Drainage and water search
Water and drainage search when buying a house: CON29DW explained
The drainage and water search, commonly ordered as a CON29DW, checks water company records. It tells the buyer whether the property is connected to mains water and sewerage, where public sewers sit, and whether drainage records raise practical or legal concerns.
This page covers the conveyancing search. It does not diagnose physical drain condition; a CCTV drain survey is the separate inspection when condition or blockage risk matters.
Last updated: 31 May 2026. Editorially reviewed: 31 May 2026.
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Run a free previewWhy drainage records matter
Drainage problems can be expensive because ownership is split between the homeowner, neighbours and the water company. A public sewer running within the boundary can also affect extension plans because building over or near it may need water company consent.
The search is record-based. It can show whether the property is recorded as connected, whether public sewers are nearby, and whether foul and surface-water drainage discharge to a public system. It does not show whether old private drains are cracked or root-damaged.
When to add a CCTV drain survey
Order a CCTV drain survey when the house is older, trees sit close to drain runs, the surveyor notes drainage concerns, inspection chambers are damaged, there is history of blockage, or you plan an extension over likely drainage routes.
Source and search scope
| Source | What it checks |
|---|---|
| Mains water connection | Whether the property is recorded as connected to the public water supply and which undertaker serves it. |
| Foul drainage | Whether foul water is recorded as draining to the public sewer or another arrangement such as private drainage. |
| Surface-water drainage | Whether rainwater is recorded as going to a public sewer, soakaway or other route where records identify it. |
| Public sewers and build-over | Whether public sewers, lateral drains or water mains are within or near the boundary, affecting extensions and access. |
What the result means
Connected to mains water and public sewer
This is the standard low-friction outcome, subject to checking sewer position and any build-over concerns.
Public sewer within boundary
Future building works may need consent, and existing extensions should be checked for build-over approval if relevant.
Private or unclear drainage
Ask for system details, consents, maintenance responsibilities, emptying records and lender acceptance before exchange.
Buyer and lender implications
- Lenders usually accept standard mains drainage. Private drainage needs clearer evidence because maintenance and compliance sit with the owner.
- A public sewer under an extension can create legal and resale issues if build-over consent is missing.
- Drainage condition is a survey question, not a search result. Use CCTV evidence where the physical risk matters.
Questions to ask your solicitor
- 1Is the property connected to mains water, foul sewer and surface-water drainage?
- 2Are any public sewers or lateral drains within the boundary or under existing structures?
- 3Is there build-over consent for any extension near a public sewer?
- 4If drainage is private, what system is used and who maintains it?
- 5Should I commission a CCTV drain survey before exchange?
Related conveyancing search guides
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Flood, subsidence, EPC, crime, schools, transport, broadband, tenure, age, listed status and price checks where data is available.
Run a free previewFrequently asked questions
Does a water and drainage search check drain condition?
No. It checks water company records. It does not inspect pipes. A CCTV drain survey is needed to check cracks, root damage, collapse or poor falls.
What if a public sewer runs through the garden?
That is common, but it matters for extensions and access. Ask whether any existing or proposed works need build-over consent and whether the sewer route affects your plans.
Is private drainage a deal-breaker?
Not usually, especially in rural property, but it needs evidence: system type, compliance, maintenance, emptying records, discharge arrangements and replacement cost.
Who orders the CON29DW?
Your conveyancer normally orders it from the relevant water-company search provider or through their search pack supplier.
Editorial review
Editorial owner: BiteRight Ltd, operator of MyPropertyScan. We review buyer guides against UK public property datasets, RICS survey wording, lender requirements, and common buyer questions.
Pages are updated when source coverage, property-risk guidance, survey cost assumptions, or product checks materially change. Methodology and dataset limitations are explained on the MyPropertyScan methodology page.
Sources used
We use UK public and specialist sources where they are available. Public datasets can be incomplete, delayed, or missing for some addresses. Treat them as a starting point, not as a replacement for professional advice.
Source standard: preference goes to official government datasets, statutory bodies, professional standards, and primary dataset publishers. We cite the source family on the page and explain coverage limits rather than filling gaps with unsupported estimates.
General information only. Not legal, mortgage, insurance or surveying advice. Always confirm search results with your own conveyancer, lender, insurer and surveyor before exchange. MyPropertyScan is operated by BiteRight Ltd.