Part 5 Substructure and ground floors

Chapter 5.3
Drainage below ground
 5.3 Drainage below ground

CONTENTS SCOPE
Clause Page
DESIGN This Chapter gives guidance on meeting the Technical
Design standards D1 1 Requirements and recommendations for the design and the
Statutory requirements D2 1 construction of foul, surface water and ground water drainage
systems.
Drainage system design D3-D6 1-2
Design to avoid damage D7 2
Foul and surface water disposal D8 3
Ground water drainage D9 4
Provision of information D10-D11 4

MATERIALS
Materials standards M1 4
Drainage materials M2 4

SITEWORK
Sitework standards S1 5
Preliminary work S2 5
Excavation S3 5
Laying pipework S4 5
Protection of pipework S5 6
5.3

Access points and gullies S6 6

Cesspools S7 7
Septic tanks S8 7
Surface water soakaways S9 7
Testing S10 8
Protection of work S11 8

APPENDIX 5.3-A
Minimum dimensions for access fittings 9
and chambers
APPENDIX 5.3-B
Percolation test procedures for septic 10
tank installations
APPENDIX 5.3-C
Septic tank field drain design 11
APPENDIX 5.3-D
Cross section of typical underdrain 12
APPENDIX 5.3-E
Percolation test procedures for surface 12
water soakaways

INDEX 14

Page 3 Chapter 5.3 2013

 Drainage below ground 5.3
DESIGN STANDARDS DRAINAGE SYSTEM Air admittance valves which have been
assessed in accordance with Technical
DESIGN Requirement R3 may be used in some
5.3 - D1 Design shall meet the Technical
5.3 - D3 Drainage systems shall be dwellings to prevent trap seal siphonage.
Requirements
designed to convey foul effluents and An open vent is generally required at the
Design that follows the guidance below will surface water satisfactorily to an head of common drainage systems and
be acceptable for drainage below ground. appropriate outfall where the discharge pipe is the only vent
for a septic tank or cesspool.
Items to be taken into account include:
STATUTORY (b) prevention of gases entering the
(a) compliance with codes and standards
REQUIREMENTS Guidance on drainage design is given in BS dwelling
5.3 - D2 Design shall comply with all EN 752. RADON
relevant statutory requirements In certain geographical locations special
(b) compatibility with the existing main
precautions may be necessary to reduce
Design should be in accordance with sewerage system
the entry of radon gas, for example where
relevant Building Regulations and other The drainage system should be designed
drains enter buildings. Areas in England
statutory requirements. to be compatible with the main sewerage
where special precautions are necessary
system:
All drainage schemes require the approval are detailed in BRE Report 211.
• as a combined system, or
of the Building Control Authority. Local
• with separate systems for foul water and LANDFILL AND OTHER GASES
sewerage undertakers may impose
surface water, or Precautions to be taken when building
additional requirements and restrictions.
• with separate systems where foul water where landfill or other gases may be
Both should be consulted early, especially
is connected to the main sewer, while present are given in BRE Report 212.
where the drainage system is to be
surface water disposal is by soakaways
adopted under an agreement under Where necessary ensure that drains are
or other suitable means.
Section 104 of the Water Industry Act sealed where they enter the building.
Where the sewerage undertaker permits
1991 or Sewerage (Scotland) Act 1968.
surface water drains to be connected to a
The system may need to be inspected and (c) siting of septic tanks and cesspools
foul water system an interceptor should
tested by the sewerage undertaker, as well Septic tanks and cesspools should be at

5.3
be installed on the surface water side of
as by the Local Authority, Building Control least 7m from a dwelling and within 30m of
the foul sewer junction, or trapped gullies
Authority and NHBC. a vehicular access to permit emptying. In
should be used.
Scotland they should be at least 5m from a
Sewers which are to be adopted under an surface water manhole
dwelling and a boundary.
agreement under Section 104 of the Water
Industry Act 1991 or Sewerage (Scotland) interceptor public (d) pumped systems
combined
Act 1968 are outside the scope of this sewer Where a gravity system is not possible,
foul
document. For information on standards pumps may have to be used. Pumped
required for adopted sewers, contact manhole systems should be designed in accordance
the local sewerage undertaker and other with BS EN 752 and BS 6297. The
relevant Authorities. installation should include:
Where ground water drains are connected • holding tank of sufficient volume to
Satisfactory outfall disposal is essential
to surface water drains, there should be a contain 24 hours domestic effluent
where a septic tank is installed. In England
silt trap on the ground water side of the based on 120L/150L per head per day
and Wales the Environment Agency
junction. • suitable warning system giving visual
consent may be needed to discharge
effluent from a septic tank. In Northern and/or audible signals to indicate system
(c) rights of connection to disposal
Ireland the Department of the Environment malfunction
systems
should approve proposals, in Scotland the • suitable equipment housing.
Ensure that a legal right exists when
Local Authority and, where appropriate, connecting drains to an outfall. 5.3 - D5 Drainage systems shall
the River Purification Authority should be designed to minimise the risk of
approve proposals. (d) capacity of private sewers blockage
Private drainage systems should be
Ground conditions may preclude the use sufficient to cope with the intended Items to be taken into account include:
of septic tanks in some locations. In all capacity. The design should be in (a) pipe sizes
cases NHBC will require evidence of a accordance with BS EN 752 or similar Pipe sizes should be designed for the
satisfactory percolation test where a septic authoritative document. maximum peak load, using BS EN 752 as
tank drainage system is being installed. the basis for calculations. Ground water
See Appendix 5.3-B. Where an existing private drainage system drains and soakaways should be designed
is to be extended, or where the capacity with sufficient capacity for normal weather
For surface water discharge into a is to be increased, sufficient investigation,
watercourse the permission of the conditions.
measurement and calculation should be
Environment Agency is required in England undertaken to ensure that all parts of the (b) gradients
and Wales. A “consent to discharge” is private system are of adequate capacity. Design gradients should be as even as
required from the DoE in Northern Ireland.
practicable, depending on the number
In Scotland the Local Authority and, 5.3 - D4 Drainage shall be designed to of WCs being served (minimum one for
where appropriate, the River Purification prevent health hazards 100mm pipes, five for 150mm pipes, with
Authorities should be consulted.
Items to be taken into account include: peak flows greater than 1 L/sec. at the
(a) ventilation of systems gradients shown below).
Ventilation of drains is normally achieved Where flows are 1.0 L/second or less,
by ventilating discharge stacks. For details, gradients for 100mm diameter pipes
reference should be made to Chapter 8.1 should not be flatter than 1:40.
‘Internal services’ (Design).

2013 Chapter 5.3 Page 1

 5.3 Drainage below ground

The following gradients may be used where (b) flooding

flows exceed 1.0L/second: Where there is a risk of flooding the advice
slow
of the relevant Rivers Authority should be
Pipe diameter Minimum radius followed.
bends
[mm] gradient
(c) ground water
100 1 : 80
Foul and surface water drainage systems
150 1 : 150 should prevent the ingress of ground water.

(c) pipe runs DESIGN TO AVOID DAMAGE

Pipe runs should be designed to maintain
self-cleansing velocity (0.7 m/s). They 5.3 - D7 Drainage systems shall be
should be as straight as practicable with designed so that they are adequately
proprietary
minimal changes of direction. Bends manhole protected against damage
should only occur in or next to inspection Items to be taken into account include:
chambers or manholes. Curves should be (a) loads from foundations
slight so that blocked pipes can be cleared. Drains should be located so that
foundation loads are not transmitted to
(d) access
pipes. Where drainage trenches are near
To ensure that every length of drain can
foundations, foundation depths should be
be rodded, the design should include all
increased or the drain re-routed further
necessary access points, such as:
from the foundations.
• rodding eyes
• access chambers Where the bottom of a trench is below
• inspection chambers foundation level, the trench should be
• manholes. filled with concrete to a suitable level.
For construction details of access fittings
Sizes of access fittings and chambers and chambers, reference should be made
should be specified for the depth of invert to clause S6.
5.3

as detailed in Appendix 5.3-A.

5.3 - D6 Foul and surface water drainage
systems shall be adequately watertight A

under test and working conditions less than 1m

Items to be taken into account include:

(a) ground movement
ACCESS CHAMBER
All pipes should have flexible joints.
Where ground movement may occur,
precautions against leakage are needed. In
mining areas, and in other locations where
movement could be significant, a flexible
pipe system should be specified. Flexible
INSPECTION CHAMBER systems should be flexible pipes with A
flexible joints. Refer to Sitework Clause S5. more than 1m

Proper allowance should be made for

settlement. Where there is a risk of soil
movement, for example in made-up
ground, design gradients should be steeper
than the minimum allowed for the flow rate B is within A-150mm from B
bottom of foundation
and pipe size.
In non-uniform or saturated soils where
movements of the trench bottom can be
MANHOLE
expected, soft spots should be removed Where drains pass through structural
Inspection chambers and manholes may be and replaced with suitable material. elements, allowance should be made for
the following types: Protective blinding should be specified differential movement, thermal movement
• open, half-round section channel with for the trench bottom, to be placed and maintenance.
suitable benching, or immediately following excavation.
Pipes passing through substructure walls
• closed access - at manholes, cover
In ground conditions where movement should accommodate movement by:
panels have to be removed to gain
is likely to adversely affect the drain a • 50mm clearance all round, or
access to the pipe.
support system for the drain should be • a sleeve with a 50mm clearance, or
Side branches to inspection chambers and designed by an Engineer in accordance • if built in, a connection on both sides
manholes should discharge into the main with Technical Requirement R5. of the wall to pipes with flexible joints
channel not higher than half pipe level. located not more than 150mm from the
Shrinkage and heave of clay soils can face of the wall. Refer to Sitework clause
Connections should be made obliquely in affect pipelines. Design gradients should S5(a).
the direction of flow. be greater than the permitted minimum
to allow for possible movement. Refer to See clause D4(b) for prevention of gas
Chapter 4.2 ‘Building near trees’ for details entering the building.
of zones of influence of trees.

Page 2 Chapter 5.3 2013

 Drainage below ground 5.3
(b) loads from overlying fill and traffic (c) connection to surface water disposal OUTFALL
Pipes should be firmly supported systems The outfall from a septic tank may require
throughout their length and bedded to Surface water drainage is generally consent from the Environment Agency in
resist loads from overlying fill and traffic. required to be separated from foul water England and Wales. In Northern Ireland the
Small diameter rigid pipes may be laid: drainage. Surface water may be discharged Environment and Heritage Service should
• directly on trench bottoms, or into public surface water main drains or approve proposals. In Scotland the Scottish
• bedded on granular material. Refer to directly into natural watercourses, ponds Environment Protection Agency should
Sitework clause S4. or soakaways, as appropriate. Surface approve proposals. The designer should
water should not discharge to a septic tank ensure at an early stage that consent
For flexible pipes, and where a greater
or cesspool, or a separate foul sewer. will be given, or an alternative method of
factor of safety is needed, specify the
drainage selected.
bedding class and grading of backfill as For large or complicated dwellings the
described in BS EN 13242, BS 5955 and BS amount of surface water to be disposed of Copies of relevant consents are required
EN 752. Refer to Sitework clause S4(a). may be calculated by reference to BS 6367. by NHBC before work commences.
When using proprietary systems assessed Siting of soakaways should take account POROUS SUBSOILS
in accordance with Technical Requirement of topography to ensure that water is If the outfall from a septic tank is to
R3, pipes should be supported in drained away from the building. In soil of discharge to a porous subsoil, such as
accordance with the assessment. low permeability, soakaways should only gravel, sand or chalk, at a level above that
be provided where no alternative system is of the winter water table level, a soakaway
Special protection may be required where
available. Soakaways should be a minimum may be used.
pipes are near the ground surface or
of 5m from any adjacent building.
where they could be damaged by the This consists of an excavation filled with
weight of backfill or traffic load from A simple test for assessing the brick bats or other large pieces of inert
above. Guidance is given in Sitework clause permeability of the soil and how to convert material; or unfilled but lined, eg with
S5 and in BS 5955 and BS EN 752. the result into soakaway dimensions is dry laid brickwork or precast concrete
detailed in Appendix 5.3-E. A more refined (porous or perforated) rings, from which
Manhole covers, gully gratings and other
method to determine soakaway size is the effluent may percolate into the
fittings should be suitable for the traffic
given in BRE Digest 365. surrounding ground. Soakaways which
conditions.

5.3
are not filled should be covered by a slab
(d) cesspools
(c) chemicals in ground and ground water incorporating an inspection cover.
A cesspool is a tank which stores effluent
If the ground or ground water contains
and has to be emptied periodically. The size of the soakaway should be
sulfates, concrete and masonry work
determined as described in Appendix
may require special precautions as Cesspools should be sited within 30m of
5.3-C, the area of the bottom of the
detailed in Chapters 2.1 ‘Concrete and its a vehicle access to permit emptying. They
soakaway should equal the area of trench
reinforcement’ (Design) and 6.1 ‘External should be at least 7m from a dwelling.
bottom in Chart 1.
masonry walls’ (Design).
Cesspools are required to be at least
Where the porous strata is overlaid by less
18m3 capacity. A 45 day holding capacity
FOUL AND SURFACE calculated at 150 litres/head/day should be
permeable sub soil a bore hole may be
permitted by the appropriate authority.
WATER DISPOSAL provided.
Proprietary septic tanks should be
5.3 - D8 Drainage systems shall be (e) septic tanks assessed in accordance with Technical
designed to connect to a suitable outfall A septic tank is a form of treatment plant Requirement R3.
Items to be taken into account include: and requires a suitable outfall (agreed by
the relevant authority) for treated effluent LESS POROUS SUBSOILS
(a) connection to a main foul sewer
discharge. Septic tank design is detailed in In less porous subsoils a sub surface
All connections to a public sewer will
BS 6297. irrigation system may be a possible
require the agreement of the responsible
authority. They should be consulted as to Septic tanks should be sited within 30m of alternative.
the type and position of the connection to a vehicle access to permit emptying. They Such an alternative will have to be
be made. should be at least 7m from a dwelling. In designed to determine the area of the sub
Scotland they should be at least 5m from a surface drainage trench from which the
All connections to a private sewer will
dwelling and a boundary. length of land drain can be found.
require the agreement of the owners of
the sewer. This should be obtained as part First a percolation test has to be carried
CAPACITY
of the design process. If the main private out to determine the percolation value (s)
The capacity of the septic tank should
sewer discharges into a public sewer the in seconds. Details of how to carry out the
be based on the number of people it will
local sewerage undertaker should be test are given in Appendix 5.3-B.
serve. This is determined by the formula:
notified of the proposal.
C = 180P + 2000 If the percolation value is less than 100s
(b) connection to a cesspool or a septic use Chart 1 to determine the field drain
tank where C = capacity of tank (in litres) min trench area and Chart 2 the pipe length to
The entry flow velocity should be 2700L provide this area. For percolation values
restricted to reduce disturbance in the and between 100s and 140s underdrains are
tank. For drains not exceeding 150mm necessary. For percolation values in excess
diameter a gradient not steeper than 1:50 P = design population/potential occupancy of 140s the soil is unsuitable for field
for a distance of at least 12m upstream of (min 4) drains.
the entry is required.
Appendix 5.3-C gives minimum capacities Design guidance for underdrains is given in
Rodding and cleaning facilities should be for septic tanks serving up to 10 persons. Appendix 5.3-D.
provided at the connection with the tank.

2013 Chapter 5.3 Page 3

 5.3 Drainage below ground

FIELD DRAINS PROVISION OF DRAINAGE MATERIALS

These should be:
• sited taking account of topography to INFORMATION 5.3 - M2 All materials for drainage work
ensure that water is drained away from shall ensure satisfactory service for the
5.3 - D10 Designs and specifications
the building life of the system
shall be produced in a clearly
• perforated pipes laid at least 500mm understandable format and include all Items to be taken into account include:
below the surface relevant information (a) manholes, chambers, pipes, fittings
• laid in trenches with a uniform gradient
Drawings and specifications should and covers
not steeper than 1:200 with undisturbed BS 65 Specification for vitrified clay pipes,
ground 2m wide between trenches and include:
fittings, joints and ducts (Note: This
at least 8m from any building and 10m • proposed drain layout includes perforated pipes)
from any water course • invert levels and locations of existing
BS 437 Specification for cast iron spigot
• laid on a 150mm bed of clinker, clean sewers and socket drainpipes and fittings
gravel or broken stone (20 - 50mm • junctions
BS 1247 Specification for manhole step
grade) and the trenches filled to a level • ground floor levels of dwellings irons
50mm above the pipe and covered with • external finished levels
BS EN 588 Fibre cement pipes for sewers and
strips of plastic material to prevent • inspection and access points drains.
entry of silt • method of disposal of both foul and
BS 4660 Specification for unplasticised
• backfilled with as dug material. surface water PVC underground drain pipes and
• position of any septic tank or cesspool in fittings
Note. If the level of the water table is relation to adjacent buildings
BS 4962 Specification for plastics pipes for
expected to rise in the winter months to • results of percolation tests where use as light duty sub-soil drains
within 1m of the invert of the field drains, treated effluent disposal is through field
BS 5911 Precast concrete pipes, fittings and
it is not acceptable to use sub-surface drains ancillary products
irrigation. • length of field drains and their layout
BS 5955 Plastics pipework (thermoplastic
(including details of trench width, this materials)
(f) small private sewage treatment being critical to the functioning of the
works for more than one dwelling BS 6087 Specification for flexible joints for
system) cast iron drainpipes and fittings (BS
Small sewage treatment works for more
5.3

• depth of field drains. 437) and for cast iron soil, waste
than one dwelling should be designed in and ventilating pipes and fittings
accordance with BS 6297. The discharge Drains or sewers which are intended for (BS 416)
from the waste water treatment plant adoption should be clearly identified on
BS DD 76 Draft for Development, Precast
should be sited at least 10m away from relevant drawings. concrete pipes of composite
water courses and dwellings. The design construction
should be carried out by a suitably 5.3 - D11 All relevant information shall
BS EN 124 Gully tops and manhole tops for
qualified engineer. be distributed to appropriate personnel
vehicular and pedestrian areas
Ensure that design and specification BS EN 295 Vitrified clay pipes and fittings and
GROUND WATER DRAINAGE information is distributed to site pipe joints for drains and sewers
supervisors, relevant specialist BS EN 1401-1 Plastics piping systems for non-
5.3 - D9 Ground water drainage shall be subcontractors and/or suppliers. pressure underground drainage
designed to convey excess ground water and sewerage - Unplasticized poly
to a suitable outfall (vinyl chloride) (PVC-U)
MATERIALS STANDARDS
(a) layout of pipes
INSPECTION/MANHOLE COVERS AND
Depending on site contours and ground 5.3 - M1 All materials shall:
FRAMES
conditions, ground water drainage, where (a) meet the Technical Requirements
• Group 1 - Areas which can only be used
required, may be designed as a: (b) take account of the design
by pedestrians and pedal cyclists.
• natural system
Materials that comply with the design and • Group 2 - Footways, pedestrian areas
• herringbone system
the guidance below will be acceptable for and comparable areas, car parks or car
• grid system
drainage below ground. parking decks.
• fan-shaped system
• Group 3 - For gully tops installed in the
• moat system. Materials for drainage below ground
area of kerbside channels of roads which
(b) pipe construction should comply with relevant standards,
when measured from the kerb edge,
Pipe perforations should be holes or slots including those listed below. Where no
extend a maximum of 0.5m into the
to suit the nature of the ground. standard exits, materials should carry
carriageway and a maximum of 0.2m
a certificate of assessment from an
(c) outfall into the footway.
independent authority, acceptable to
Ground water drain systems connected • Group 4 - Carriageways of roads
NHBC. Materials of a higher standard are
to foul, surface water or combined drains (including pedestrian streets), hard
also acceptable.
should discharge into the drain through shoulders and parking areas, for all
a catchpit. Where available, ground water References to British Standards and Codes types of road vehicles.
drainage may discharge into a soakaway, of Practice include those made under the
Covers used for manholes within buildings
preferably through a catchpit or into a Construction Products Directive (89/106/
should be airtight and mechanically
watercourse. EEC) and, in particular, appropriate
secured.
European Technical Specifications
In England and Wales the National Rivers approved by a European Committee for Covers used for septic tanks, cesspits and
Authority consent may be needed for Standardisation (CEN). settlement tanks should be lockable.
discharge proposals. In Northern Ireland
the Department of Environment should
approve proposals; in Scotland the River
Purification Authority should approve
proposals.

Page 4 Chapter 5.3 2013

 Drainage below ground 5.3
GULLY GRIDS Percolation tests should be verified where LAYING PIPEWORK
• Grade B - for use in carriageways of treated effluent disposal is through field
roads with cars and slow moving normal drains. 5.3 - S4 Pipework shall be laid to the
commercial vehicles designed lines and gradients
The length of any field drains specified
• Grade A Class 2 - for use in carriageways Items to be taken into account include:
in the design should be accommodated
of roads (a) bedding
within the site boundaries.
• Grade A Class 1 - for use in carriageways Pipes should be firmly supported
of roads (gully grids of permanent non- throughout their length and bedded as
rock design). EXCAVATION specified in the design.
(b) bricks and blocks 5.3 - S3 Excavation shall ensure that
the invert levels and gradients required Bricks, blocks or other hard material
Clay bricks for manholes should comply should not be used as temporary supports
with BS EN 771 and: by the design are achieved
to achieve the correct gradients, as they
• be of low active soluble salt content Items to be taken into account include: may create hard spots which can distort
• have a compressive strength not less (a) setting out dimensions the completed pipe run.
than 48N/mm2. Drain runs and depths should be set out
Pipes should be either:
Engineering bricks are suitable. from benchmarks previously checked and
• bedded on granular material, minimum
verified. Any discrepancies in dimensions,
Concrete bricks to BS EN 771 should have 100mm deep or
and any ground conditions requiring
a minimum crushing strength of 48N/mm2 • laid directly on the trench bottom, where
modification to the design, should be
with a minimum cement content of 350kg/ the trench bottom can be accurately
reported immediately. Any resulting
m3 for foul drainage. hand trimmed with a shovel but is not so
variations should be recorded and
soft that it puddles when walked on.
Calcium silicate bricks should comprise distributed to all concerned.
strength class 20 or above for foul Depressions should be formed where
(b) depth of trenches
drainage situations. necessary in the trench bottom to
Excavate to the depths shown on the
accommodate pipe joints.
(c) backfill and bedding drawings. If any trench is excavated lower
Granular backfill and bedding material than the designed bottom level, it should

5.3
should comply with the requirements of be re-filled to the designed level to allow
BS EN 13242, BS 5955 and BS EN 752, as for the bedding to be continuous. Fill
specified. material should be:
• granular material, or
Rigid pipes of nominal size 100mm and • concrete mix GEN 1 or ST 1/2 (not for
110mm nominal flexible pipes should have field drains).
pipe supported pipe supported on bed
granular material bedding to BS EN 13242 on trench bottom of granular material
of 4/10mm pipe bedding gravel. Rigid Hard spots should be undercut and
pipes of nominal size 150mm and 160mm removed, so that local stress points under
Nominal pipe size Granular material
nominal flexible pipes should have granular pipes are avoided. [mm] for bedding
material bedding to BS EN 13242 of Soft spots should be filled with suitable rigid flexible Material (complying
2/14mm pipe bedding gravel. See Sitework well-compacted material. pipes pipes with BS EN 13242)
clause S4 (a).
(c) width of trenches 100 110 4/10mm pipe bedding
Proprietary pipe systems should be Trenches should be as narrow as possible
gravel
supported and bedded in accordance with within working limits, allowing at least 150mm 150 160 2/14mm pipe bedding
the manufacturer’s recommendations. working space on each side of the pipe. gravel
or
(d) proximity of foundations 4/10mm pipe bedding
SITEWORK STANDARDS Foundation bottoms should be lower than gravel

5.3 - S1 All sitework shall: adjacent drainage trenches.

Proprietary pipes should be supported
(a) meet the Technical Requirements Where the bottom of a trench is below in accordance with manufacturers’
(b) take account of the design foundation level, the trench should be recommendations. Some proprietary
(c) follow established good practice and filled with concrete to a suitable level. systems permit a minimum of 50mm
workmanship depth of bedding in certain circumstances.
Sitework that complies with the design and Generally, for 150mm diameter and 100mm
the guidance below will be acceptable for diameter drains, a bed and surround of
A
drainage below ground. 10mm pea gravel (to a thickness of 100mm
less than 1m
all round the drain) will be acceptable for
drains under gardens, paths and drives.
PRELIMINARY WORK
5.3 - S2 Checks shall be made on site to (b) jointing
ensure that the design can be achieved Pipes should have flexible joints, installed
in accordance with manufacturers’
Check that the following are as specified in A recommendations.
the design: more than 1m
• invert levels and locations of existing (c) sidefill and backfill
sewers Sidefill and backfill should be placed as
• ground floor levels of dwellings B is within A-150mm soon as the pipes have been bedded,
from bottom of
• external finished levels. foundation
B
jointed and inspected.
For proprietary systems, sidefilling
and backfilling should be carried out

2013 Chapter 5.3 Page 5

 5.3 Drainage below ground

in accordance with manufacturers’ PROTECTION OF PIPEWORK GARDEN AREAS

recommendations. Sidefill should be either: Where flexible pipes are not under a road
• granular material (see table to Clause 5.3 - S5 Pipework shall be adequately and have less than 0.6m cover they should,
S4(a)), or protected against damage where necessary, have concrete paving
• selected backfill material from the Items to be taken into account include: slabs laid as bridging above the pipes,
trench excavation, ie free from: (a) pipes passing through substructure with at least 75mm of granular material
- stones larger than 40mm walls between the top of the pipe and underside
- clay lumps larger than 100mm Pipes passing through substructure walls of the slabs.
- timber should accommodate movement. This may
- frozen material be achieved by:
- vegetable matter. • a 50mm clearance all round, or
GENERAL BACKFILL • a sleeve, with 50mm clearance all round
less than
Normally the excavated material from the and suitably sealed 600mm
cover
trench will be suitable for backfilling above • if built in, connecting on both sides of
the selected material. General backfill the wall to pipes with flexible joints 75mm

material should be free from: located not more than 150mm from the
• boulders face of the wall. Flexible joints should
• building rubble be made in accordance with the pipe
• timber manufacturer’s recommendations. 100mm

• vegetable matter. 50mm space

around pipe
PLACING BACKFILL (c) movement joints
Backfill should be placed in layers not Where rigid pipes have to be encased in
deeper than 300mm, and should be well opening masked concrete, movement joints of 13mm thick
both sides
compacted. Mechanical compacting should compressible board should be provided
only be used when compacted backfill is at around the spigot next to the socket,
least 450mm above the crown of the pipe. either at each joint or at not more than 5m
PIPES PASSING THROUGH LINTELLED OPENING intervals.
5.3

movement joint of 13mm

compressible board

150mm 150mm
max max
600mm 600mm
max max

pipe encased
flexible flexible in concrete at
joint joint least 100mm
thick all round

150mm
above
pipe ACCESS POINTS AND
GULLIES
PIPES BEDDED IN WALLS

(b) pipework under roads

5.3 - S6 Access points shall be
Where drains pass under roads and drives,
constructed and installed as required by
the final compaction should be sufficient
the design
to prevent later settlement.
Items to be taken into account include:
RIGID PIPES
(a) size and location of access points
Rigid pipes less than 1.2m below the
All access points should be located where
road surface should, where necessary,
shown on the drawings. They should:
be protected from damage by concrete
•be accessible for rodding and cleaning
encasement not less than 100mm thick,
•not cross boundaries or kerb lines.
and having movement joints formed with
compressible board at each socket or Ensure that inspection chambers and
sleeve joint face. manholes are of sufficient size for the
depth of invert. Do not exceed the invert
Flexible joints should remain flexible.
depth for the particular fitting or chamber.
Reference should be made to Appendix
FLEXIBLE PIPES
5.3-A.
Flexible pipes less than 0.9m below the
road surface should be protected by (b) covers of the drainage system
concrete bridging slabs or should be Manholes should be constructed or installed
2 layers hand compacted
before mechanical compaction surrounded with concrete reinforced as at the correct level, so that the covers will
appropriate. align with the adjacent ground. Gullies
should be adequately bedded, set level and
protected if protected if square and kerbed, where necessary.
cover less cover less
than 900mm than 1.2m
(c) traditional construction
FLEXIBLE RIGID
PIPES PIPES The minimum specification for traditional
manholes and inspection chambers is as
follows:

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 Drainage below ground 5.3
BASE • Group 4 - Carriageways of roads Ground conditions may preclude the use
Concrete not less than 100mm thick. (including pedestrian streets), hard of septic tanks in some locations. NHBC
shoulders and parking areas, for all will require evidence of a satisfactory
WALLS types of road vehicles. percolation test where a septic tank
Brick, blockwork or concrete should drainage system is to be installed. See
be appropriate for ground conditions. Covers used for manholes within buildings
Appendix 5.3-B.
Generally 100mm minimum thickness is should be airtight and mechanically
suitable for depths up to 0.9m where no secured. Septic tanks should be sited taking account
vehicular traffic loads are encountered of topography to ensure that water is
Covers used for septic tanks, cesspits and
and there is no ground water pressure. drained away from the building.
settlement tanks should be lockable.
Elsewhere, 200mm minimum thickness
(b) impermeability to liquids
should be provided.
CESSPOOLS Septic tanks should be impermeable to
their contents and to sub-soil water. They
RENDERING 5.3 - S7 Cesspools shall be sited and
may be constructed of brickwork, concrete,
Rendering, if required, should be applied to constructed to prevent contamination of glass reinforced concrete, glass reinforced
the external faces of the wall. water and health hazards plastics or steel.
BENCHING Items to be taken into account include: Brickwork should be of engineering bricks,
Benching should be steel trowelled to (a) resistance to the passage of water laid in cement mortar and at least 220mm
provide: Cesspools should be impermeable to their thick.
• a smooth finish contents and to subsoil water. They may
• rounded corners be constructed of brickwork, concrete, In-situ concrete should be at least 150mm
• a fall of not less than 1:12 glass reinforced concrete, glass reinforced thick.
• a good foothold. plastics or steel.
(c) cover and ventilation
Brickwork should be of engineering bricks, Septic tanks should be covered and
laid in cement mortar and at least 220mm ventilated.
nominal thickness.
(d) siting, inspection and access

5.3
In-situ concrete should be at least 150mm Septic tanks should be sited at least
thick. 7m from a dwelling, but within 30m of
a vehicle access to facilitate emptying.
(b) cover and ventilation In Scotland, they should be at least 5m
Cesspools should be covered and from a dwelling and a boundary. Septic
ventilated. tanks should be provided with access for
(c) siting, access and inspection emptying or de-sludging and cleaning. All
Cesspools should be sited at least 7m from such access points where entry is required
a dwelling, but within 30m of a vehicle should have no dimension less than
access to facilitate emptying. 600mm and be provided with lockable
(d) proprietary systems covers.
Proprietary systems should be installed Cesspools should be provided with access
for emptying or de-sludging and cleaning. The inlet and outlet of a septic tank should
strictly in accordance with manufacturers’
All such access points should have no be provided with access for inspection.
instructions. Adaptors, couplers and
sealing rings should be installed correctly dimension less than 600mm and be (e) velocity of flow
and only the lubricants and solvents provided with lockable covers. Provision should be made to limit the
specified by the manufacturer used. The inlet of a cesspool should be provided velocity of the flow to a septic tank. For
Proprietary manholes should not be used with access for inspection. drains up to 150mm diameter, the velocity
at a depth greater than that for which they may be limited by laying the last 12m of the
Cesspools should have no openings except incoming drain at a gradient not steeper
have been assessed as suitable. the inlet, the vent and the inspection than 1:50. A dip pipe should be provided,
(e) type of cover/grid access. with the top limb rising above scum level
Manhole covers and gully grids should and the bottom limb extending about
be of the correct type for the proposed SEPTIC TANKS 450mm below top water level.
location. Proprietary items (eg covers to 5.3 - S8 Septic tanks shall be sited and
plastic manholes) should be in accordance
constructed to prevent contamination of SURFACE WATER
with manufacturers’ recommendations.
water and health hazards SOAKAWAYS
INSPECTION/MANHOLE COVERS AND Items to be taken into account include: 5.3 - S9 Soakaways shall be sited
FRAMES (a) outfall disposal and constructed to provide adequate
• Group 1 - Areas which can only be used Satisfactory outfall disposal is essential short term storage for surface water
by pedestrians and pedal cyclists where septic tank sewage disposal is and adequate percolation into the
• Group 2 - Footways, pedestrian areas installed. Environment Agency consent surrounding ground
and comparable areas, car parks or car may be needed in England and Wales.
parking decks Items to be taken into account include:
In Northern Ireland the Environment
• Group 3 - For gully tops installed in the and Heritage Service should approve (a) location
area of kerbside channels of roads which proposals, in Scotland the Scottish Where possible soakaways should be built
when measured from the kerb edge, Environment Protection Agency should on land lower than, or sloping away from,
extend a maximum of 0.5m into the approve proposals. Check that this buildings. Soakaways should generally be
carriageway and a maximum of 0.2m approval has been obtained before starting sited at least 5m from the foundations of
into the footway drainage work. a building.

2013 Chapter 5.3 Page 7

 5.3 Drainage below ground

NHBC may require a percolation test for PROTECTION OF WORK

a soakaway. If the ground is free draining
and granular, a test may not be necessary. 5.3 - S11 All completed work shall be
However, if there is any doubt about the suitably protected from damage by
ground, or if there is a large quantity construction work
of run-off into the soakaway which may Damaged drainage will not be accepted. It
swamp the ground, a percolation test may is recommended that no heavy loading or
be required. underground work is permitted above or
Information on percolation tests is given in near unprotected drainage, and that
Appendix 5.3-E. dumpers, trucks, fork lifts or other heavy
vehicles are not driven along or near pipe
(b) small soakaways runs.
Small soakaways are holes filled with
granular material, eg broken brick, crushed
rock or gravel, with particle size 10mm to
150mm. PVC sheet or concrete blinding
should be laid over the fill to prevent
topsoil being washed down into the
soakaway.
PVC sheet or
concrete blinding

effective depth D
5.3

diameter D

(c) large soakaways

For large soakaways, a pit is lined with dry
jointed or honeycomb brickwork.
Alternatively, perforated precast concrete
rings or segments may be laid dry and
surrounded with granular material.
The volume of large soakaways should be
calculated to ensure they are of suitable
capacity. Refer to Appendix 5.3-E or BRE
Digest 365.

TESTING
5.3 - S10 All foul and, where appropriate,
surface water drainage systems shall be
tested prior to handover
Inspection and testing should be arranged
when required by the Local Authority, the
sewerage undertaker and NHBC.
Before backfilling, visual inspections are
required and the Builder is advised to test.
When the dwelling is handed over, the
system must be in full working order and
free from obstruction.

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 Drainage below ground 5.3
Appendix 5.3-A

Minimum dimensions for access fittings and chambers

Type Depth to invert Internal sizes Cover sizes
from cover level
(m) Length x Circular Length x Width Circular
Width (mm) (mm x mm) (mm)
(mm x mm)
Rodding eye As drain but Same size as
min 100 pipework1
Access fitting
small 150 diam 0.6 or less, 150 x 100 150 150 x 1001 Same size as
150 x 100 except where access fitting
situated in a
large 225 x 100 chamber 225 x 100 225 225 x 1001

Inspection chamber
shallow 0.6 or less 225 x 100 1902 - 1901
1.2 or less 450 x 450 450 Min 430 x 430 430
deep greater than 1.2 450 x 450 450 max 300 x 300 3
Access restricted
to max 3503

Notes
1 The clear opening may be reduced by 20mm in order to provide proper support for the cover
and frame.
2 Drains up to 150mm.

5.3
3 A larger clear opening cover may be used in conjunction with a restricted access. The size is
restricted for health and safety reasons to deter entry.

Minimum dimensions for manholes

Type Size of largest pipe Min internal dimensions1 Min clear opening size1
(DN) (mm)
Rectangular Circular diameter Rectangular Circular
length and (mm) length and diameter
width (mm) width (mm) (mm)
Manhole
less than equal to or less than 150 750 x 6757 10007 750 x 6752 na3
1.5m deep 225 1200 x 675 1200 1200 x 6752
to soffit 300 1200 x 750 1200
greater than 300 1800 x (DN+450) The larger of 1800
or (DN+450)
greater equal to or less than 225 1200 x 1000 1200 600 x 600 600
than 1.5m 300 1200 x 1075 1200
deep to 375 - 450 1350 x 1225 1200
soffit greater than 450 1800 x (DN+775) The larger of 1800
or (DN+775)
Manhole shaft4

greater Steps5 1050 x 800 1050 600 x 600 600

than 3.0m
deep to Ladder5 1200 x 800 1200
soffit pipe Winch6 900 x 800 900 600 x 600 600

Notes
1 Larger sizes may be required for manholes on bends or where there are junctions.
2 May be reduced to 600 by 600 where required by highway loading considerations, subject to a
safe system of work being specified.
3 Not applicable due to working space needed.
4 Minimum height of chamber in shafted manhole 2m from benching to underside of reducing
slab.
5 Min clear space between ladder or steps and the opposite face of the shaft should be
approximately 900mm.
6 Winch only - no steps or ladders, permanent or removable.
7 The minimum size of any manhole serving a sewer (i.e any drain serving more than one
property) should be 1200mm x 675mm rectangular or 1200mm diameter.
Reproduced from Tables 11 and 12 of Approved Document H to the Building Regulations by
permission of HMSO.

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 5.3 Drainage below ground

Appendix 5.3-B

Percolation test procedure for septic tank installations

1 Excavate a hole 300mm square x 250mm deep below the proposed invert level of the land
drain.
2 Fill the hole with water to a depth of 250mm and allow to drain away over night.
3 Refill to a depth of at least 250mm and note the time taken (in seconds) to drain away
completely.
4 Repeat the exercise two more times and calculate the average of the three results, as
follows:
time to drain away (seconds)
percolation value (s) =
depth of water (mm)
Results

percolation value suitability

up to 100 use Appendix 5.3-C Chart 1 to determine field drain
area
100 to 140 use Appendix 5.3-C Chart 1 but with underdrains*
over 140 field drains unsuitable

* Where underdrains are necessary, drainage trenches should be constructed not less than
600mm deeper than the pipe level specified in the design, and the lower part filled with pea
gravel (see Appendix 5.3-D)
5.3

A second system of drainage pipes should be laid on the bottom of the trenches to convey
surplus drainage to an outfall in a surface ditch or watercourse.
Underdrains are costly, and a secondary treatment system able to produce an effluent
suitable for surface discharge may be preferable.

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 Drainage below ground 5.3
Appendix 5.3-C

Septic tank field drain design

Capacity based on Potential Occupancy
Minimum capacity (litres) Number of persons/bed spaces
2700 <4
2720 4
2900 5
3080 6
3260 7
3440 8
3620 9
3800 10

Chart 1 Field Drains Trench Area

240
230 9 persons
220
210
200 8 persons
190
180 7 persons
170
Field Drain Trench Area (m )
2

160
150 6 persons
140
130
120 5 persons

5.3
110
100 4 persons
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Percolation Value

Chart 2 Field Pipe Length

800 300 wide

750
Linear Pipe Length (m)

700
650
600
550 450 wide
500
450
600 wide
400
350
300 750 wide
250 900 wide
200
150
100
50
0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240
2
Drain Trench Floor (m )

2013 Chapter 5.3 Page 11

 5.3 Drainage below ground

Appendix 5.3-D

Cross section of typical underdrain

Soil, gravel or

600mm
other topping

300 to
Tar paper

300mm
Invert of inlet pipe

Sand and gravel

600mm
Broken piece of tile
as cover to joint

Drain
5.3

600mm

Cross section of typical underdrain

Appendix 5.3-E

Percolation tests and design method for surface water

soakaways
PERCOLATION TEST
The rate at which water will disperse into the ground depends on the permeability of the
ground, which varies with the soil type.
The test will give a fairly accurate assessment of how the ground drains. As the test hole
can be used as part of a soakaway, it should be dug in a place that would be suitable for a
soakaway, at least 5m from the foundations of a building.
A summary of the test procedure is given below:

TEST PROCEDURE
A trial hole in a similar location and to the same depth as the proposed soakaway or septic
tank land drain will give a measured rate of percolation.
The procedure is as follows:
1 Bore a hole 150mm in diameter with an auger to a depth of one metre.
2 Fill with water to depth of 300mm above the bottom. As an aid, mark a stick 300mm from
one end, place in the hole and fill up to the mark on the stick (it takes approximately 5.5
litres to fill a 150mm diameter hole to a depth of 300mm).
3 Observe the time taken in minutes for the water to soak away (this may take several hours,
in some cases need to be left overnight).
4 If possible the test should be repeated and the average time used.
5 A second group of tests are carried out after the hole has been bored out to a depth of 2
metres, still using 300mm of water above the bottom of the hole.
6 If the soil appears to become more permeable with depth, it may be useful to deepen and
retest the bore in one metre stages.

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 Drainage below ground 5.3
DESIGN OF SOAKAWAY
The relationship between the diameter or effective depth required for a soakaway to suit
a given area of roof and/or paved area, and the average time (t) given by the test outlined
on the previous page, is shown on the graph below. The diameter and effective depth below
invert level are assumed to be the same dimension (D).

400

300

D = diameter and effective depth

Plan area drained (m )
2

=
D

200 3.5
m

D = 2.8 D
=
150 3.0
m

D=
100 2 .5
m

D= D=
2.0m
1.5
D= m
1 .0m

0
0 400 800 1200 1600 2000 2400 2800 3200 3600 4000 4400

900 Time (t) in minutes

5.3
EXAMPLE
Test time (t) = 900 minutes
Plan area to drain = 150m2

Therefore, using the graph, the diameter and effective depth of the soakaway (D) are both
2.8m.

Notes
• If the ground is of low permeability, dig separate soakaways to drain smaller but distinct
parts, for example:
- one side of a roof to one soakaway
- the other side to a second soakaway
- the driveway or yard to a third soakaway.
• Where the permeability of the ground increases with depth, tests in the deepened trial
holes will give shorter percolation times, so it may be cheaper to build a smaller soakaway
at a greater depth below the surface.
• Where possible, soakaways should be built on land lower than, or sloping away from,
buildings. They should also be kept a “safe” distance away from buildings. This should be
at least 5m from building foundations. In chalk and other soil and fill material subject to
modification or instability, the advice of a specialist geotechnologist should be sought
regarding the siting and advisability of soakaways.

2013 Chapter 5.3 Page 13

 5.3 Drainage below ground

INDEX

A G S
Access 2, 6, 9 Garden areas 6 Septic tanks 1, 3, 7, 10, 11
B Gradients 1 Sewage treatment works 4
Backfill 5, 6 Ground water 2, 3, 4 Soakaways 7, 12
Bedding 5 J Subsoils 3
Benching 7 Jointing 5 Surface water 3, 7
Blockage 1 L T
Bricks and blocks 5 Landfill gases 1 Testing 8, 10, 12
C Layout 4 U
Capacity 1, 3 M Underdrain 12
Cess pools 1, 3, 7 Manholes 4, 6, 7 V
Chambers 4 Movement joints 6 Ventilation 1, 7
Chemicals 3 O
Connections 3 Outfall 3, 4
Covers 4 P
D Pipes 1, 2, 4
Damage 2 Preliminary work 5
E Private sewers 1
Excavation 5 Protection 6, 8
5.3

F Pumped systems 1
Field drains 4, 11 R
Fittings 4 Radon 1
Flooding 2 Rendering 7
Foul sewer 3 Rights of connection 1
Foundations 5 Roads 6

Page 14 Chapter 5.3 2013