The position of the sewer should, if possible, be behind the houses for the following reasons:—
(1.) The waterclosets, sinks, &c., being nearly always at the back, a drain under the house (which is always objectionable) is avoided.
(2.) Economy is secured to the owner of the property, as a shorter length of drain is required than if the sewer was in the front.
(3.) A better fall is usually obtained.
(4.) Where there is a separate or partially separate system of sewerage, a double sewer in the street is avoided.
The only objection to this method being that of the chance of the sewer becoming choked or broken when entry has to be made into private property to repair it, but this ought never to happen after once the sewer has been properly constructed. Of course, where houses are closely packed together it would not be possible to carry the sewer at the back, but where it can be done I agree thoroughly with Mr. Rawlinson, C.B., C.E., &c., who, speaking of this method, says, “I know nothing but good of it.”
Where the sewer is proposed to be taken through any private lands it is necessary to act in accordance with the following clause of the Public Health Act 1875, and serve the necessary notices, a specimen form of which also follows:
“Any local authority may carry any sewer through, across, or under any turnpike road, or any street or place laid out as or intended for a street, or under any cellar or vault which may be under the pavement or carriageway of any street, and, after giving reasonable notice in writing to the owner or occupier (if on the report of the surveyor it appears necessary), into, through, or under any lands[182] whatsoever within their district. They may also (subject to the provisions of this Act relating to sewage works without the district of the local authority) exercise all or any of the powers given by this section without their district for the purposes of outfall or distribution of sewage” (38 & 39 Vic. c. 55, s. 16).
The form of notice necessary to be served before entry upon any lands for the purpose of carrying out any sewerage works may be on the following pattern:—
“Notice is hereby given.