About Our Drainage Installation & Repair Services
At Nelhams & Sons, we provide comprehensive drainage solutions designed to protect your property from water damage and ensure compliance with UK Building Regulations. Our drainage work goes beyond simple pipe installation – each system is individually designed for your property’s specific requirements, ground conditions, and local council regulations to provide reliable, long-lasting water management.
Our Drainage Services
We design, install, and maintain drainage systems that protect your property whilst meeting all regulatory requirements. At Nelhams & Sons we specialise in:
New Build & Extension Drainage
Complete drainage design for new properties and extensions, including foul water, surface water systems, connection to mains sewers, and sustainable drainage (SuDS) solutions.
Drainage Repairs & Maintenance
Emergency drain unblocking, pipe repairs, drain relining, CCTV surveys to identify problems, and preventative maintenance to keep your drainage systems flowing freely.
Soakaways & Surface Water Solutions
Installation of soakaways, attenuation tanks, permeable paving systems, and sustainable drainage solutions to manage surface water and comply with environmental regulations.
How We Work
Effective drainage requires careful planning, proper installation, and compliance with water authority regulations. Our systematic approach ensures your drainage works reliably for decades to come.
| Step | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Initial Assessment | We assess your drainage requirements and existing system condition |
| Site Survey | Ground conditions, fall calculations, and connection point identification |
| Regulatory Check | We verify Building Regulations requirements and water authority connections |
| Design & Planning | Detailed drainage design with pipe layouts, gradients, and inspection chambers |
| Permissions & Approvals | Building Control notifications and water company connection applications |
| Excavation & Installation | Professional excavation, pipe laying, and bedding to British Standards |
| Connection & Testing | Connections to mains systems and comprehensive testing for leaks |
| Inspection & Sign-off | Building Control inspections and water authority approvals |
| Reinstatement | Professional landscaping and surface restoration |
| System Handover | Documentation, warranties, and maintenance guidance |
Building Regs Compliant
All drainage work meets current Building Regulations and water authority standards
Emergency Response
Rapid response for drainage emergencies and urgent repair work
CCTV Surveys
Advanced CCTV drain surveys to identify blockages and structural issues
Sustainable Solutions
SuDS compliant systems reducing environmental impact and flood risk
Why Choose Nelhams & Sons for Your Drainage?
Our drainage expertise comes from nearly five decades of working with Surrey’s varied ground conditions, from London Clay to chalk downs. We understand local water table levels, council requirements, and the specific challenges facing properties in our area. Each drainage system is designed for longevity, compliance, and reliability, protecting your property investment for years to come.
- Comprehensive knowledge of Building Regulations Part H (Drainage)
- Experience with Thames Water and other regional water companies
- Specialist expertise in clay soil drainage challenges
- SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) design and installation
- Emergency drainage repair and maintenance services
Best Surrey Business Award
Frequently Asked Questions About Drainage
Do I need Building Regulations approval for drainage work?
Yes, most drainage work requires Building Regulations approval under Part H. This includes new drainage systems, extensions to existing systems, and replacement of underground drainage. We handle all Building Control notifications and inspections. Some minor repairs may not require approval, but we always advise on regulatory requirements for your specific project.
What’s the difference between foul water and surface water drainage?
Foul water drainage carries waste from toilets, sinks, and washing facilities to the mains sewer. Surface water drainage manages rainwater from roofs, drives, and paved areas, typically connecting to soakaways or separate surface water sewers. Modern systems require these to be kept separate, and new developments often need sustainable drainage (SuDS) solutions for surface water.
How do you deal with clay soil drainage problems?
Surrey’s London Clay presents unique challenges for drainage. We use specialist techniques including French drains, land drains, and carefully designed soakaways with proper aggregate and geotextile membranes. For severe clay conditions, we may recommend attenuation tanks or connections to surface water sewers. Our local experience helps us design effective solutions for challenging ground conditions.
Can you connect my new extension drainage to existing systems?
We can connect extension drainage to existing systems provided they have adequate capacity and comply with current regulations. We first survey existing drainage using CCTV where necessary, check gradients and pipe conditions, then design appropriate connections. If existing systems are inadequate, we may recommend upgrades or separate connections to ensure reliable performance.
What is a soakaway and when do I need one?
A soakaway is an underground structure that allows surface water to gradually soak into the ground. They’re required when you cannot connect surface water drainage to a sewer, often for new driveways, extensions, or where planning conditions require sustainable drainage. We design soakaways based on ground conditions, rainfall data, and drainage area to ensure effective water management.
How quickly can you respond to drainage emergencies?
We provide emergency drainage services for blocked drains, collapsed pipes, and flood situations. During normal hours, we typically respond within 2-4 hours for genuine emergencies. We carry equipment for drain clearing, temporary repairs, and emergency pumping. Our CCTV survey equipment helps quickly identify problems and determine the most effective repair approach.
