Local Search - Drainage Search

jodenice

We are on the home run of buying our first property.

The local searches have come back OK but the drainage and water search informs me that 'there is a sewer access point passing through your property. This means that the water company do have a right of access over their property to maintain their underground assets. The consequence of this is that it may affect planning permissions for further development of the land at the back of the house.

Sigh. We weren't really planning to expand much as the garden isn't very big but I am having visions of drainage men clumping round our garden and letting sewer smells in at all times.

has anyone else experienced having an access point in their property?

Debt_Free_Chick

I'm fairly sure that they usually let you know if they are planning any work - although, advance notice might not be possible in an emergency.

Given that the sewer is running through your land, surely it would be better (for you) to have it properly maintained?

I would imagine most work (other than an emergency) would take place during weekdays, when you are possibly at work?

Perhaps your solicitor should make enquiries with the water authority?

jodenice

I think I may have been overly dramatic in my first post. I guess I need to know how regularly they access it and where it is!
I wasn't planning on building anyway but I don't fancy being flooded by sewage.

Debt_Free_Chick

Whilst looking for something else, I found this on the Ofwat site about Water companies accessing pipes that lie on private land.

HTH

Phil37

Hello, before any building work can be started your water supplier will make you have a CCTV survey Done if the extention will cross or be built near to the pipe, the pipe may be storm water or foul or both, before and after work if any damage is done you will charged for repairs. as for the inspection chamber cover these can be replaced with new covers with locking blots to pervent access to the chamber by persons or children, this will also during say a flood stop the cover lifting and flooding you garden with sewerage.
if you call your supplier they may send someone to inspect drainage for you at
a small charge.