FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
General questions about working with HydroBer. Each service page also has FAQs specific to that service.
General
Can you design to our local standards and approving authority?
Yes. Every design is adapted to the technical standards and approving authority that govern the specific project rather than to one fixed template.
Do you only handle full design projects, or smaller scopes too?
Both. Alongside full water supply and sewerage design projects, we take on standalone hydraulic calculations, drafting-only engagements and independent consulting reviews.
Can HydroBer work as part of our existing project team?
Yes, working as a specialist subcontractor inside another firm’s project team (for hydraulic design, calculations or CAD/BIM drafting) is a regular part of how we work.
How do we request a quote?
Use the quote form with the basics of your project: scope, stage and timeline. We typically respond within one business day with scope questions or a quote.
Water Supply System Design
What standards do you design water supply networks to?
We design to the technical standards and codes that apply to the project, adapting to whichever authority or utility governs it rather than working to a single fixed standard.
Can you work with an existing network model or survey data we already have?
Yes. We regularly pick up projects mid-stream, importing existing survey data, GIS records or partial models and building on them rather than starting from zero.
Do you size pumping stations as part of water supply design?
Yes, pump selection, duty/standby configuration and pumping station layout are part of the water supply design service, verified against the same hydraulic model as the rest of the network.
What software do you deliver drawings in?
Deliverables are provided in AutoCAD (2D) and Revit or ArchiCAD (3D/BIM), matching whichever format your project or authority requires.
Sewerage & Drainage System Design
Do you design both sanitary and stormwater systems, or only one?
Both. We design sanitary sewer networks, stormwater drainage and combined systems, and can integrate all three where a site requires a coordinated solution.
How do you determine pipe sizing for stormwater networks?
Sizing is based on catchment area, surface type and local rainfall intensity-duration-frequency data for the specified design storm return period, verified with hydraulic capacity checks rather than fixed tables alone.
Can you assess whether an existing sewer network has enough capacity for a new development?
Yes, capacity assessment of existing networks against added flow from a proposed development is a common starting point before we design any extension or upgrade.
Do you provide 3D models for clash detection with other services?
Yes, we deliver coordinated 3D models in Revit or ArchiCAD so drainage routing can be checked against water, gas, electrical and other buried services before construction.
Hydraulic Calculations & Pressure Analysis
Can you verify pressure calculations produced by another engineer or firm?
Yes, independent verification of existing hydraulic calculations is a common request, and we deliver a clear report stating whether the original figures hold up and why.
Do you calculate pressure loss for both water supply and sewerage pipework?
Yes, pressure and headloss calculations are provided for pressurised water networks as well as pumped sewerage and rising mains.
How quickly can a standalone hydraulic calculation be turned around?
Turnaround depends on data availability and network complexity; a defined single-point calculation is typically faster than a full network analysis. Timelines are confirmed once the scope is set.
What information do you need from us to start a calculation?
Typically network layout or a schematic, pipe lengths and diameters, elevations, and demand or flow figures. If some of this is missing we can advise on reasonable assumptions or help source it.
2D & 3D Modeling in AutoCAD, Revit and ArchiCAD
Do you work in Revit, ArchiCAD, or AutoCAD only?
All three. We match the software to the project: AutoCAD for 2D-only deliverables, Revit or ArchiCAD when a coordinated 3D/BIM model is required.
Can you act as drafting support for our engineering team during busy periods?
Yes, this is a common arrangement: we work inside your existing templates and standards as extra drafting capacity, rather than running a fully separate design process.
Can you convert our existing 2D drawings into a 3D BIM model?
Yes, converting 2D water or sewerage layouts into coordinated 3D models for clash detection and BIM coordination is a regular part of this service.
Do you produce as-built drawings from site survey data?
Yes, we can produce as-built 2D drawings or 3D models from topographic survey data or site record information.
Hydraulic Engineering Consulting
Can you review a hydraulic design produced by another engineering firm?
Yes, independent design review is a core part of this service, and we deliver findings as a clear written report rather than a verbal opinion only.
We have a system that is not reaching expected pressure or flow. Can you diagnose why?
Yes, root-cause investigation of underperforming water or sewerage systems is one of the more common consulting engagements we take on.
Do you get involved before a design has started, at feasibility stage?
Yes, feasibility input at the earliest stage is often the highest-value point to bring in independent hydraulic engineering advice, before assumptions are locked into a concept.
Is consulting advice tied to using you for the design work afterwards?
No, consulting engagements stand on their own. Some clients continue into a design phase with us afterwards and many do not.
Ready to talk through your project?
Send us the basics of what you need designed or calculated, and we will come back with scope and timeline.