What vesting means
In Scotland, new sewers built by a developer do not automatically become Scottish Water’s responsibility. Once they are built to Scottish Water’s specification and the vesting process is complete, ownership, operation and maintenance transfer to Scottish Water. Until then, the developer remains responsible for them.
The technical standard for new sewers is set out in Sewers for Scotland, and Scottish Water’s vesting policy and developer guidance explain the process. Always check the current versions on Scottish Water’s website for your application.
Where the CCTV survey fits
Scottish Water’s request to vest sewers asks for supporting information that includes a CCTV survey of the sewers, which should be defect free, and manhole survey cards. The survey shows the sewers were laid correctly and have not been damaged since.
Surveying before you submit means any defects can be fixed while contractors are still on site and retentions are still held, rather than holding up the request to vest.
Common defects found on new sewers
New drainage is often damaged after it is laid, by follow-on trades, plant movements, settlement or construction debris washed into the system. Typical findings include:
- Concrete, stone and debris in the pipe
- Displaced or open joints
- Deformation of plastic pipes
- Poorly made connections and junctions
- Backfalls and standing water
- Damage at manhole connections and benching
How to plan the survey
Survey once the sewers are complete and the site is clean, but leave enough time before your target vesting date to carry out repairs and resurvey them. Jet and clean the lines first so construction debris does not hide defects or stop the camera. Record each manhole as the survey goes, so the manhole cards are ready at the same time as the footage.
Tell your surveyor your Scottish Water reference and any specific reporting requirements before they attend, so the survey and report are produced in the format Scottish Water expects.
- Programme the survey before contractors demobilise
- Clean the lines first
- Fix defects and resurvey the repaired lengths
- Keep the footage, report and manhole records together for submission
Need a drainage survey? Call 0345 548 5451 or email us with your site plan for a fixed quote.
