Frequently Asked Questions - February 2006
Leighton Avenue Catchment Private Drains Upgrading Project
1. Why do I need to upgrade my private sewer drain? - If test result is fail
During times of heavy rain sewer drains become overloaded, causing wastewater overflows into the Waiwhetu Stream. Trials show that this overloading is caused by ground water getting into the cracks and breaks in mainly private sewer pipes.
A resource consent issued by the Greater Wellington Regional Council in 2004 requires Hutt City to reduce wastewater overflows into the Waiwhetu Stream during times of heavy rain. It requires the number of overflows to be reduced by 2009 from the current average of 4 times a year to once every 5 years.
2. What is the process and timeline for this project:
The testing phase of hutt city council's plan to stop wastewater (sewer) overflows into Waiwhetu stream has now been completed in Area 1. testing of 500 properties in Area 1 resulted in a 70% failure rate, confirming to Council that private drains need to be made watertight. Upgrading of all drains in Area 1 is almost complete.
Area 2 testing and upgrading will take place between September 2006 and June 2007, with Area 3 being undertaken in the 2007/2008 financial year. The actual areas are defined in the map in Newsletters 1,2 and 3 (delivered to all affected residents) and also on the Hutt City Council website.
3. How are the drains tested?
The private drain is blocked off at the point where it meets the main Council drain. The drain is then filled up with water and any water loss is measured over a five minute period. A CCTV record is also taken by passing a small video camera inside the pipe to isolate any obvious faults and to determine its overall condition. These two tests are used to measure whether or not your drain passes or fails the leaking test.
4. What is a failed result?
Council is using the standards specified in the New Zealand Building Code to determine whether homeowners pipes pass or fail. The New Zealand Building Code specifies allowable leakage rates.
5. What do I need to do if my drain passes the test?
Nothing. A letter will be sent to you and the pass result and date of testing will be recorded on your property file for future reference.
6. Will a building consent be required?
The Building Act 2004 specifies when a Building Consent is required. Schedule 1 of the Act states that a building consent is not required when a repair is carried out using comparable materials and/or the pipes are replaced in the same position. This effectively means that a building consent will only be required where a drain must be re-routed. If a Building Consent is required and you have not joined the Council managed scheme, you must apply to the Hutt City Council's approvals team.
7. What are my options for upgrading my private drain?
You can:
a. Join the Council upgrade programme: this means Council will arrange the upgrade of your private drain and you will repay in one of 3 ways:
- One off lump sum payment
- Adding the cost to rates over 5 years
- Part payment by lump sum and the balance added to your rates over 5 years. You choose how much you want to pay as a lump sum and the balance is added to your rates.
b. Arrange the upgrade of your drain independently of Council. You must use a registered drainlayer.
8. Will interest be charged with rates option to be repaid over 5 years?
Yes interest will be charged at Council's current rate of borrowing, which is approximately 7.75%.
9. What if I don't want to join the Council programme?
Please contact Michael Ryan at TCB (478-0342) or email michael.ryan@tcb.co.nz to tell them that you will be getting your drain fixed by a registered drainlayer so you avoid reminder notices being sent to you by Council. This will also save you money because TCB can organise to re-test the drain at the end of the upgrade process, rather than when the drain has been completely re-sealed. TCB are Council's engineering consultants who are overseeing this project.
10. How much will the upgrade cost?
Costs can range from as low as $500 and are currently averaging about $2,000. Please contact Michael Ryan at TCB (478-0342) or email michael.ryan@tcb.co.nz to organise for them to visit your property or give us your contact details. TCB will give you a cost estimate of works and follow this up with a fixed price quote.
11. Will you need to dig up my garden/driveway/deck?
There are a range of technologies available including replacing the drain using a technique called pipe bursting where a new pipe is pushed through the old pipe and connected up to the pipe at either end. Pipe bursting requires only one small hole to be dug at each end to connect the new pipe to the existing pipe. There is minimum disturbance to gardens and driveways etc. TCB can advise of the options and associated costs when they visit you at your home.
Where the pipe runs under decks, gardens or concrete driveways, options will be explored on a case by case basis to keep costs down, e.g. the drain may be laid in a different location. If you have any concerns please discuss it with Michael Ryan at TCB (478-0342) or email michael.ryan@tcb.co.nz when they visit you on site.
12. How do I know the work has been carried out to a high quality?
Council has engaged engineering consultants Truebridge Callender Beach Ltd (TCB) to manage the upgrade. Council's contractors have been selected after a tendering process to ensure they are both cost competitive and carry out quality work. TCB also perform quality checks and retest drains after the work has been carried out.
13. What happens if I do nothing?
Council's upgrading of private drains programme is designed to be as helpful as possible. Many of the suggestions made by residents through the consultation process have been included. If you do not respond to our letters, Council ultimately has the power to issue a Section 459 notice under the Local Government Act 1974. This notice will require you to upgrade your private drain within a specified timeframe (2 months) or Council will carry out the upgrade and add the cost of the works to your rates bill over the next 5 years.