In this case, ownership of the drain would remain with the person or people that own the houses.
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