FTB - search shows public sewer running through property boundary

smub99

So we have recently had our search results come back for a property we are purchasing and it shows a public sewer running through the property boundary. I understand this is quite common nowadays, but wanted to understand the implications a bit better. From my own research it seems the main issues will come if we want to extend the property and build on top of it. I wanted to hear from those of you who are in a similar situation with their property. Has it been difficult to get permission for building on top of it? Do the water companies ever turn up unannounced to check on the sewers? Are you able to get an idea about whether the water company will allow us to build on top of it prior to us exchanging?

SharkMoney

I think you have answered your own question with so many questions - you are buying an unknown and what could be a world of pain and stress. If your purpose is to extend then you take the risk. Sometimes builders just won’t know what’s lurking until they start digging.

Alter_ego

In general you can build over a sewer, provided access for rodding remains available, assuming the sewer in question is serving a row of houses etc. Not a main/trunk sewer.