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Drain installations

Installing a drainage system is a big job, and that's true whether it's for a brand new installation or to replace an existing drainage system (or part of one). At Rider Drains, our experienced team of drainage engineers will provide expert drainage installation services to give you a system that will last for decades to come.

If you are interested in installing a drainage system on your property, contact us today for a free no-obligation quote. Our expert team of drainage engineers will work with you from the very start of the project to ensure that your drainage system works for your property and your needs.

We adhere to the very highest professional standards and have extensive knowledge of the important rules and regulations surrounding drainage installation. We also use top of the range techniques, technology, and materials to make sure your drainage is of the highest quality and will last you for many years to come.

Drain Unblocking

Drain Installation

Drain Lining

Drain Descaling

Drain Repairs

Drain Patch Repairs

Drain Cleaning

Emergency Drain Service

To discuss your needs further, call us today on 0800 086 2750

What is an underground drainage system?

Underground drainage systems are a vital part of the plumbing network. They are comprised of drainage pipes that lay underground and are used to take wastewater (from toilets, sinks, baths, washing machines, dishwashers, etc) away from properties and distribute it into the sewer system.

Nowadays uPVC plastic pipes are almost always used for underground drainage systems but you might still see cast iron or vitrified clay pipes.

Plastic is preferred over clay for a few reasons. It is lighter and easier to install, requires essentially no maintenance, and has a better flow rate because the inside walls are smoother.

There is a huge range of pipes, fittings, and fixtures available that make it easy to create a modular system that fits the space it will be installed in.

All pipes that are for foul water drainage should be terracotta in colour so that they can be easily identified, regardless of the pipe types that are used.

How to install an underground drainage system

Underground drainage installation is a complicated and highly technical job that needs to fully adhere to building regulations (specifically Building Regulation Part H). For this reason, it is always better to employ a local engineer with skills and experience in plumbing services to install it for you.

Step 1 - trench digging

The first step to underground drainage installation is to dig the trench that will form the pipe bed. Regardless of the size of the pipework, the trench should be 300mm wider than the pipes that will be laid and there should be 300mm of cover above.

The trench should always be installed in such a way that the lowest point helps gravity to naturally drain water away from the property. This is known as the correct "fall".

It should always be dug at the correct alignment to allow the pipework to be installed with all of the major components accessible and with enough room for them to successfully connect the property wastewater to the sewage system.

Step 2 - laying the pea shingle

There needs to be 10mm of pea shingle at the base of the bed with the drainage pipes and other fittings laid on top. After the pipework is laid, pea shingle should also be used for the back and side fill to fully surround the pipes.

Pea shingle is the ideal filler to use for drainage systems because it is protective but it also allows for expansion and movement of the surrounding ground and soil.

Step 3 - laying the pipework

Generally speaking, pipework and especially plastic pipes are relatively easy to install. They use a push-fit system to connect the pipes and whatever fittings are needed together. If the pipe work needs to be altered, it can easily be cut with a hacksaw (although the edges will need to be chamfered to get rid of any jagged edges).

According to building regulations, the pipes should be laid in such a way that they allow for access points when needed, such as rodding eyes. This can be for inspections, repairs, testing, cleaning, etc.

Contact us today

If you need underground drainage installation, our experienced team have the experience and specialist equipment to install your system to the very highest standard.

what is anunder-ground drainage system

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What is a surface water drainage system

What is a surface water drainage system?

Your surface water drain system is completely separate from the wastewater system that deals with foul water drainage from your toilet, bath, sinks, etc.

Rainwater that collects in gutters or gullies is taken away to local rivers or the sea. As is water that is collected in drains and soakaways on your property.

Because of this, your rainwater and wastewater systems must remain completely separate.

If your wastewater is draining into the rainwater drainage system, this will pollute the local beaches, rivers, and the sea. On the other hand, if your rainwater is draining into your wastewater system, this could overload it and cause flooding or a blocked drain.

Correct installation is key for this system because if rainwater is allowed to collect unchecked, it can lead to flooding.

If you notice that there is an excess of water on your lawn or the rest of your outdoor property, this could mean that the system isn't working as it should.

Rainwater drainage installation is essentially the same as for wastewater but you will need to be absolutely sure that the two systems are remaining separate. A skilled engineer will be able to install the system correctly. Local authorities and building regulations consider homeowners/landlords to be liable for any problems with rainwater and wastewater draining into the wrong system, so it is important to make sure that the drainage installation is completed correctly the first time.

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What is a French drain?

A French drain is a method for reducing the risk of flooding to your property. A trench is dug close to the building edge, which is filled with granular material such as aggregate. It helps to direct water away from your property.

While a french drain can be installed by a passionate DIY-er, to avoid nasty surprises it is always best to bring someone in who has professional experience in drainage solutions.

There is always a risk when digging a trend like this that it will interfere with pipework, cables, access points, and more. And the cost for fixing any damage caused by hitting these will be far higher than bringing in expert services for the installation in the first place.

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If you are worried about drainage issues and you want a French drain to help reduce the chance of flooding, contact us today and we will help you decide if this is the best option for your needs and provide excellent service before, during, and after installation.

What is a French drain

Drainage Services

We also provide an emergency drain service and will offer free professional advice to ensure that only the necessary work will be carried out.

Emergency Drain Service

Drain Unblocking

Drain Installation

Commercial Drain Cleaning

Drain Lining

Drain Descaling

Drain Cleaning

Drain Jetting

Drain Patch Repairs

Drain Repairs

Drainage Survey

CCTV Camera Survey

Underground Surveys

Drain Mapping

Drain Tree Root Removal

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What is a septic tank

What is a septic tank?

Septic tanks provide a method through which foul water is collected and removed from a property. It works differently from a standard wastewater system and there are very specific British standards and rules and regulations about septic tank installation. These are again covered by Building Regulations Part H.

Septic tanks should always be installed by a professional who will have the equipment and professional knowledge for how to safely install the tank and its drainage. Because you are dealing with foul water, it is very important to get the installation done correctly.

Septic tanks are installed beneath the ground and store wastewater from a property and allow it to settle. This causes the wastewater to separate into three components. The solid waste will settle at the very bottom and the scum will settle at the top. In the middle, there is the liquid septic water, and it is this water that needs to be drained away.

The solid waste and the scum are left behind in the tank to safely decompose.

How should septic tanks be installed?

Septic tanks need to be installed in a way that adheres to very strict rules and regulations. They should be installed in such a way that a blocked drain won't occur. They should be placed far away from buildings, watercourses, roads, and paved areas. And they should be completely separate from water supply pipes.

A series of trenches need to be dug which have the same gradient, and this shouldn't be too steep. The trenches are installed in a very similar way to a standard wastewater system, except for the inclusion of a geotextile layer above to help prevent silt.

Inspection chambers (or access chambers) need to be installed between the tank and the drainage field and the trenches should form a loop that feeds from the inspection chambers.

Before a tank can be installed, the ground conditions need to be thoroughly checked to make sure that they are suitable for this type of installation. The ground needs to be able to handle and be able to drain the amount of water that will come from the tank.

The tank also needs to be the ideal size for the amount of water that it will be handling. Our engineers can help you to determine what size tank you need and whether the proposed drainage field will be able to deal with the water. We will always go the extra mile in ensuring that you are fully covered for all eventualities and make sure that your drainage will last for as long as possible.

Contact us today

We understand the importance of installing septic tanks correctly and we will ensure that your drainage field and tank are right for your needs and installed to the highest in professional standards. Contact us today for your free no-obligation quote.

To discuss your needs further, call us today on 0800 086 2750

Replacement drainage installation

Any plumbing can be subject to damage. This damage can be caused by a wide range of factors, including tree root damage, frozen water, subsidence, or heavy traffic above the pipe work.

When there is extensive damage, a large portion of your drainage and pipes may need to be dug out and replaced.

Our engineers will make skilled use of the best in modern equipment, technology, and materials to properly diagnose any damage and identify the areas of pipe work and drainage that need to be removed and re-installed. We will use the highest quality fittings, fixtures, and materials to ensure that your replacement drains and pipes will do the job they are designed to do perfectly.

Contact us today

If you think that some of your drainage systems are damaged and needs to be repaired, don't hesitate to contact our skilled team of drainage engineers. Leaving a problem like this for too long can result in the damage getting worse and a more costly and time-consuming job later down the line.

Replacement drainage installation

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Why choose Rider Drains for your drainage installation

Why choose Rider Drains for your drainage installation?

We are a leading provider of drain installation services and we will work with you every step of the way to make sure your drainage is of the highest quality and fits your needs to the letter. From inspection to installation, and beyond, you can rely on Rider Drains for quality work at a reasonable price.

FAQs

How deep should garden drainage be?

Installing drainage involves burying porous pipes at about 45cm (18in) deep. This is very disruptive and is difficult to accomplish when the soil is wet. The best time for this type of ground work is from late summer until early winter when ground conditions are usually driest.

What is the correct fall for underground drainage?

The minimum fall for a waste pipe is 1 in 40. The maximum fall is 1 in 110 (apart from vertical pipes but that's a different story). So pipes with a gradient between 1 in 40 and 1 in 110 should have adequate flow to prevent blockages from occurring.

Can you run drain under house?

On a public drain you cannot have a junction under a floor. The water authority will not accept this as there is a risk of blockage. All drains from the house or extension will need to pass to the external area where they enter a manhole.

How much does it cost to install a drainage system UK?

The average cost of installing a French drain lawn drainage system is around £30 – £40 per foot. The exact price you pay will depend on the size and length of the drains needed for your garden. Suppliers prices do fluctuate.
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