You need to apply for a sewer connection when your development or property needs to discharge wastewater or surface water into the public sewer network. This is often a requirement for new builds, extensions, or properties not currently connected to mains drainage.

- A private sewer connection links to a private drain or sewer within a development or boundary.

- A public sewer connection connects directly to the public sewer network, typically owned and maintained by the local water authority.

Connecting to a public sewer usually requires formal permission and an application under Section 106 of the Water Industry Act 1991.

You must submit a Section 106 application to your local water company. This includes plans, site details, drainage layout, and method of connection. We handle this entire process for you, ensuring the paperwork, drawings, and inspections meet the authority’s requirements.

You may need:

- Section 106 approval from the water company

- Section 50 or street works permit if work involves a public road or footpath

- Planning consent or building regulations approval (for some developments)

We guide you through every stage and obtain all required permits before any work begins.

Costs vary depending on:

- The distance to the nearest sewer

- Ground conditions

- Whether roadworks are needed

- Local authority or water company fees

We provide a full breakdown of costs upfront, including application, design, excavation, and reinstatement if required.

Typically, it takes 4 to 8 weeks from application to completion. This depends on approval timelines from the water authority, the complexity of the works, and the need for road closures or permits. We work to fast-track your connection wherever possible.

Once the connection is installed:

- It will be inspected by the water authority

- A completion certificate may be issued

- We provide as-built drawings and documentation

The sewer connection is then live and ready to use, assuming it passes all inspections.

Once connected, the public sewer is maintained by the water company, and you are responsible for any private drains within your property boundary. We’ll advise you on what’s covered and what isn’t.

If the work affects a public highway, a Section 50 permit (or equivalent street works licence) is required. We obtain this on your behalf and manage all traffic management, reinstatement, and council inspections as part of the project.

If issues arise during or after inspection, we will rectify the defects at no extra cost until the connection meets all required standards. Our experienced team ensures compliance and minimises any disruption or delays.

Yes—if your property is not currently connected to mains drainage, we can assess the feasibility, submit the necessary applications, and carry out all works to provide a fully compliant connection to the nearest public sewer.