From the initial applications and permits to excavation, connection and reinstatement, we take care of the entire sewer connection process—saving you time, reducing stress and ensuring full compliance with all statutory requirements.
A Guide to
Sewer Connections
Connecting a property to the public sewer involves more than simply excavating and laying pipework. There are several stages that must be completed before work can begin.
The good news is that we can manage the entire process on your behalf, from the initial enquiries through to the final inspection, giving you one point of contact throughout the project.
Locate the Public Sewer
The first step is to establish the location and depth of the public sewer.
Your local water authority can provide sewer records and asset location plans. These enable us to determine the most suitable point for your new connection.
For Thames Water customers:
Asset Location Search (ALS):
https://www.thameswater.co.uk/property-searches
Sample Asset Location Report:
Obtain Permission from the Water Authority – Section 106
Before any connection can be made, approval must be obtained from the relevant water authority.
We can prepare and submit the application on your behalf and liaise directly with the water authority throughout the approval process.
For Thames Water guidance, visit:
https://www.thameswater.co.uk/help/home-improvements/how-to-connect-to-a-sewer
Traffic Management
If the connection is located within the public highway, suitable traffic management arrangements will usually be required.
Depending on the location, this may involve:
· Temporary traffic lights
· Lane closures
· Give-and-take traffic control
· Temporary road closures
We work with experienced traffic management specialists who prepare all required plans in accordance with the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (NRSWA) Chapter 8 requirements.
We will determine the most appropriate traffic management solution in consultation with the local highway authority.
Section 50 Licence
(Road Opening Permit)
Before any excavation can take place within the public highway, a Section 50 Licence must be obtained from the local highway authority.
We can prepare and submit the application on your behalf, including arranging road space bookings and coordinating the necessary permits.
For Oxfordshire County Council, further information can be found here:
https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/business/licences-and-permits/applying-section-50
Where a road closure is necessary, a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) will also be required. Further information is available here:
https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/roads-and-transport/traffic/temporary-road-closures
Additional costs may sometimes apply, including:
· Road closure charges
· Traffic management costs
· Bus stop suspensions or relocations
· Local authority permit and inspection fees
We will discuss all anticipated costs with you before work begins.
Connection and Inspection
Once all approvals are in place, we carry out the sewer connection.
Following completion, the water authority will inspect the work. Once approved, a completion certificate is issued to the property owner confirming the connection has been completed to the required standard.
We Can Manage Everything for You
As an experienced, NRSWA-qualified groundwork contractor approved to undertake sewer connections, we can manage every stage of the process, including:
· Asset location searches
· Section 106 applications to the water authority
· Section 50 Licence applications
· Road space bookings
· Traffic management arrangements
· Temporary road closures
· Excavation and sewer connection
· Highway reinstatement
· Final inspection and certification
Our aim is to make the process as straightforward as possible, providing a complete, hassle-free service from initial enquiry through to final completion.
Please note: This guide is intended to provide a general overview of the sewer connection process. Requirements and procedures may vary depending on the location, local authority and water company.