Main Sewer Connection Contractors

Main Sewer Connection Services

Alton Facility Services provides professional main sewer connection services for domestic, commercial and development projects across Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex.

A main sewer connection allows foul drainage from a property or site to discharge into the public sewer network. This type of work needs proper planning, the right permissions and experienced drainage contractors who understand excavation, pipe gradients, inspection chambers, reinstatement and water authority requirements.

We help homeowners, developers, builders, landlords and commercial clients connect private drainage to the public sewer network. Our team can support the practical work involved, including site assessments, drainage route planning, excavation, pipe installation, inspection chambers, connection works and reinstatement.

When Do You Need a Main Sewer Connection?

You may need a new sewer connection when a property or site does not already have a suitable connection to the public sewer network, or when an existing private drainage arrangement needs upgrading.

• Building a new property or development
• Extending, converting or changing the use of a building
• Replacing a septic tank, cesspit or unsuitable private drainage system
• Developing land for residential or commercial use
• Changing the drainage layout on a site
• Connecting outbuildings, workshops or commercial units
• Resolving long-term problems with private drainage
• Meeting planning, building control or sewerage undertaker requirements

Site Survey and Drainage Assessment

Before any main sewer connection work begins, the route, levels, pipe condition and likely connection point need to be understood. This helps avoid unnecessary digging, poor pipe gradients, access issues and unexpected delays once the work starts.

Our drainage team can inspect the site and assess where the existing drainage runs, whether a public sewer is accessible nearby, the best route for the new drainage connection, pipe depth, gradient and access requirements, manhole positions and likely reinstatement requirements.

Where needed, we can also support the process with a CCTV drain survey or drainage consultancy before the main works begin.

Applications, Permissions and Water Authority Requirements

Main sewer connection works normally need approval from the relevant sewerage undertaker before a connection is made to the public sewer network.

Depending on the site, the process may involve identifying the correct public sewer connection point, preparing a drainage layout or connection proposal, submitting a sewer connection application, providing contractor information, giving required notice before the connection takes place and arranging inspection or sign-off where required.

Alton Facility Services can support the practical drainage side of the process and help clients understand what is needed before excavation or connection works begin. We do not recommend starting physical connection works until the correct approvals and site requirements are confirmed.

Excavation, Pipe Installation and Connection Works

Once the route and approval requirements are clear, the physical drainage works can be planned. Our team can carry out the excavation, installation and connection works required to connect private drainage to the main sewer.

• Safe excavation to expose drainage routes
• Installation of new underground drainage pipework
• Connecting new drainage runs to existing systems
• Installing or modifying inspection chambers
• Managing pipe levels and falls
• Protecting surrounding services where identified
• Backfilling and reinstating the working area
• Coordinating the works to reduce disruption where possible

Every project is different. Some connections are straightforward domestic works, while others involve deeper drainage, longer runs, hardstanding excavation, highways considerations or more complex site access.

Domestic Main Sewer Connections

For homeowners, a main sewer connection may be needed when building a new home, converting a property, replacing private drainage or moving away from an old septic tank or cesspit system.

We can help with practical advice, site inspection and installation work for new house sewer connections, property extensions, septic tank replacement projects, cesspit replacement projects, existing property upgrades and drainage alterations during renovation works.

Where private drainage is no longer suitable or compliant, connecting to the mains sewer may be a better long-term solution if a viable connection point is available.

Commercial and Development Sewer Connections

Commercial sites and development projects often require more detailed drainage planning than standard domestic work.

We can support commercial unit sewer connections, yard and workshop drainage connections, small development drainage connections, new build drainage infrastructure, connection routes across hardstanding, drainage layout improvements and pumped drainage solutions where gravity connection is not suitable.

If a gravity-fed connection is not practical due to distance, depth or site levels, a pump station may be required to transfer wastewater to the correct discharge point. We can advise on package pump stations and related wastewater pumping options.

Main Sewer Connection Costs

The cost of a main sewer connection depends on the site conditions and the complexity of the work.

• Distance to the public sewer
• Depth of excavation required
• Ground conditions and site access
• Whether hardstanding, driveways or roads need excavation
• Pipe diameter and drainage layout
• Number of chambers or access points required
• Whether traffic management or permits are needed
• Whether additional surveys or CCTV inspections are required
• Reinstatement requirements after installation

Because every site is different, we recommend a survey before giving a firm price. This allows us to assess the route, access and practical work involved rather than giving a rough figure that may not reflect the true job.

Why Choose Alton Facility Services?

Alton Facility Services provides experienced drainage and wastewater engineers, domestic and commercial drainage support, CCTV drain survey capability, excavation and underground drainage installation, pump and sewage expertise, practical advice before work begins and clear communication from survey through to completion.

Our team handles a wide range of drainage, pump station and wastewater projects, so we can advise on the most practical route whether the solution is a gravity sewer connection, private drainage upgrade, treatment plant, septic tank conversion or pump-assisted system.

Areas We Cover

We provide main sewer connection services across Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex, including Alton, Liphook, Basingstoke, Farnham, Guildford, Winchester, Petersfield, Bordon, Haslemere, Fleet, Godalming, Andover, Camberley and surrounding towns, villages and rural sites.

If your site is outside these areas, contact us and we can confirm whether we can help.

Main Sewer Connection FAQs

Do I need permission to connect to the main sewer?

In most cases, yes. A connection to the public sewer normally requires approval from the relevant sewerage undertaker before the connection is made. The requirements vary depending on the site and the type of connection, so it is important to check before starting work.

Can you tell me if a main sewer connection is possible?

Yes. We can inspect the site, review the likely drainage route and advise whether a connection appears practical. In some cases, further checks, sewer records, CCTV survey work or water authority confirmation may be needed.

Can you replace a septic tank with a mains sewer connection?

Where a suitable public sewer connection is available, it may be possible to replace an old septic tank or cesspit arrangement with a mains sewer connection. The best option depends on distance, levels, ground conditions and approval requirements.

How long does a main sewer connection take?

Timescales vary depending on the complexity of the site, permissions, excavation depth, drainage layout and reinstatement work. A straightforward domestic connection may be much quicker than a deep or complex development connection.

Do you handle excavation and reinstatement?

Yes. We can carry out excavation, pipe installation, connection works and reinstatement as part of the project, subject to site requirements.

What happens if gravity drainage is not possible?

If the site levels do not allow a gravity-fed connection, a pumped solution may be needed. This can involve a package pump station or foul pump station designed to move wastewater to the correct discharge point.

Do you provide sewer connections for commercial sites?

Yes. We work on domestic, commercial and development drainage projects, including new connections, drainage alterations and wastewater infrastructure.

Can you provide a quote from photos?

Photos can help us understand the site, but main sewer connection work usually needs a proper survey before a reliable quote can be provided. The route, depth, access and connection point all affect the cost.

Need a main sewer connection quote? Call 0808 196 6005 or request a callback today for practical advice and a no-obligation quote.