Course Content
Basic Concepts
In this lesson, we'll explore the concepts of drain and sewer ownership, as well as the maintenance responsibilities for single and multiple property scenarios. Understanding these responsibilities is crucial for property owners, managers, and sewer surveying professionals.
0/4
Drain and Sewer Definitions
Single Property Maintenance Responsibility
Multiple Property Maintenance Responsibility
Drain and Sewer Definitions Quiz
02:00
Standards, Regulations and Regulatory Authorities
This module outlines the regulatory information that relates to drainage systems in the UK.
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Drainage Standards
Public Health Legislation
Building Regulations – Approved Document H
The Environment Agency (EA) – The principal environmental regulator for England
Principle Regulators for Wales, Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland
Standards, Regulations and Regulatory Authorities Quiz
05:00
Protecting Property – The Importance of Drainage Maintenance
Proper drain maintenance is essential for preventing foul water and surface water drainage issues that can lead to blockages, disruptions, damages, and health and safety concerns. In this lesson, we'll explore the benefits of planned preventative drain maintenance contracts and how they can help protect your property or business from the risk of flooding.
0/4
The Risks of Neglected Drains
The Benefits of Planned Preventative Maintenance
Cleaning and Clearing equipment and techniques
Protecting Property - The Importance of Drainage Maintenance Quiz
05:00
Drainage Design
Increase your knowledge on drainage appliances, assets, general design and typical systems.
0/13
Above Ground Assets
Drainage Appliances and Equipment
Pipes, Pipe Fittings and Joints
Gulleys (or gullies)
Soakaways
Interceptor Traps
Drainage Design Quiz 1
06:00
Access Points
Rocker Pipes and Back Drops
Channel Drains
Picture Test
10:00
Catch Pits and Separation Tanks
Drainage Design Quiz 2
03:00
SUDs, Misconnections and Off Grid Systems
Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems description. Misconnections and how to spot them, and Off Grid Systems (where there is no suitable public sewer connection).
0/4
Misconnections
Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS)
Offgrid Systems
Misconnections and Other Systems Quiz
05:00
Investigation and Reporting
Considering the correct methods for inspecting drainage systems to ascertain their condition. In this module we discuss methods and best practice when surveying drainage systems.
0/5
CCTV Surveys – a brief intro
Other Types of Drain Survey
Home Buyers Survey
The Benefits of a Drainage Survey Report
Investigation and Reporting Quiz
06:00
The CCTV Survey: Quality First
This module covers the CCTV survey and how to ensure the you get the best results and provide a quality survey.
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Introduction
Picture Quality
Pre-Survey Checklist
Lighting
Cable Calibration
Centering the Camera in the Sewer
The Offset Distance
Final Checks
The CCTV Survey Quiz
03:00
Survey Reporting
How to code and classify using BS EN 13508-2 based definitions.
0/6
Mastering Header Details
Unplotted Manholes and Node Points
The Standard Coding Form
Headers and Observations
Manhole/Node Codes
The CCTV Survey Quiz
04:00
CCTV Survey Condition Observations
Understanding condition observations and defect codes for drainage surveys.
0/2
General Rules for Observations
Test
01:00
Structural Observations and Defects
Examples and definitions of structural defects such as cracks, fractures, joint issues, holes and breaks.
0/5
Identifying and Coding Joint Displaced, Open Joints, Cracks, and Fractures
Structural Defects: Broken Pipe (B) and Hole (H) Identification and Coding
Structural Observations and Defects Quiz
07:00
Surface Damage (S)
 Deformation, Obstruction, and Collapse
Operational Codes and Descriptions
Describing defects that affect the operational capacity of drains and sewers
0/4
Infiltration and Roots
Deposits
Obstructions and Obstacles
Water Levels and Line Deviations
Construction Observation Codes and Descriptions
In this module we are looking at changes in the fabric of the drain or sewer between manholes and noting these in a quick and accurate format.
0/4
Shape, Lining, and Material Changes
Junctions and Connections
Defective Connections or Junctions
Joint Seal Issues and Lining Defects
Miscellaneous observation Codes and Descriptions
This module covers the condition codes that don't fall into the other categories. These are generally not related to defective areas.
0/1
Loss of Vision, Remarks, Vermin and Serviceability
Observation Understanding Test
This is a multiple choice test of your observation and defect understanding. There will be 50 images of defects or observations. You will select what you think is the correct definition. The pass mark is 70%.
0/1
Image Interpretation Test
01:01:00
Grading and Serviceability
Once complete the drain is graded according to the peak operational or structural defect. This means that the most severe defect on a drain will be used to grade the drain. This process is described within this module.
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Grading and Serviceability
Water Tightness
We discuss the importance of drainage systems being water tight. Prevention of infiltration and exfiltration is an import aspect of drainage system integrity.
0/1
Water Tightness in Below-Ground Drains
Repair Recommendations
The best practice for remedial recommendations based on drainage survey results is discussed in this module.
0/5
Repair Philosophy
Open cut excavation and replacement.
Lining (Cured In Place Pipe – CIPP)
Patch Lining (Cured In Place Repair – CIPR)
Drain Root Removal
Full Drainage Inspection and Assessment (FDIA) Qualification
About Lesson

Multiple Property Maintenance Responsibility

In the UK, the responsibility for maintaining the drainage system of a block of flats, for example, can vary depending on the specific arrangements outlined in the lease or ownership documentation. There are two common scenarios:

  1. Freehold Ownership: If a single entity or individual (freeholder) owns the entire block of flats, the freeholder is usually responsible for maintaining the drainage system and other common areas.

  2. Leasehold Ownership: Many flats in England are sold on a leasehold basis, with individual units owned by leaseholders and a freeholder or management company responsible for maintaining common areas, including the drainage system.

In both cases the drains within the property curtilage (normally the boundary) are private and the responsibility of the property owner or owners.

For sites like university campuses or schools, maintenance responsibility remains with the property or estate owner up to the estate’s curtilage. At this point, the local water authority becomes responsible for maintenance.

By understanding ownership and maintenance responsibilities for drains and sewers, property owners and sewer surveying professionals can ensure the proper functioning of drainage systems and compliance with local regulations.

The image above represents an apartment complex or a block of flats. The drainage within the property boundary is a private drain. The maintenance and repair responsibility would be with the property owner.

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