Wyes › Approved Document H and when to call building control
Approved Document H and when to call building control
The rules for drainage in England are set out in Part H of the Building Regulations. The practical guidance is in Approved Document H.
What Part H and Approved Document H are
The Building Regulations 2010 set legal requirements for building work in England. Part H covers drainage and waste disposal. Approved Document H is statutory guidance published by the government that shows ways to meet those requirements. The current edition is the 2015 edition, which took effect on 1 October 2015. You don't have to follow it word for word, but if you do, it is easier to show your work complies.
What it covers
- Foul water, surface water and rainwater drainage.
- Sanitary pipework and drainage structures such as inspection chambers.
- Refuse storage for dwellings.
- Waste water treatment and pollution prevention.
- Building over or near sewers.
It applies in England. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own guidance, so check the right version for where your property is.
When to contact building control
Whether you need to notify building control depends on the work. As a general guide, you should expect to need to talk to them for:
- New drains or sewer connections.
- Changes to the layout of drainage, such as adding a bathroom or an extension that alters the system.
- Building over or close to a public sewer or drain.
- New septic tanks or treatment plants.
Straightforward repairs and like-for-like replacements are often treated differently. But the rules are detailed and vary with the exact work, so don't assume. The simplest approach is to phone your local authority building control team, describe the work and ask. You can also check the Planning Portal's pages on Part H and on building control applications. Alternatively, a registered competent person or an approved inspector can advise and sign off certain jobs.
Building over or near sewers
If your work is near a public sewer, the water company may need to agree to it. Shared drains and sewers have special rules about who owns and maintains them. Ask your water company before you build near one, and ask building control as well.
What happens if you don't get approval?
If work needed approval and didn't get it, you may be asked to open it up so it can be inspected, or to put it right. It can also cause problems when you sell the house, because a buyer's solicitor may ask for proof. Getting it right first time is cheaper.
Which edition applies?
The 2015 edition applies to work started on or after 1 October 2015. The earlier 2002 edition, as amended, still applies to work that was started or notified before that date. The government says the Building Safety Regulator keeps the safety and standards of all buildings under review, so check the gov.uk page for the latest version before you start.
Using the guidance
- Read the section that matches your job: foul drainage, rainwater, or sewer near building.
- Check figures such as pipe sizes, falls and access spacing. Our pages on pipe sizes and falls and bends summarise some.
- Contact building control before starting.
- Keep records and photos of buried pipework before backfilling.
When to call a professional
Call a qualified plumber or drainage contractor if the work involves a public sewer, a shared drain, a collapsed pipe, tree roots, ground movement or you cannot find the layout of the existing drains. A CCTV drain survey can show what is below ground without digging.
Go back to the home page or read about wye vs tee fittings.
This is general information, not professional advice. The rules apply to England; Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own. Check with your local authority building control or a competent professional before starting work.