Effective surface water drainage is critical for managing rainwater, preventing flooding, and protecting commercial and industrial properties. Without a well-designed drainage plan, businesses risk water damage, foundation issues, and costly repairs.
Whether you need a new system installed or an existing one upgraded, Octego has the expertise to deliver reliable drainage solutions across Sussex and beyond.
What is Surface Water Drainage?
Surface water drainage refers to the removal of rainwater and runoff from hard surfaces such as roofs, roads, and pavements. Without proper drainage systems, excess water can lead to pooling, erosion, and even contamination of public sewers. Effective solutions ensure water is directed safely away from buildings and into designated surface water drains, soakaways, or storage tanks.
At Octego, we specialise in installing and maintaining high-performance surface water drainage systems that comply with planning regulations, including SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) requirements. Our team works with architects, engineers, and building contractors to create solutions tailored to each site’s needs.
Why is a Drainage Plan Important?
A well-structured drainage plan is essential for both new developments and existing properties. It outlines the best methods for managing water flow, including the location of drains, soakaways, and connections to the main sewer network.
Key Benefits of a Drainage Plan:
- Flood Prevention – Proper drainage minimises the risk of standing water, which can cause structural damage and create health hazards.
- Regulatory Compliance – Many commercial projects require a drainage strategy to gain planning permission.
- Environmental Protection – Controlling runoff prevents contamination of local water sources and reduces strain on treatment works.
- Cost Efficiency – Investing in a well-planned system helps avoid expensive repairs and long-term maintenance issues.
Octego provides drain mapping services to help businesses understand their existing systems and design upgrades where needed. Whether it’s a small commercial site or a large industrial facility, our team ensures your drainage infrastructure meets all necessary regulations.
Types of Drainage Systems for Surface Water
1. Soakaways and Permeable Drainage
A soakaway is a highly effective solution for properties not connected to public sewers. It allows rainwater to be absorbed into the ground, reducing surface runoff. Permeable paving also helps by allowing water to drain naturally instead of collecting on hard surfaces.
2. Guttering and Downpipes
Properly installed guttering channels rainwater from roofs into surface water drains, preventing it from seeping into building foundations.
3. Sewer Connections and Treatment Plants
For larger sites, connecting to a treatment plant or treatment works may be necessary to ensure water is processed before re-entering the environment. Octego can handle everything from excavation to system installation, ensuring full compliance with local regulations.
4. Rainwater Harvesting
Reusing rainwater for non-drinking purposes, such as flushing toilets or irrigation, is a sustainable way to manage surface water. Octego can design and install custom rainwater harvesting systems to reduce water waste and operating costs.
Managing Surface Water and Foul Water Separately
It’s important to distinguish between surface water and foul water drainage. Surface water includes rainwater and runoff, while foul water comes from sinks, toilets, and industrial processes. Mixing the two can overload drainage systems and create pollution risks.
If your site has a septic tank or sewage system, ensuring correct separation is vital. Octego offers expert drainage solutions to ensure compliance with environmental laws and prevent contamination.
Why Choose Octego for Your Drainage Needs?
With years of experience in commercial and industrial drainage, Octego is the trusted choice for businesses across Sussex. Here’s why our clients rely on us:
- Expertise in Drainage Systems – From design to installation, we handle all aspects of drainage infrastructure.
- Custom Solutions – Every site is different, and we tailor drainage plans to meet your specific requirements.
- Compliance and Quality Assurance – We ensure that all projects adhere to UK regulations, including SuDS and environmental laws.
- Comprehensive Services – In addition to drainage, we offer construction, groundwork, and refurbishment services.
Get in Touch Today
Need professional drainage solutions for your commercial or industrial site? Let Octego handle your surface water drainage needs with a customised drainage plan.
Call our team today on 01444 405269 or head to our Drainage page for more information!
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FAQs
1. What is surface water drainage, and why is it important?
Surface water drainage is the process of managing rainwater and runoff from hard surfaces like roofs, roads, and pavements. Without proper drainage systems, excess water can cause flooding, erosion, and structural damage. A well-designed drainage system prevents these issues by directing water into soakaways, surface water drains, or public sewers.
2. What should a good drainage plan include?
A drainage plan should detail the location of drainage systems, including surface water drains, soakaways, sewer connections, and treatment plants. It ensures compliance with regulations, prevents flooding, and protects the environment. Octego provides expert drainage planning, including drain mapping, to create efficient solutions for commercial and industrial properties.
3. How can I prevent surface water from causing flooding on my property?
To prevent flooding, ensure your property has an effective surface water drainage system. This may include soakaways, permeable paving, guttering, and connections to treatment works or public sewers. Regular maintenance of drains and proper separation of foul water from surface water also helps. Octego offers tailored drainage solutions to prevent water-related issues.
4. What’s the difference between surface water and foul water drainage?
Surface water comes from rainfall and runoff, while foul water includes waste from sinks, toilets, and industrial processes. Mixing the two can overwhelm drainage systems and lead to pollution. A well-structured drainage plan ensures correct separation, and Octego specialises in designing and installing compliant drainage systems.
5. How can Octego help with my surface water drainage needs?
Octego provides expert drainage solutions, from planning and installation to maintenance and repairs. We design customised drainage systems for commercial and industrial sites, ensuring compliance with environmental and building regulations. Contact us today for a consultation or visit our website for more information.