Backfill compaction protocols

300 mm

Trench backfill must be well compacted in layers no deeper than 300mm to achieve stable ground

Trench backfill must be well compacted in layers no deeper than 300mm to achieve stable ground. Mechanical compaction should only be employed once the backfill depth exceeds 450mm above the pipe crown, to prevent direct damage to the pipe.

Basis in regulation

BS EN 1610
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Part H
Approved Document H
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How to check it on site

Observe backfill operations to confirm compaction layers are within limits and mechanical compaction is not used too close to the pipe crown.

Common failure

Compacting too close to the pipe, leading to damage, or insufficient compaction causing future settlement.

Last updated 23 August 2026. This is our editorial summary of publicly available regulation, not building control approval or a warranty determination.

Related dimensions at this stage

Minimum

Gradient of a 100 mm foul drain

1 in 80 (steeper for runs with fewer appliances)

100 mm foul drain serving at least one WC

Minimum

Depth of cover to a buried drain

600 mm under gardens and other areas not subject to vehicles; 900 mm under roads and driveways

Buried foul or surface water drain outside the building footprint

Minimum

Distance from a soakaway to a building

5 m

Surface water soakaway serving a dwelling

Minimum

Height of a ventilating stack terminal above an opening

900 mm above the top of any opening within 3 m horizontally

Open ventilating stack terminating at roof level or on an external wall

Maximum

Spacing between drainage access points

45 m

Straight run of buried drain between access points

exact

Drainage bed and manhole location

10 mm

Substructure drainage pipes must be laid on a suitable bed of granular material, such as 10mm pea gravel, to provide stable support and protect the pipes from ground movement