Hello,
a quick question for the collective knowledge, with the most important details and information briefly summarized:
- New construction planned, building permit / planning permission application to be submitted next week
- Street: fully serviced (water, sewage, electricity, gas, etc.), road was resurfaced sometime between 1990 and 2000
- Neighbors all properly connected, but mostly older houses
- Water valve (VA) sign is located on the right side of the fence next to our driveway
I requested a pipeline map from the water utility, but they could not provide one, apparently because there are no suitable documents or maps available. The blue water valve (VA) sign indicates that a water shut-off valve is located on the main line beneath the street. The valve was found exactly where the sign indicates at the roadside (on the opposite side of the street).
During an on-site visit, the water utility representative said there should be a pipe there, but they didn’t know exactly where since it’s not marked on their maps. I was advised to carry out exploratory excavations at my property boundary, where the pipe should be located at about 1.50 meters (5 feet) depth.
The first exploratory excavation at the spot suggested by the employee (slightly to the left of the water valve sign) was unfortunately unsuccessful. I dug a hole approximately 80 cm (31 inches) wide and about 180-190 cm (71-75 inches) deep, also extending somewhat underground towards the sidewalk. I refilled the hole afterward because sand and soil were already crumbling at the edges. I plan to dig a trench to the right of this spot when time permits to continue searching for the pipe.
A detail at the boundary: The sewage maps were also somewhat inaccurate, but I did find the sewer pipe at approximately 1.20 meters (4 feet) depth, extending about 80-100 cm (31-39 inches) onto my property.
Question: What rights or options do I have if I don’t find anything with further exploratory digging? Is there any chance I can require the local water utility to perform its own search for me, ideally at no cost? I got the impression the employee was reluctant to take any initiative here. I’m happy to continue with further excavations, but each time it requires a lot of time, effort, and sweat, especially since we don’t live on-site.
a quick question for the collective knowledge, with the most important details and information briefly summarized:
- New construction planned, building permit / planning permission application to be submitted next week
- Street: fully serviced (water, sewage, electricity, gas, etc.), road was resurfaced sometime between 1990 and 2000
- Neighbors all properly connected, but mostly older houses
- Water valve (VA) sign is located on the right side of the fence next to our driveway
I requested a pipeline map from the water utility, but they could not provide one, apparently because there are no suitable documents or maps available. The blue water valve (VA) sign indicates that a water shut-off valve is located on the main line beneath the street. The valve was found exactly where the sign indicates at the roadside (on the opposite side of the street).
During an on-site visit, the water utility representative said there should be a pipe there, but they didn’t know exactly where since it’s not marked on their maps. I was advised to carry out exploratory excavations at my property boundary, where the pipe should be located at about 1.50 meters (5 feet) depth.
The first exploratory excavation at the spot suggested by the employee (slightly to the left of the water valve sign) was unfortunately unsuccessful. I dug a hole approximately 80 cm (31 inches) wide and about 180-190 cm (71-75 inches) deep, also extending somewhat underground towards the sidewalk. I refilled the hole afterward because sand and soil were already crumbling at the edges. I plan to dig a trench to the right of this spot when time permits to continue searching for the pipe.
A detail at the boundary: The sewage maps were also somewhat inaccurate, but I did find the sewer pipe at approximately 1.20 meters (4 feet) depth, extending about 80-100 cm (31-39 inches) onto my property.
Question: What rights or options do I have if I don’t find anything with further exploratory digging? Is there any chance I can require the local water utility to perform its own search for me, ideally at no cost? I got the impression the employee was reluctant to take any initiative here. I’m happy to continue with further excavations, but each time it requires a lot of time, effort, and sweat, especially since we don’t live on-site.
It is also possible that at least one of the people you spoke to was joking, like the so-called Siemens air hook.
I am not surprised that there is no pipeline plan available, as in my opinion there is no pipeline leading to your property either.
That would be the standard I would expect. The fact that the situation was different with the wastewater system is not proof that it is the same for the drinking water supply. There are quite different regulations for each.
I am not surprised that there is no pipeline plan available, as in my opinion there is no pipeline leading to your property either.
That would be the standard I would expect. The fact that the situation was different with the wastewater system is not proof that it is the same for the drinking water supply. There are quite different regulations for each.
B
Benutzer 30112 Dec 2024 13:26We have also purchased an infill plot (new development from the 1990s). The sewer connection is located on the property, with drinking water and electricity connections in the street. This is also shown in the sewer, electrical, and water pipeline plans. A utility connection for water and electricity still needs to be installed.
AlexAmy schrieb:
Unfortunately, I was unsuccessful, although I dug about 80 cm wide (31 inches) and up to 180/190 cm deep (71/75 inches).AlexAmy schrieb:
As I said, I’m happy to do more exploratory digs, but each time it takes a lot of time, effort, and sweat, and we don’t live on site.AlexAmy schrieb:
I filled the hole back in afterwards, as the edges were already crumbling with sand and soil.Did you dig the holes with a shovel? At that width and depth, isn’t that a bit dangerous? You wouldn’t want to have to look for yourself after the next hole if the ground collapses.W
wiltshire6 Jan 2025 18:52AlexAmy schrieb:
My original question to the community was not whether there is a pipe there or anything else, but whether a water association can avoid responsibility by pointing to missing or incomplete pipeline maps. I also think this behavior is brazen, but nowadays you often only get results from authorities / public offices with facts and legal grounds. Then I’ll give you an answer. A few weeks ago, I was elected volunteer chairperson of the local water supply association and am currently getting familiar with the topic from the “other” side. Our water association has regulations that clearly define responsibility for the pipes. In our case, the association is responsible up to the valve, and from the valve onward, the responsibility lies with the property owner. This has disadvantages when you are searching for a pipe or a leak on private property, but in rural areas, it can be an advantage when property owners have long pipe runs to their houses. It is therefore quite possible that the association does not have, and does not need to have, detailed knowledge of the pipes on private property. A look at the regulations or the service specifications will tell you whether you are being left in the dark or looking for responsibility in the wrong place.
Solution approach:
A practical approach is to talk to neighbors, especially those who might have witnessed the house construction. You will be surprised how much people collectively know. On this occasion, you also get to know each other and can exchange a few friendly words. This is invaluable when you start building, because if you are seen as approachable, problems such as a temporarily blocked road due to the construction site, a bit of dirt, or other everyday minor issues are less likely to escalate into unpleasant situations.
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