Sharp sand (drainage)

Coarse angular sand used for pipe bedding, manhole haunching and surface water drainage.

Sharp sand is a coarse, angular sand used in drainage construction for pipe bedding, manhole haunching, mortar mixes and certain surface water applications. The angular grains lock together under compaction, providing a stable support for buried pipework. UK installations follow BS EN 13139 and Building Regulations Part H. Sharp sand is supplied washed, with a low fines content, to avoid the slumping that can affect builders' sand. In a typical London residential drainage trench, sharp sand is used as a finer alternative to graded gravel where pipe protection is a concern, particularly around clay or thin-walled plastic pipes. The material is also used in the surround to soakaway crates and as a levelling layer beneath manhole base concrete. Bulk bag delivery to site is standard, with smaller volumes available in 25kg bags.