Sharing a trench.

Joined
8 Dec 2007
Messages
16,910
Reaction score
9,555
Location
Cheshire
Country
United Kingdom
Hello to the Plumbing encyclopaedia.
I wonder if anyone could answer a question I have about trenches.
Is there any regulation concerning the sharing of a trench for mains water and sewage?
The sewage will be pumped.
Your expertise will be greatfully received.
TIA
 
Sponsored Links
jeff the gasman, good evening.

I am with Hugh above, indeed, several [many] years ago there was a move by either the government or such to try to get the utility companies to share trenches, in effect an attempt to get the utilities to Liaise on where they were needing to run a service then two or more providers could share the trench, the By-Product was less traffic disruption.

Good idea, glad it is working ?? or well possibly not??

Ken
 
Sponsored Links
Nothing I’ve heard of doing before, but you may want to speak with your local water undertakers water regulations department, in your case it would be United Utilities (if your work is in Cheshire/North west of course). Ken or Neil 01925 679338. They will b able to confirm if it’s acceptable and indeed any special requirements.
 
Some early evening reading if the TV is a s poor as ever???

http://streetworks.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/V1-Positioning-Colour-Coding-Issue-8.pdf

6. TRENCH SHARING Trench sharing may be beneficial in reducing disruption to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic, as well as offering cost savings in construction methods and reinstatement liability for utilities. Trench sharing can also be useful in maximising the limited available space in the highway. Wherever practical and appropriate trench sharing should be considered. When trench sharing is an option it is essential that early consultation takes place with representatives from relevant authorities and all other interested parties. Agreement on the positioning of apparatus within a shared trench together with the reinstatement specification should be made between all interested parties (including the relevant authority) as early as possible as part of the planning process. A primary promoter should be identified to take overall responsibility as the agreed point of contact with the relevant authority. The primary promoter would normally excavate the trench and install its own apparatus. The secondary promoter/s would then install their apparatus in the same trench. The primary promoter would then backfill the trench and reinstate unless an alternative agreement has been made. With regard to statutory noticing and permit requirements it is the responsibility of each party to individually notify their own works. For further guidance see the Code of Practice for the Co-ordination of Street Works and Works for Road Purposes and Related Matters. NJUG Guidelines on the Positioning and Colour Coding of Underground Utilities’ Apparatus.
 
Is there any regulation concerning the sharing of a trench for mains water and sewage?

At my old house ( the one we DIY built ) electric, water, pumped sewage and telephone cable were all in the same narrow trench for the 50 metre run from street to house. All was fully approved by the various authorities.
 
Some early evening reading if the TV is a s poor as ever???

http://streetworks.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/V1-Positioning-Colour-Coding-Issue-8.pdf

6. TRENCH SHARING Trench sharing may be beneficial in reducing disruption to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic, as well as offering cost savings in construction methods and reinstatement liability for utilities. Trench sharing can also be useful in maximising the limited available space in the highway. Wherever practical and appropriate trench sharing should be considered. When trench sharing is an option it is essential that early consultation takes place with representatives from relevant authorities and all other interested parties. Agreement on the positioning of apparatus within a shared trench together with the reinstatement specification should be made between all interested parties (including the relevant authority) as early as possible as part of the planning process. A primary promoter should be identified to take overall responsibility as the agreed point of contact with the relevant authority. The primary promoter would normally excavate the trench and install its own apparatus. The secondary promoter/s would then install their apparatus in the same trench. The primary promoter would then backfill the trench and reinstate unless an alternative agreement has been made. With regard to statutory noticing and permit requirements it is the responsibility of each party to individually notify their own works. For further guidance see the Code of Practice for the Co-ordination of Street Works and Works for Road Purposes and Related Matters. NJUG Guidelines on the Positioning and Colour Coding of Underground Utilities’ Apparatus.
Thanks Ken, much appreciated.
 
Gas pipes should not share a trench with ducts for other services. Gas from leaky gas pipes has travelled for miles along telephone cable ducts. Sometimes with disastrous results
 
After I posted I remembered the incident where there was a smell of gas in a building about 1/2 mile from the nearest gas pipe. The gas from a leaky gas pipe was travelling in the sand around a water pipe that went to the building.
 
After I posted I remembered the incident where there was a smell of gas in a building about 1/2 mile from the nearest gas pipe. The gas from a leaky gas pipe was travelling in the sand around a water pipe that went to the building.
Boom averted
 

DIYnot Local

Staff member

If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.

Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.


Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local

 
Sponsored Links
Back
Top