PLUMBING & DRAINAGE
WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE
From drought to flash-floods and population growth, recent events are calling attention to the importance of effective and reliable drainage systems. BMJ talks issues and options for merchants caught up in the drainage dilemma.
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ecent rain, flooding and cold weather in the UK have caused the Environment Agency to issue 119 flood warnings, as well as 193 flood alerts and the bad weather has already damaged hundreds of homes and left many without power. In reaction to this, the Government has decided to make sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) compulsory for new developments. This means that it will finally implement Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 which will mandate sustainable drainage in new developments, expected to come into force in 2024. “Since the introduction of the Sewerage Sector Guidance in 2020, which was created to meeting the requirements of Ofwat’s Code for Adoption Agreements, there are still a number of builders who are missing out on some real advantages that the guidance brings,” says Richard Eddy, category manager – underground and utilities, at Polypipe Building Products.
Previously the industry had been calling for a framework that allows for a more rounded approach to water management; Eddy points out that the Sewerage Sector Guidance paved the way for the design and installation of systems where above ground drainage and
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below ground drainage can work seamlessly together.
“The mandatory code, including the Design and Construction Guidance, came into force in April 2020 and is subject to regular updates and amendments. The framework has been put in place for the use of a greater range of below ground and above ground water drainage systems, from the use of geocellular attenuation systems, to soft SuDS systems including natural culverts, water run-off systems, and permeable paving, alongside the traditional use of large diameter pipe systems,” he says. “Additionally, the former regulations allowed water companies to vary requirements on products and systems installed for drainage systems, while the updated guidance calls for all products and materials to be evaluated by the same standards across England.” A significant change is the explicit instruction that the use of plastic-based pipes for below ground drainage can be considered on all sites. Eddy says this means that there are now regions in England where house builders and developers can choose from a greater range of products and systems to suit their project objectives.
“While plastic piping has always featured
in sewer guidance, the recent guidelines from Water UK, approved by Ofwat, mandates that all sewerage companies must adopt systems including plastic pipes and fittings, in accordance with the relevant product standards,” he says. “With smooth internal bores facilitating superior flow properties and being made from materials that give great corrosion and chemical resistance, plastic pipes offer ease of handling and robustness on site. Additionally, plastic pipes have consistently low leakage rates and an excellent performance throughout the full life cycle. “Plastic pipes are also up to 94% lighter than their concreate and clay alternatives, which has obvious advantages such as reducing labour and machinery costs, while longer lengths mean fewer joints need to be made. The flexible natural of the material means that it will be much less likely to fail due to earth movement, flooding, and temperature changes, and is less susceptible to cracks and leaks than rigid materials.” Eddy adds that plastic pipes have appositive sustainable angle, being 100% recyclable at the end of life. “Builders now have more options in front of them to install a suitable drainage system and can draw on a greater range of materials and products to develop
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net February 2023
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