How Deep Should Drainage Pipes Be Buried In Cumbria?

If you live in Cumbria, a county located in North West England, you might wonder how deep drainage pipes should be buried to properly maintain them. Drainage Cumbria, a drainage company in Cumbria, is here to help you understand the best practices for burying pipes underground.

Understanding Drainage Pipes

Drainage pipes are an essential component of any plumbing system that deals with waste and water management. These pipes are used to carry wastewater and rainwater away from your home or building to the sewage system or a soakaway. To ensure that these pipes function properly, they must be installed correctly and buried underground at the correct depth.

Factors to Consider When Burying Pipes

Several factors come into play when determining how deep drainage pipes should be buried. These factors include the fall of the pipes, their diameter, and the type of waste and water being transported. Lets take a closer look at each of these factors.

Fall

The fall of the pipe refers to the amount of slope or angle that the pipe has when it is installed. It is essential to have a fall applied to the pipe to allow the waste and water to flow away from the home or building naturally. If the angle of the pipe is too steep, it may cause blockages from the waste and water flowing too quickly. If the pipe's angle is too shallow, the waste and water may not flow away entirely, leading to blockages.

Diameter

The diameter of the pipe is another important consideration when determining how deep it should be buried. The larger the pipe's diameter, the deeper it should be buried to avoid pressure on the pipe from soil and potential traffic. Smaller pipes can be buried closer to the surface because they can withstand less pressure.

Type of Waste and Water

The type of waste and water being transported through the drainage system is equally important. Different types of waste and water may have different requirements for the depth of the pipes. For instance, if your home or building deals with industrial waste or chemicals, the pipes must be buried deeper to avoid any potential hazards.

Best Practices for Burying Pipes Underground

Now that we know what to consider when burying pipes, lets take a look at the best practices.

Must be Underground

All drainage pipes must be buried underground to prevent freezing and reduce the risk of them being exposed to physical harm, such as pressure cracks.

The Water Must Flow to the End of the Drainage System

It is crucial to ensure that the drainage system is designed to carry water away from your home or building and does not cause flooding, backed up drains, or leaks.

Connected PVC Pipes

When installing pipes, it is important to use connected PVC pipes. This method ensures that pipes are more secure and less likely to become disconnected or damaged over time.

Approved Document H of the Building Regulations

The guidelines in Approved Document H of the Building Regulations advise how and where drainage pipes must be buried. Drainage Cumbria adheres to these guidelines to ensure all of our drainage projects comply.

110mm Diameter Pipes

For residential properties, 110mm diameter pipes are commonly used for waste and water management. These pipes should be buried at a depth of at least 500mm to ensure they are safely out of harm's way.

Must Be Approved by the Authority

Burying drainage pipes at the correct depth is not just a matter of following guidelines; it is also a mandatory requirement. Any drainage work carried out on your property must be approved by the local authority, and failure to comply can result in fines or penalties.

Conclusion

Burying pipes underground can be a challenging task. However, understanding the best practices and guidelines makes the process easier. At Drainage Cumbria, we have years of experience working with drainage systems, and we ensure that all our installations comply with the regulations. If you need any assistance with your drainage system or would like to learn more about our services, please feel free to contact us at 01228 734162 or [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!