public sewer within the property boundaries

dheeraj303

I have received a water survey report for a property I am considering buying. 

The report indicates that there is a public sewer within the property boundaries, and the Water Authority may need access for maintenance or repair works. It also mentions that building extensions over the sewer may be prohibited. 

The report provides some key points, including the presence of a public sewer within the property boundaries and no existing adoption agreement or consultation regarding building plans over the sewer.

>>> Section from Report >>>>>>>>>>

2.4 Does the public sewer map indicate any public sewer, disposal main or lateral drain within the boundaries of the property? Yes

2.6 Are any sewers or lateral drains serving, or which are proposed to serve the property, the subject of an existing adoption agreement or an application for such an agreement? No

2.7 Has any Sewerage Undertaker approved or been consulted about any plans to erect a building or extension on the property over or in the vicinity of a public sewer, disposal main or drain? No

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As a first-time buyer, I have the following questions:

1. What are the implications of the public sewer on the property for me as the buyer?

2. What additional information should I request from the seller regarding the sewer and potential restrictions?

3. If I plan to extend the kitchen, which is already positioned over the sewer pipe, are there potential complications to be aware of?

4. Will the presence of the public sewer pose challenges when selling the property in the future?

5. Will building an extension over the sewer incur additional costs, and if so, how much? Should I negotiate based on this?

6. What other surveys or assessments should I consider for this property?

Best regards,

Dheeraj

user1977

Are you doing your own conveyancing? If not, isn't your solicitor offering any advice on your queries? Presumably it was them who got the search in the first place?

Bookworm105

1. since 2011 any drain/sewer which serves more than one property is the responsibility of the water company, not the property owner to maintain (and clear if there is a blockage). The water board has a right of access to come and do such work and therefore their attitude towards "build over" has hardened as they want to make sure it will survive any building work and reduce the chance of them needing to come and repair it 

2. no existing build over agreement so potentially the water company can demolish the building sitting on it if they need access to their drain  if they extent of repairs required justified them needing such access. Somewhat unlikely 

3 - 6 if you are the property in red on that map then there is already an extension over the drain and so the lack of a build over agreement document is of concern as any further work would trigger the same questions you pose when you come to sell, whether you get away with a further extension or not 

dheeraj303

My solicitor share this report to me and ask if i am interested to proceed? I am not able to find what is the right thing to do in this case

Doozergirl

It's a pretty ordinary situation.  Most of us will be connected to a shared sewer and build over agreements are commonplace when extending.  

As long as it's a regular sewer and not a large diameter high pressure sewer then a build over will be allowed.  

Sometimes the plans from the water company aren't quite right.  You can commission a CCTV survey of the drains to check the condition and location of them for peace of mind. 

user1977

dheeraj303 said:

My solicitor share this report to me and ask if i am interested to proceed? I am not able to find what is the right thing to do in this case

Presumably you're paying your solicitor to give you advice? Not just shrug and ask you if you want to proceed?