Restoring a Safe and Compliant Drainage System
Nottingham City Council, a key local authority, is responsible for maintaining essential infrastructure across Nottinghamshire. This includes ensuring the proper functioning of the local drainage system, which supports both residential and public services. As part of ongoing efforts to maintain and improve city infrastructure, we were contracted for a complex drain repair project. The aim was to resolve a historical misconnection caused by previous house builders who are no longer trading.
The Challenge: Complex Drainage Repairs and Compliance
The misconnected drainage system posed multiple risks, including potential blockages, overflow, and environmental hazards:
- Complex Drainage System: The affected infrastructure ran through a congested area with multiple live utilities, making excavation and repairs technically challenging.
- Urgency and Compliance: The project needed to meet Severn Trent Water regulations and local authority standards to prevent disruption or flooding.
- Site Safety: Deep excavations and live utilities required strict adherence to safety procedures.
- Historical Misconnection: The misconnection had to be corrected carefully to avoid disturbing the rest of the drainage system.
The Solution: Expert Drainage Repairs and Safe Connections
We implemented a detailed, phased approach to resolve the drainage issues:
- Preparation and Planning:
The first step involved the development of traffic management plans and obtaining necessary Section 50 notices from Severn Trent Water. Detailed utility surveys were carried out to identify existing services and determine the correct drainage route.
- Vacuum Excavation and Safe Exposure:
Due to the complexity of the live utility network, vacuum excavation (Ex-Vac) was employed to safely expose the required services. This reduced the number of operatives required to enter the excavation, ensuring a safer working environment.
- Drainage Repairs and New Connections:
After identifying the correct foul drainage line, a new connection was made using a band seal, ensuring the system was aligned with the main sewer line. CCTV surveys confirmed the integrity and correct flow of the newly installed system.
- Backfilling and Reinstatement:
Foam concrete was used for backfilling, chosen for its ability to provide low-density support and minimise loading on adjacent services. Once the foam concrete cured, the area was reinstated to the required highway standards.
- Timeframe and Collaboration:
The project lasted six weeks, with four weeks of preparation and two weeks of on-site work. Close collaboration between Metro Rod, Severn Trent Water, and Nottingham City Council ensured the project adhered to regulatory and health and safety standards.
The Outcome: Successful Drain Repair and Client Satisfaction
The project restored the Council’s drainage system, eliminating historical misconnection issues and reducing the risk of blockages or flooding:
Key Outcomes:
- Correct drain connection successfully installed and verified.
- 15m³ of foam concrete backfilled for stability.
- Full reinstatement of carriageways and footpaths, safely and on schedule.
The project was completed in full compliance with regulatory standards and health and safety requirements, ensuring long-term functionality and safety of the drainage system.
The Council praised the team’s professionalism and teamwork throughout the project:
“It has been a real pleasure working with you throughout this process, and I’m delighted we were able to overcome the challenges together. I truly appreciate all of your efforts, especially Jordan, who kept me updated throughout. I completely agree – it was a fantastic team effort, and John is our superstar! I had complete confidence leaving everything in his capable hands while I was away… Wishing you and your team a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope we have the opportunity to work together again soon.”
Cathy Sales – Senior Development Manager – New Build Development Team at Nottingham City Council
Metro Rod’s expert team ensured the drainage repairs were completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest standard, leaving Nottingham City Council with a reliable, fully compliant drainage system.
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