Thames Water Section 104 Surveys

If you’re building new sewers as part of a development within the Thames Water area, a Section 104 agreement determines whether those sewers will ultimately be adopted and maintained by the water company. Subvision Surveys carries out the CCTV and drainage surveys that support this process, helping developers move through Thames Water’s approval requirements without unnecessary delay.

The CCTV Survey Requirement

For sewers constructed using thermoplastic materials, Thames Water requires a CCTV survey at the end of the maintenance period before adoption is confirmed, allowing them time to assess settlement and any deformation, ovality or creep that may have developed. This is typically the only CCTV survey Thames Water needs submitted as part of the process, making it a critical, non-negotiable step rather than an optional check. Our CCTV surveys, using Wincan software for clear, industry-standard reporting, are built to support exactly this kind of documented confirmation survey.

Getting the Detail Right Before Submission

Beyond the end-of-maintenance CCTV survey, accurate drainage line and level survey data supports the design and construction stages of a Thames Water Section 104 application, helping ensure pipe gradients, joints and layout are recorded correctly from the outset. Identifying potential issues early, rather than at final submission, helps avoid the cost and delay of remedial work once a system is already in the ground.

Why Choose Subvision for Section 104 Surveys

Subvision Surveys is SSIP and ISO accredited, with more than 3 decades of experience servicing commercial and residential clients. We work nationwide, using specialised techniques and cutting-edge equipment to deliver accurate results at competitive rates for Tier 1 contractors, developers, planners and private individuals alike. Our expertise also extends to Severn Trent Water Section 104 Surveys  giving us experience tailored to different regional water authority specifications.

Contact Subvision Surveys today to discuss survey support for your Thames Water Section 104 application, or speak to one of our experts on 0333 920 942.

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THAMES WATER SECTION 104 SURVEY FAQS

A Section 104 agreement is a legal agreement under the Water Industry Act 1991, allowing a developer to construct new sewers to Thames Water’s required standard, which Thames Water will then adopt and maintain going forward. The agreement should generally be signed before construction of the new sewers begins, and all work must comply with the Code for Adoption’s Design and Construction Guidance alongside Thames Water’s own local practices. Once adopted, Thames Water takes on full responsibility for maintaining the sewer, removing that ongoing liability from the developer.

For sewers constructed using thermoplastic materials, Thames Water requires a CCTV survey at the end of the maintenance period before adoption is confirmed. This gives them the maximum amount of time to assess whether the pipework has experienced any settlement, deformation, ovality or creep since construction, issues that may only become apparent once a sewer has been in use for a period of time. This is typically the only CCTV survey Thames Water needs submitted as part of the adoption process, making it an essential, rather than optional, step.

Accurate survey data is useful at more than one stage of the process. Early on, drainage line and level survey data helps ensure pipe gradients, joints and layout are correctly recorded to support the initial design and technical review. Later, the CCTV survey required at the end of the maintenance period confirms the completed sewer meets the required standard before Thames Water will proceed with adoption. Commissioning survey support early, rather than only at the final stage, helps identify potential issues before they become costly to fix.

If a survey identifies pipe gradients, joints, materials or structural condition that don’t meet the required specification, remedial work will typically be needed before Thames Water will proceed with adoption. Identifying these issues early, through accurate survey data at the design and construction stages, gives developers the opportunity to address them proactively, rather than discovering a problem only once the mandatory end-of-maintenance CCTV survey has already been carried out.

Thames Water’s requirement for an end-of-maintenance CCTV survey specifically applies to sewers constructed using thermoplastic materials, allowing time to assess settlement and deformation that may develop over the maintenance period. Requirements can vary depending on the materials and construction method used, so it’s worth confirming the exact survey requirements for your specific development directly with Thames Water or with a survey provider familiar with their current Code for Adoption requirements.

Subvision Surveys is SSIP and ISO accredited, with more than 3 decades of experience delivering CCTV drainage surveys and drainage line and level surveys in support of Section 104 applications. We work nationwide, and our experience extends across different water authorities, including Severn Trent Water, giving us a broad understanding of how requirements can vary between regions. Our CCTV surveys use Wincan software for clear, industry-standard reporting that supports your submission with confidence.

Have Any Questions?

If you have any questions regarding our services feel free to contact the Subvision team.

Subvision Surveys accreditations: QUVA ISO certification, Achilles UVDB, SafeContractor, Constructionline, Builder's Profile, European GPR Association, Avetta, SMAS, CHAS, Essex Chambers of Commerce and The Survey Association