On 1 October 2011 private sewers and lateral drains were adopted by water companies who became responsible for maintaining the networks.  New rules for building foul water lateral drains and sewers to adoptable standards will be coming into force.  However, DEFRA has not yet published the ‘Mandatory Build Standards’ which will give details of the new rules for England.

The Welsh government will publish the standards for Wales, see http://wales.gov.uk/topics/environmentcountryside/epq/waterflooding/sewers/adoptionarrangements/?lang=en

Builders in England and Wales should contact the relevant water company for advice in advance of carrying out any sewer work or contact the FMB Technical Helpline, Tel: 0870 241 4773.

www.fmb.org.uk/information-and-help/publications/masterbuilder/december-2011/nhbc-building-control/