Water & utilities
Drainage and water searches
A public sewer crossing the garden restricts what a buyer can build. A property not connected to mains drainage brings an entirely different set of obligations.
What it is
What this search covers
The CON29DW is the standard drainage and water enquiry, answered by the water and sewerage undertaker for the area. In our region that is usually United Utilities, or Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water for properties across the border in North Wales.
It confirms whether the property is connected to the public foul and surface water sewers and to the mains water supply, shows the location of public sewers, lateral drains and water mains relative to the boundary, and confirms who is responsible for maintenance.
Since the 2011 transfer of private sewers, a great many drains that owners believe are theirs are in fact public — and a great many public sewers now run under gardens where nobody expects them.
Included in the report
- Foul and surface water drainage connection
- Mains water supply connection
- Public sewer, lateral drain and water main locations relative to the boundary
- Sewer and water mains plans
- Build-over agreement requirements
- Water meter presence and charging basis
- Surface water drainage charge liability
- Adoption status of sewers serving new development
At a glance
| Turnaround | Varies by property, authority and provider. We give you a realistic timescale when you order — and we work to beat it. |
|---|---|
| Format | Official CON29DW report from the relevant water company, with sewer and water mains plans |
| Who orders it | Every purchase. Essential where an extension, conversion or outbuilding is contemplated. |
| Category | Water & utilities |
Why it matters
What goes wrong without it
A sewer under the garden blocks the extension
Building over or near a public sewer requires the water company's agreement. Buyers who plan an extension need to know before they commit, not after planning permission.
Private drainage brings ongoing legal duties
A property on a septic tank or package treatment plant is subject to the general binding rules. Non-compliant discharges must be upgraded, and that obligation passes to the buyer.
Surface water charges add up
Where surface water drains to the public sewer, the property is charged for it. Where it does not, a rebate may be available — but only if anyone realises.
Questions
Drainage & Water Searches — your questions
Who provides the search in our area?
United Utilities for most of Merseyside, Cheshire and the North West. Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water for North Wales. We order from the correct undertaker automatically based on the address.
Is a regulated drainage search as good as the official one?
Regulated alternatives are compiled to the Search Code standard and are accepted by most lenders, but the official CON29DW comes directly from the undertaker. Where a lender specifies the official product, we order it.
The property is on a septic tank. What extra do we need?
You will want the drainage search plus confirmation of compliance with the general binding rules, details of the discharge point, and evidence of any Environment Agency permit. Tell us and we will flag it in the file.
Need this search on a property today?
Send us the address. We will tell you what it needs, what it costs and how long it will take.
Or call 0151 652 4184 — telephone support seven days a week