The building regulations in the UK are provided to make sure any construction is carried out safely, efficiently and sustainably. Part H of the regulations deals specifically with drainage and waste disposal, including how wastewater, surface water and solid waste should be dealt with in order to protect the environment as well as public health considerations. 

Whether you’re a homeowner or a developer, it’s important to make sure you’re always acting in compliance with Part H. It’s something that we, as drainage professionals, also need to account for, which is why we’ve created this guide for everything you need to know on the topic.

The scope of Part H for drainage and waste disposal

Part H of the building regulations sets out all the legal requirements when it comes to installing and maintaining drainage systems in the UK. We’ve mentioned a few of the areas it covers, but the main aim in the scope of this is:

• Preventing pollution and wider health hazards
• Making sure waste is disposed of efficiently and correctly
• Protecting properties from the risk of flooding where possible
• Ensuring the structural and functional integrity of the public sewer system

It’s worth noting that failing to comply with the regulations laid out in Part H can not only create delays to a project, but can also create costly remedial work and may even result in penalties against you.

Breaking Part H Down

Foul water drainage

This area is H1 of the regulations and covers the safe disposal of wastewater from your sinks, toilets and appliances, including:

• Connecting your drainage to the public sewer system whenever possible
• Using the right size of pipes and ventilated pipework
• Preventing any backflow or contamination in the system

Wastewater treatment systems 

H2 in the regulations covers properties that are not connected to public sewers. This means guidance for septic tanks and sewage treatment plants and includes:

• Making sure that the system in place is the right size for the property
• Maintenance and leak prevention to avoid pollution of groundwater
• The correct siting of the system away from other buildings and watercourses nearby

Rainwater drainage

In H3 of the regulations there is information on managing surface water to prevent flooding. Key elements include:

• The use of drainage channels, soakaways and the connection to surface water sewers
• The design of any hard surfaces, such as driveways, should account for permeability
• Prevention of rainwater from getting into the foul water drains

Building over sewers

H4 in the regulation relates to construction works planned over or in close proximity to sewers, with permission required from the local water authorities. Rules to be aware of include:

• Making sure you allow easy access for repairs and any maintenance work
• The need for reinforced foundations to protect sewer integrity
• It’s recommended you conduct a drain survey before any work begins

Separate systems of drainage

H5 is dedicated to preventing contamination, ensuring foul water and surface water are diverted into separate systems. It covers the following:

• The proper treatment of wastewater before it is disposed of
• Plans to avoid the overload or flooding of treatment plants
• Ensuring infrastructure is in place for any new builds

Solid waste storage

The final part, H6, is regulations regarding storage and disposal of solid waste. It outlines some of the following:

• Where designated waste storage areas should be for properties
• The need for proper ventilation and access to allow waste collection
• The need to deter pests and prevent foul odours

Have there been recent updates and amendments to Part H?

As with any regulations in the UK, there are always updates and amendments that you should be aware of to avoid falling foul of the law. The reason behind updates can vary, from the need to include technological advancements to bringing in changes that benefit the environment. Here are just some of the more recent regulation changes for Part H:

• As with many things in recent years, there is an emphasis on sustainability. SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Solutions) places greater emphasis on sustainable drainage such as harvesting rainwater and permeable paving to help with wider environmental initiatives.
  
• In order to protect watercourses, the Environment Agency made recent changes. The stricter rules made it a requirement to upgrade or replace any system that directly discharges into a watercourse.
  
• With a changing climate, the regulations here in the UK have been adapted to steadily improve climate resilience. This, of course, relates to the increase in flooding, with more provisions considered for the handling of stormwater. All of this is part of the government’s dedication to meeting the impact of climate challenges we face today.

How CCTV drain surveys help you stay compliant

With strict rules concerning your drains, drainage system and how they handle all manner of water, it’s important to ensure you stay compliant with Part H of the building regulations. Using advanced technology, at Express Drainage Solutions, we can help you to do this in a number of ways:

• Identify any potential non-compliance issues with your system that require remedying.
• Detect any blockages, leaks or misconnected drains that would be impacting on the efficiency and legality of your drains.
• Reporting for any planning applications – an essential element of your preparations before carrying out any work.

Part H of the building regulations is critical in ensuring that our waste and water disposal systems are as safe and efficient as possible, which is why you should always engage the services of a professional company if you want peace of mind.

Whether you have concerns about your drainage system because it’s old, because you’ve noticed worrying signs on your property or because you’ve moved into a property and want to be sure nothing is amiss, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our surveyors are always on hand to assess your drainage system so that you can take the right preventive or corrective measures. 

Call today and speak to our team and we’ll be happy to arrange an appointment for a

 of your drains whether it’s for your home or your business.