Ever noticed water pooling around your property after a heavy rainfall? That’s where surface water drainage comes into play. With increasingly unpredictable weather, proper drainage isn’t just about convenience — it’s a necessity. This guide explains what surface water drainage is, why it matters, and how you can manage it effectively.
Surface water drainage is the system used to carry rainwater away from buildings and hard surfaces like driveways and roofs. This water usually ends up in sewers, soakaways or directly into rivers. Proper rainwater drainage helps prevent flooding, waterlogging, and structural damage.
Water drained from your roof or drive typically flows into surface drains, often connected to a sewer system. These surface water drains keep water from building up and causing damp or damage to your home or your small business.
Surface water is rainwater that falls on your property and needs to be removed, while wastewater refers to used water from sinks, toilets and appliances. Charges for each are handled differently by water companies in the UK.
Many households pay a surface water drainage charge as part of their water bill. This fee covers the cost of managing and disposing of rain water drainage from your property. If your home doesn’t discharge surface water into public sewers, you may be entitled to a rebate.
Check with your water supplier. If your property uses a soakaway system instead of the mains sewer for surface water drainage, you might not have to pay the charge.
Surface drainage systems collect and redirect rainwater away from properties. They can include:
A properly maintained rain water drain can prevent major water issues. Look out for blockages in gutters or standing water near foundations, which may signal poor rainwater drainage.
New builds and extensions often need to show how they will manage water drainage. Planning officers may ask for sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), particularly in flood-prone zones.
Poor surface water drainage can lead to:
If no surface water from your home goes into public sewers, you could apply for a rebate on the surface water drainage charge. Speak to your water provider and supply evidence like property surveys or drainage maps.
Urban environments with lots of concrete and limited green space often struggle with rainwater drainage. Good surface drainage infrastructure helps prevent surface flooding and keeps local sewers from overflowing of your new business.
Surface water drainage is the process of removing rainwater from hard surfaces around a property to prevent flooding and structural issues. This water typically enters drains, soakaways, or public sewer systems.
Surface water comes from rain, while wastewater is used water from toilets, showers and sinks. They are managed separately by utility companies.
Review your water bill or call your supplier. If your property doesn’t connect to public surface water drains, you might not be liable.
Yes. Rain water drainage typically deals with water from rooftops and driveways, while garden drainage includes managing waterlogged soil and plant beds.
Taking steps to manage surface water drainage isn’t just smart — it’s often necessary. Whether you’re avoiding puddles on your patio or trying to reduce your surface water drainage charge, being proactive saves money and protects your property. Don’t wait until there’s water where it shouldn’t be — start assessing your water drainage setup today.
