Surface Water Drainage

pumpkinman

Hi, first time buyer here. I've got the drainage search report back from my solicitor and I'm not sure whether I should be concerned about the bit on surface water. I've pasted the initial summary below, but later on in the report where it goes into more detail there are places with red exclamation marks regarding surface water.

As it says here, my solicitor is making enquiries of the seller's lawyer. Also I'm about to have the survey done so I will make a point of mentioning this to them (not sure if I've paid for them to check drainage to be honest). I'm wondering if anyone has any further advice / information on things I can be doing myself or if this is a potential red flag?

I can provide more info from the report if this isn't enough. I've had a Google but not found much of any use and am not really sure what I'm dealing with here. Thank you.


'FOUL DRAINAGE The search result shows that foul water from the purchase property does drain to the public sewer. Please note that pipes running from the property to the public sewer are normally your responsibility.

SURFACE WATER The search result shows that surface water from the property does not drain to a public sewer. We are making enquiries of the seller’s lawyer to obtain further details, but you should contact your surveyor for further advice. You would also need to check with your water supplier that you are not billed for surface water drainage.

PUBLIC SEWERS The search result has not revealed any public sewers within the boundaries of the property. However, there could be unidentified public sewers within the boundary of the property. The plan to the Drainage Search shows the position of the nearest sewers to the property.

SEWERAGE UNDERTAKER The sewerage undertaker is Yorkshire Water Services Limited.

WATER SUPPLY Water is supplied to the area by Severn Trent Water Limited.

MAINS WATER The search indicates that the property is connected to the mains water supply. Please note that pipes running from the property to the main drains are normally your responsibility. If the search indicates the property is not connected to a water meter you should note that the Water Supplier may have the power to install a water meter as a consequence of a change of occupation. This may result in additional charges and/or a change in the charging rates for the property. If you have any concerns we recommend you consult with the Water Supplier prior to exchange of contracts. '

anselld

It is normal.  Surface water is often directed into soakaways in the grounds rather than the sewer.

Section62

pumpkinman said:

I can provide more info from the report if this isn't enough. I've had a Google but not found much of any use and am not really sure what I'm dealing with here. Thank you.

The search results for drainage are rarely much use.  There are so many drains and sewers which are not mapped it makes it a lottery whether the water company know what they have in any one property.

That applies particularly to surface water drainage - there are common options other than connection to a public surface water sewer which aren't as easy to identify as (say) a septic tank or package treatment as an alternative for foul drainage is.

If you want more information before buying then it is worth considering getting a drainage survey done.

Perhaps see what information the vendors have, to start with?