Question 1

1. What is meant by groundworks?

Accepted Answer

Groundworks refers to all work carried out to prepare sub-surfaces before construction begins. This includes excavation, trenching, foundations, drainage, and installing utilities (such as electricity, gas, water and sewage).

Question 2

2. What is a drainage system?

Accepted Answer

In construction, a drainage system removes surface water, foul water, or both from a site. It can include pipes, manholes, gullies, and channels connected to the mains or soakaways.

Question 3

3. What is foul water drainage?

Accepted Answer

Foul water drainage carries wastewater from toilets, sinks, baths, showers, dishwashers, and washing machines to a public sewer or private treatment system. This system is separate from surface water drainage to prevent contamination. Foul drainage typically includes soil stacks, underground pipework, and inspection chambers.

Question 4

4. What is a sustainable drainage system?

Accepted Answer

A sustainable drainage system (SuDS) is designed to manage surface water runoff in a way that mimics natural drainage. It slows water flow, encourages infiltration, and improves water quality. SuDS features include permeable paving, swales, filter drains, detention basins, and soakaways. These systems reduce flood risk, limit pressure on public sewers, and support compliance with planning requirements.

Question 5

5. What is surface water drainage?

Accepted Answer

Surface water drainage collects rainwater from roofs, roads, and paved areas. It directs water to specialised soakaways, storm drains, or attenuation systems to prevent flooding.

Compare drainage supplies and groundwork solutions

Brett Martin Underground Plain Ended Pipe, 110mm, 6m

Brett Martin Underground 110mm Single Socket Bend, Adjustable 0-30 Degrees

Timloc Vertical Extension Sleeve +150mm 1204 Use with Telescopic Under Floor Vents

ACO HexDrain A15 Channel with Black Plastic Grating 1000 x 120 x 92mm 319704

Ridgidrain 225mm x 6m Twinwall Pipe Plain Ended Rd225X6Pe/1

Brett Martin B5494 450mm Diameter Inspection Chamber Base 110mm

Osma UltraRib Pipe Coupler 150mm Brown

Half Round Gutter Union Bracket 112mm Grey

Lindab Galvanised Steel Gutter Intermediate Pipe 87mm x 1m - Magestic

Lindab 140mm - 75mm Rectangular Gutter Outlet - Dark Grey

Lindab 140mm - 75mm Rectangular Gutter Outlet - Anthracite Metallic

Lindab 140mm-87mm Rectangular Gutter Outlet - Black

Lindab 140mm Rectangular 90dg Internal Gutter Corner - Anthracite Grey

Lindab 100mm-87mm Half Round Steel Gutter Outlet - Black

Lindab 125mm-100mm Half Round Steel Gutter Outlet - Black

Lindab 75mm Square Large Water Hopper - Black

Lindab 75mm Square Large Water Hopper - Anthracite Metallic

Lindab 75mm Square Large Water Hopper - Antique White

Lindab 100mm Round Steel 85dg Gutter Pipe Bend - Antique White

Lindab Magestic 75mm Galvanised Steel Regular Water Hopper

Lindab HD Polythene Drainage Connector - Dark Grey

Cast Iron Deep Style Rise and Fall Bracket - 100mm Galvanised

Cast Iron OG Guttering Length 1.8m - 115mm Black Finish

Cast Iron Beaded Guttering Dropend Internal 115 x 65mm Outlet Black

Cast Iron Beaded Guttering Dropend External 115 x 65mm Outlet Black

Alumasc Flushjoint Circular Standard Pipe Clip 63mm - Milled

Alumasc Flushjoint Square Downpipe 3m x 75mm x 75mm - Graphite Grey

Lindab 87mm Round Adjustable Branch - Antique White

Aluminium Guttering Shoe without Ears 75mm x 75mm - Anthracite

Alumasc Flushjoint Circular Downpipe Hopper Head 75mm - Black

Cast Iron OG Guttering Side Fixing Rafter Bracket - 115mm Black Finish

Metal Gutta Copper 90mm Box Gutter External Corner - 135dg

112mm Half Round Gutter Angle 90 Degree Black

FloPlast Black 112mm Half Round 90° Gutter Angle

Underground 45° Short Radius Bend Single Socket 110mm

Brett Martin B2531 110mm Long Radius 87.5 Degree Channel Bend