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Defect library

Drainage defects in new builds

Drainage problems often only show after heavy rain or when the household is using water every day. Lift a manhole cover if it’s safe to do so and check the water runs freely, and make sure every cover sits flat without rocking.

Updated 19 October 2026

SiteSnag’s library has 8 entries under drainage, and 1 of them are marked as safety or critical items. They’re listed below with the most serious first. Each one gives the wording an inspector would put in a report and the trade that would fix it, and 7 carry a reference to the standard or guidance they relate to. The references help you look up the relevant section and aren’t a statement that a particular home does or doesn’t comply.

All 8 entries

  1. Manhole cover rocking / damaged

    Safety

    Inspection chamber cover rocks or is damaged. Re-bed or replace.

    Trade
    Groundworks
    Reference
    Approved Document H

  2. Drain slow / blocked

    Major

    Drain runs slowly or is blocked. CCTV survey and clear.

    Trade
    Groundworks
    Reference
    Approved Document H

  3. Septic tank / treatment plant concerns

    Major

    Private drainage system condition and compliance unknown. Specialist inspection.

    Trade
    Specialist
    Reference
    None listed

  4. Gully blocked / grate missing

    Moderate

    Gully blocked or grate missing. Clear and fit grate.

    Trade
    Groundworks
    Reference
    Approved Document H

  5. Inspection chamber buried / inaccessible

    Moderate

    Inspection chamber covered or inaccessible. Expose and raise to level.

    Trade
    Groundworks
    Reference
    Approved Document H

  6. Soakaway not working

    Moderate

    Surface water does not drain away. Investigate soakaway.

    Trade
    Groundworker
    Reference
    NHBC Standards 5.3

  7. Drain smells

    Moderate

    Foul smell from drains or gullies. CCTV survey and repair.

    Trade
    Groundworker
    Reference
    NHBC Standards 5.3

  8. Rodding eye cap missing

    Minor

    Rodding eye cap missing or damaged. Replace.

    Trade
    Groundworker
    Reference
    NHBC Standards 5.3

Using these in a report

In the SiteSnag app, starting to type a defect title in the camera brings up these entries. Picking one fills in the description, severity, trade and reference, and you can edit the wording or add your own defects to the library. Every snag then goes into the branded PDF report with its photos and a numbered pin on the floor plan.

For a room-by-room walk-round, use the new build snagging checklist, or go back to all defect categories.

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