Our Services
From foul drainage and surface water systems to soakaways, CCTV surveys and off-mains drainage across Norwich.
100+ Happy Customers
Drainage is the backbone of any building project, and getting it wrong can be catastrophic. Flooding, subsidence, foul odours, environmental contamination and failed Building Control inspections are all consequences of poorly designed or installed drainage systems. At KiKK Groundworks, we understand that drainage is not an afterthought — it is the foundation of a healthy, functional property.
As one of Norwich's most experienced drainage companies, we bring genuine groundworks knowledge to every drainage project. We do not just connect pipes. We assess ground conditions, calculate flow rates, design falls and gradients, and ensure every system meets Building Regulations Part H and Anglian Water's adoption standards. Kallan Martin personally oversees every drainage installation, ensuring nothing is left to chance.
Whether you need a complete foul and surface water drainage system for a new build, a soakaway installation in Norwich, CCTV drainage surveys to diagnose problems, or emergency drain repairs, KiKK Groundworks has the expertise, equipment and track record to deliver. We work with domestic homeowners, commercial developers, builders and architects across Norwich.
Full camera inspections to diagnose blockages, root intrusion, collapsed pipes and structural defects before excavation.
Every installation designed and built to meet Part H Building Regulations. We handle Building Control applications and sign-off.
Fast response for blocked drains, collapsed pipes and flooding emergencies across Norwich.
We do not subcontract digging. Our team excavates, lays, backfills and reinstates — complete control from start to finish.
Bespoke drainage plans and calculations for planning applications, Building Control and Anglian Water approvals.
Sustainable Drainage Systems designed to meet planning conditions and reduce flood risk across Norwich developments.
We install, repair and maintain all types of drainage systems across Norwich. Every drainage project is different, and we tailor our approach to your specific site conditions, property type and regulatory requirements. Below is a comprehensive guide to the drainage services we offer.
Foul drainage carries wastewater from toilets, sinks, baths, showers and kitchen appliances to either the public sewer or a private treatment system. This is the most critical drainage system in any property, and errors in design or installation can lead to sewage backing up into your home, contamination of watercourses and prosecution by the Environment Agency.
KiKK Groundworks installs foul drainage systems for new builds, extensions, conversions and replacement projects across Norwich. We use 110mm uPVC below-ground drainage pipe as standard, laid to the correct falls (minimum 1:40 for single dwellings, 1:80 for shared drains) on a properly prepared granular bed. Every system includes adequate access points — inspection chambers, rodding eyes and manholes — positioned to allow future maintenance and clearing of blockages.
For properties connecting to the public sewer, we manage the entire process including Anglian Water Section 106 sewer connection applications, build-over agreements and lateral drain connections. We understand the specific requirements Anglian Water imposes in the Norwich region, including minimum cover depths, surround specifications and manhole construction standards.
Surface water drainage handles rainwater from roofs, driveways, patios and hard-standing areas. In Norwich, where flat terrain and high water tables are common, effective surface water drainage is essential to prevent flooding and waterlogging. Poor surface water management is one of the biggest causes of damp, foundation damage and garden flooding across the county.
We install complete surface water drainage systems including rainwater downpipe connections, gullies, channel drains, catchpits and underground pipe networks. Depending on your site and local authority requirements, surface water can be discharged to soakaways, attenuation tanks, watercourses, surface water sewers or combined sewers. We carry out percolation tests (soakaway tests) to determine ground absorption rates and design systems accordingly.
For driveway installations, we always incorporate proper surface water drainage as standard — channel drains at the threshold, ACO drains along edges and connections to appropriate discharge points. This prevents water pooling on your new driveway and protects the sub-base from saturation.
A soakaway is an underground structure that collects surface water and allows it to slowly percolate into the surrounding ground. Soakaways are the preferred method of surface water disposal in Norwich where mains surface water sewers are not available, which is common in rural areas and many suburban developments.
We install soakaways using modern geocellular crate systems wrapped in geotextile membrane, which provide significantly greater storage capacity and longer service life than traditional rubble-filled pits. All our soakaway installations are designed to BRE Digest 365 standards, with percolation testing carried out beforehand to confirm the ground is suitable.
Key soakaway requirements:
Norwich's flat landscape and heavy clay soils make land drainage a critical concern for farmers, landowners and developers alike. Waterlogged land reduces crop yields, damages pasture, prevents construction work and can undermine building foundations. KiKK Groundworks installs comprehensive land drainage systems including perforated pipe drains, French drains, herringbone field drainage and interceptor drains.
We use 80mm and 100mm perforated twinwall pipe laid in gravel-filled trenches, with outlets to ditches, watercourses or pumped systems. For larger agricultural schemes, we work with land drainage consultants to design systems that address the specific soil conditions and topography of your Norwich site. We also install header drains, silt traps and outfall structures to ensure long-term performance.
Attenuation systems store surface water temporarily and release it at a controlled rate, preventing downstream flooding and meeting planning conditions. Norwich planning authorities increasingly require attenuation as part of new developments, particularly on greenfield sites where the natural drainage must not be increased by hard surfaces.
We install geocellular attenuation tanks, oversized pipe storage systems and attenuation ponds, complete with flow control devices (hydrobrakes or vortex flow controls) sized to restrict discharge to agreed rates — typically the greenfield runoff rate or a rate agreed with the Lead Local Flood Authority (Norwich County Council).
A CCTV drainage survey uses a specialist waterproof camera inserted into your drainage system to provide a live video feed of the pipe's internal condition. This is the most effective and least disruptive way to diagnose drainage problems, locate blockages, identify root intrusion, find cracks and collapses, and map the layout of underground drainage systems.
When you need a CCTV drainage survey:
Our CCTV surveys include a full written report with annotated footage, defect classification (using the WRc Sewerage Rehabilitation Manual coding system) and clear recommendations for any repairs needed. We provide drainage plans showing pipe runs, depths, connections and manhole locations — essential for planning applications and foundation design on sites with existing drainage.
Many rural properties in Norwich are not connected to the public sewer network and rely on off-mains drainage systems — septic tanks, sewage treatment plants or cesspools. The Environment Agency introduced General Binding Rules in January 2020 that significantly changed the requirements for off-mains drainage in England. If your existing septic tank discharges to a watercourse (ditch, stream or river), it is now illegal unless you upgrade to a full sewage treatment plant.
Off-mains drainage options we install:
We handle the full process from percolation testing and system design through to Environment Agency registration, Building Control approval and installation. If you are unsure whether your existing system complies with current regulations, we can carry out a full assessment and recommend the most cost-effective route to compliance.
All drainage work in England must comply with Building Regulations Approved Document H. This covers the design, installation and testing of both foul and surface water drainage systems. At KiKK Groundworks, Building Regulations compliance is built into every project from the design stage — not bolted on as an afterthought.
Key Building Regulations requirements for drainage:
We work directly with local Building Control inspectors throughout every drainage project, scheduling inspections at the correct stages and ensuring all work is signed off before backfilling and reinstatement. This protects you from costly remedial work later and ensures your property's drainage is fully compliant and documented.
Connecting to the public sewer in Norwich requires approval from Anglian Water. Whether you are building a new property, converting a barn, or replacing an off-mains system with a mains connection, we manage the full application and installation process.
The mains sewer connection process:
We have extensive experience working with Anglian Water's requirements in Norwich and can advise on the most cost-effective connection strategy for your project. For sites where mains connection is not feasible, we design and install compliant off-mains drainage systems as an alternative.
Blocked drains, collapsed pipes and sewage flooding do not wait for convenient times. KiKK Groundworks provides fast-response emergency drainage repairs across Norwich. We carry the equipment and expertise to diagnose and resolve most drainage emergencies quickly, minimising damage to your property and disruption to your daily life.
Emergency drainage services we provide:
Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) are designed to manage surface water runoff in a way that mimics natural drainage processes. Norwich planning authorities increasingly require SuDS as a condition of planning permission for new developments, extensions and hard-standing areas. From September 2024, Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 requires SuDS approval for all new developments in England.
SuDS solutions we design and install include permeable paving (ideal for driveways and car parks), swales, rain gardens, green roofs, attenuation tanks, soakaways, filter strips, detention basins and bio-retention areas. We work with architects and planners to integrate SuDS into development designs from the earliest stages, ensuring they meet both planning conditions and the four pillars of SuDS design — water quantity, water quality, amenity and biodiversity.
For domestic projects, SuDS can be as simple as directing rainwater to a soakaway or using permeable resin bound surfaces for your driveway. For larger developments, we design comprehensive SuDS management trains that treat and attenuate runoff through multiple stages before final discharge. All our SuDS designs include maintenance plans to ensure long-term performance.
Drainage costs vary significantly depending on the type of work, depth of excavation, ground conditions, access and the specific system required. The following prices are guide estimates for common drainage work in Norwich:
| Service | Typical Cost | Includes | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|
| CCTV Drain Survey | £150 - £350 | Camera survey, written report, drainage plan | Half day |
| Drain Unblocking | £80 - £200 | High-pressure jetting, blockage removal | 1-3 hours |
| Soakaway Installation | £800 - £2,500 | Excavation, geocellular crates, connection, backfill | 1-2 days |
| New Foul Drain Run (10m) | £1,500 - £3,500 | Excavation, 110mm pipe, manhole, backfill, testing | 2-3 days |
| Mains Sewer Connection | £2,000 - £5,000+ | Application, excavation, connection, reinstatement | 3-5 days |
| Septic Tank Replacement | £4,000 - £8,000 | Removal, new treatment plant, drainage field, EA registration | 3-5 days |
| Land Drainage (per 100m) | £1,500 - £4,000 | Trenching, perforated pipe, gravel fill, outfall | 2-4 days |
| Full New-Build Drainage | £3,000 - £8,000+ | Foul & surface water, manholes, connections, testing | 3-7 days |
These are guide prices only. Every site is different and costs depend on ground conditions, depth, access and specific requirements. Contact us for a free, detailed quote based on your project.
From CCTV surveys to full installations, we handle any drainage challenge.
Site assessment, CCTV survey if needed, percolation testing, drainage design and Building Control consultation.
Trenches excavated to precise depths and gradients. Existing services located and protected. Shoring installed where required.
Pipes laid on granular bed, manholes constructed, connections made. Full air or water pressure test before backfilling.
Building Control inspection, CCTV confirmation survey, backfill, compaction and full site reinstatement.
Many planning applications in Norwich require detailed drainage plans showing how foul and surface water will be managed. Norwich City Council, South Norwich, Broadland, Breckland, North Norwich and Great Yarmouth Borough Council all require drainage strategies as part of planning submissions, particularly for new dwellings, commercial developments and major extensions.
KiKK Groundworks prepares drainage plans and strategies for planning applications, including proposed pipe runs, manhole positions, soakaway locations, attenuation calculations, discharge rates and SuDS details. We work with your architect or planning consultant to ensure drainage proposals satisfy both the local planning authority and the Lead Local Flood Authority (Norwich County Council). For civil engineering projects and larger developments, we produce detailed drainage designs to adoptable standards.
We provide drainage services across Norwich and the wider Norwich area, including Wymondham, Attleborough, Dereham, Great Yarmouth, Aylsham, Sprowston, Thorpe St Andrew, Costessey, Hethersett, Poringland, Long Stratton, Cromer, Fakenham, Watton, Thetford, Swaffham, North Walsham, Holt, Sheringham, and all surrounding villages. Whether you need a soakaway in Norwich, land drainage near Dereham, or a septic tank replacement in rural North Norwich, we cover it.
FAQ
A CCTV drainage survey in Norwich typically costs between £150 and £350 depending on the size of the system and number of runs to be surveyed. The survey includes a full camera inspection, written report with defect classification, and a drainage plan showing pipe runs, depths and connections. We recommend CCTV surveys before buying a property, planning an extension, or diagnosing recurring drainage problems.
Yes. All new drainage installations, replacements and significant alterations require Building Regulations approval under Approved Document H. This includes new foul and surface water drains, soakaways, septic tanks, treatment plants and connections to public sewers. We handle the Building Control application and inspection process as part of every drainage project.
Foul drainage carries wastewater from toilets, sinks, baths and kitchen appliances to the public sewer or a private treatment system. Surface water drainage handles rainwater from roofs, driveways and hard surfaces. These must be kept separate in areas with separate sewer systems. In areas with combined sewers, both may connect to the same pipe, but this is becoming less common in new developments.
No. Since January 2020, it is illegal for a septic tank to discharge to a watercourse (ditch, stream or river) in England under the Environment Agency’s General Binding Rules. You must either upgrade to a sewage treatment plant (which can legally discharge to a watercourse) or install a drainage field so the septic tank discharges to ground. We can assess your system and recommend the most cost-effective solution.
Common signs of blocked drains include slow-draining sinks, baths or toilets, gurgling sounds from plugholes, foul smells from drains or manholes, water rising in manholes or inspection chambers, and damp patches or pooling water in your garden. If you notice any of these signs, contact us for a CCTV survey to diagnose the problem accurately before deciding on repairs.
A soakaway is an underground structure that collects surface water and allows it to slowly drain into the surrounding ground. You typically need one if there is no surface water sewer available to connect to, which is common in rural Norwich. Soakaways are also used to meet SuDS planning conditions. We carry out percolation tests to confirm your ground is suitable before designing and installing a soakaway to BRE Digest 365 standards.
Yes. We manage the full mains sewer connection process including Anglian Water Section 106 applications, excavation, pipe laying, the physical connection to the public sewer, pressure testing, CCTV survey and site reinstatement. If the connection requires crossing a public highway, we arrange the road opening permits and traffic management. The total cost typically ranges from £2,000 to £5,000 or more depending on distance and complexity.
SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) manage surface water runoff in a way that mimics natural drainage. Examples include permeable paving, soakaways, swales and rain gardens. Most new developments in Norwich now require SuDS as a planning condition. From September 2024, SuDS approval is mandatory for new developments in England under Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act. We design and install SuDS solutions for both domestic and commercial projects.
A simple soakaway installation takes 1-2 days. A new foul drain run with manhole typically takes 2-3 days. A complete new-build drainage system (foul and surface water) takes 3-7 days depending on the complexity. Mains sewer connections take 3-5 days. We always provide a clear timeline before starting work and schedule Building Control inspections to avoid delays.
Yes. We provide professional drain cleaning using high-pressure water jetting to remove blockages, fat build-up, scale and tree roots. Regular drain cleaning can prevent costly emergency call-outs and extend the life of your drainage system. We also offer maintenance contracts for commercial properties and landlords who need regular drain servicing across multiple sites in Norwich.
Other Services
Get a free, no-obligation quote for your drainage project in Norwich or Norwich. From CCTV surveys to full installations, we have the expertise to solve any drainage challenge.