How To Read Drainage Plans in Cumbria

If you're a property owner or developer in Cumbria, it's important to understand how to read drainage plans. Drainage plans are a crucial aspect of building and construction, as they help to ensure that your property is properly connected to the local drainage system.

At Drainage Cumbria, we are a drainage company based in Cumbria, with years of experience in the industry. In this article, we will be discussing everything you need to know about drainage plans, including what they are, why they are important, and how to read them.

What Are Drainage Plans?

Drainage plans are technical drawings that show the drainage system for a property. They are typically created by architects, engineers, or surveyors, and are used to ensure that the property is properly connected to the local drainage system.

These plans show the layout of the property's drainage system, including any pipes, manholes, and other components. They also show the flow of water through the system, as well as the location of any drainage inspections that may be required.

Why Are Drainage Plans Important?

Drainage plans are important because they ensure that the property is properly connected to the local drainage system. This is crucial for several reasons:

• Health and safety: Proper drainage ensures that wastewater is safely and efficiently removed from the property, reducing the risk of contamination and disease.
• Environmental protection: Without proper drainage, wastewater can pollute local water sources, harming the environment and wildlife.
• Legal compliance: Building regulations require that properties are properly connected to the local drainage system.

In addition, drainage plans can help to identify any potential issues with the property's drainage system, such as blocked pipes or inadequate ventilation.

Reading Drainage Plans

Reading a drainage plan can be a daunting task, especially if you're not familiar with architectural or engineering terminology. However, with a little practice, anyone can learn how to read a drainage plan.

Here are some of the key terms and concepts you need to know when reading drainage plans:

Invert Level

The invert level is the level of the bottom of a pipe, chamber or other drainage component. It is usually shown as a height above sea level or an arbitrary level. This is important because it allows the drainage contractor to prepare the pipes to the correct depths.

Drainage Direction

The drainage direction is the flow of water through the drainage system. Drainage plans typically show the flow direction using arrows, which indicate the direction of flow from higher levels to lower levels.

Pipe Diameter

Pipe diameter is the size of the pipes used in the drainage system. This is important because it determines the capacity of the system to transport wastewater.

Drainage Inspections

Drainage inspections are locations marked on the plan where the contractor expects to install inspection chambers. These chambers allow the clearout of the drains and pipes at regular intervals. The locations are marked with codes that should correspond to the chamber dimensions and installation details.

RTTV Values

RTTV values are an abbreviation for 'Rainfall Time to Travel Value'. This value is the amount of time it takes for rainwater to travel through the drainage system. The RTTV value is calculated based on the size of the pipes and the slope of the land. RTTV values are important because they dictate how quickly rainwater must be removed from a property.

Natural Ventilation

Natural ventilation is the flow of air through the drainage system. This is important because it helps to prevent the buildup of gases such as methane and hydrogen sulfide. Drainage plans typically show the location of ventilation points, such as vent pipes or grilles.

How to Read Drainage Plans

Now that you understand some of the key terms and concepts used in drainage plans, let's take a closer look at how to read them.

Step 1: Identify the Property

The first step when reading a drainage plan is to identify the property in question. This should be easy, as the plan should include a drawing of the property, along with its address or other identifying information.

Step 2: Check the Scale

The next step is to check the scale of the drawing. This will be given in a ratio on the plan. For example, a scale of 1:100 means that one unit on the plan equals 100 units in the real world. Make sure to use a ruler or measuring tape to determine the size of the property and the location of the various components.

Step 3: Examine the Layout

Examine the layout of the property's drainage system. Look for any pipes, manholes, or other components, and note their diameter and location. Also, note the flow direction of the drainage system and the location of any ventilation points.

Step 4: Check the RTTV Values

Check the RTTV values and make sure they are appropriate for the property. If the values are too high, this may indicate that the drainage system is inadequate and needs to be upgraded.

Step 5: Locate Drainage Inspections

Locate any drainage inspections that may be required. These will be marked on the plan with codes that correspond to the dimensions and installation details of the inspection chambers.

Step 6: Verify Compliance

Finally, make sure that the drainage plan complies with local building regulations. Check with the local council or planning department if necessary.

Get in Touch With Drainage Cumbria

At Drainage Cumbria, we offer a range of services to support your drainage needs. We are a professional and experienced drainage company based in Cumbria and the North West of England. Our team of experts can help you understand your drainage plan and provide effective solutions to any drainage issues you may encounter.

Contact us today on 01228 734162 or email us at [email protected] to learn more about our services or to schedule a consultation.