5.3.14 Protection of pipework
Drainage systems shall have pipework adequately protected against damage. Issues to be taken into account include:
- pipes passing through substructure walls
- pipework under finishes
- movement joints.
Pipes passing through substructure walls#
Where drains pass through structural elements; allowance should be made to accommodate movement.
Pipes passing through substructure walls should accommodate movement by:
- a 50mm clearance all round
- a sleeve, with 50mm clearance all round and suitably sealed, or
- bedded pipes, connected on both sides of the wall with flexible joints located as close as is feasible to the outside face of the wall but at a maximum of 150mm from the face of the wall.
Flexible joints should be made in accordance with the pipe manufacturer’s recommendations.
Pipework under finishes#
Where drains pass under roads and drives, the final compaction should be sufficient to prevent later settlement.
Movement joints#
Where rigid pipes are to be encased in concrete, movement joints should be:
- provided around the spigot next to the socket either at 5m maximum intervals or at each joint
- 13mm thick compressible board.
Last updated: 2nd January 2024