internal drain/manhole

Comments (20)

Tani H-S
5 years ago
Oh dear - what a nightmare for you! Can’t believe the builder etc didn’t even think about this or mention it to you before works started :0/

Do you know which way the drains run? Ie do they run across your property or from front to back? I ask because you may be able to create a new one further back or forward and not have it in the house. I would also check building regs about having it inside as well.
Tani H-S
5 years ago
Ps could you take some pictures as that might help with the flooring issue/dilemma.

And what plastic strips are you referring to, sorry?
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Hi Mike, there are a number of checks that you can do to determine whether it is possible to move the kitchen to the rear: Check the invert level of the drainage in the front. This is done lifting the manhole / inspection chamber(IC) cover and using a tape to see the depth of the bottom of the channel. 2)Making sure that you set a level datum line to the rear if the property - check the height difference between where your new drainage run will be positioned. Work out the fall ( change in height) between the front ( IC) and the rear. Take a linear measurement from the two manhole(ic) positions in metres and check the gradient 1in 80 to work out what height the pipe needs to be set to have the correct fall. If this sets the manhole above the ground then you will need to use a pump. If this works then no need to pump. Remember you will need to have a straight run or slow bend to enable a clear rod between points. If you change direction you will need a chamber unless it can be rodded. You can run a pipe under the house provided it is laid correctly and bridged at wall positions. I hope you can follow this through, it should make sense. Best Rowland
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Tani H-S
5 years ago
Lastly - I’m sure you know all this already, but if it’s a public sewer then you will need a build over permission from the local water company before building over it. Just in case your builder never told you. It’s separate to planning permission and building regs and you need to inform them direct.
You should be able to check what the drain is anyway ie if it just serves your house or multiples
Claudia Cooper
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks for your help Tani. Definitely not a shared drain. The water runs back to front. builder was here today with the plumber and both are adamant that there's no way around it as you need to be able to rod in a straight line and there's a bend in one of the pipes....here's a pic
rinked
5 years ago
We've got a hatch like that in the 'utility room' (with the fridge on top fortunately).

And a smaller lid on the sewage pipe in the cellar.

Our neighbour just closed the pipes towards it and filled the hole with concrete..

Get a second opinion.

If all else fails, make sure they use a stainless trim and parquet on top of the hatch..
Tani H-S
5 years ago
Can you just explain the location of that drain? ie Am i looking at it from the outside in - ie is the extension built yet? Can't quite visualise where it will be.
Claudia Cooper
Original Author
5 years ago
that's the extension - it's a side return. So the outside alley area has become the inside...so the drain will be outside a door that connects to the living room
Tani H-S
5 years ago
I’m wondering if they can lower the top so that you could actually have a solid wood panel on the floor with your flooring on top (like a proper trap door) - that way it will be hidden better?

We had a new drain put in and they managed to trim the top down so it might be worth checking it it’s possible to lower it.
Sonia
5 years ago
I asked my builder brother and this is his answer “If it’s inside the extension it can stay there but needs a double sealed unit so you have access to it. You can’t block it unless you build a new one outside the extension”. Hope this helps. If it was me I’d get it moved, more cost I know but even still I wouldn’t want it in my house.
Claudia Cooper
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks Forzaitalia - two plumbers have said that it would be really expensive to relocate it outside to the building due to the number of pipes. I think I'm going to have to make my peace with it. Sigh
Sonia
5 years ago
I understand. As you say it should have been mentioned and discussed at the beginning, but it’s a compromise. Building work is always a compromise! Hope it all goes well for you.
kwg kwg
5 years ago
Hello, you said you think the architect and builder said that the drain didn’t have to remain in the same place but did your proposed plan show the position of the drain being moved? Good idea as Tani suggested to check with Building Control with regards to the drain being inside. When we moved our man hole for a ground floor extension, Building Control said it had to be a certain distance away from the extension.

I would do some research if there are any Building Reg requirements on this, if yes, then the builder and plumber will have to think of a way resolving the issue and moving it ‘outside’ and argue your point that you shouldn’t have to pay for the work as it’s their fault they didn’t identify the issue. These guys are doing this day in day out so surely they should know the rules.

Good luck, let us know how you get on!
Claudia Cooper thanked kwg kwg
Claudia Cooper
Original Author
5 years ago
There's definitely no Building Control issue. It's a private drain, not a public one. Only my waste flows into it, therefore it can be inside. My understanding is that a 'public sewer' i.e more than one building's waste - would have to be outside. Never thought I'd wish I loved on a public sewer!
PRO
User
5 years ago
I wouldn't take the builder's word for it. I'd get building control to come round from the local council ( they're usually really helpful - ours are ), they may be able to offer up some helpful suggestions. I'm not saying it's true, but some builders will say they can't do things, because they don't want to, and it will delay them too much to amend things.
kwg kwg
5 years ago
Agree with Man About the House, is your Building Control from the council or private? Either way, just give a quick phone call and ask what or if there any any regs requiring the man hole to be outside of extension. We had a private company and if I had a query, I would just call them up, sometimes I felt like I was going behind the builders back but I thought, it’s my house and I want to know how something should be done.

Did you check your Architect plans to see if the drain was moved in the plan?
Claudia Cooper
Original Author
5 years ago
Building Control are from the council. Building regs only require shared drains to be outside, I have checked this.
PRO
i-architect
5 years ago
Sounds like there are several things to take into account:

1. cost - it could add cost to move the manhole

2. time - it may delay the project on site to do it

3. technically possible - usually it is possible to reroute drains and make sure you have drains and rodding eyes outside of the building, it depends on the site and location of waste outlets, the pipe falls, etc... - quite a lot of technical things to take into account.

What you can do:

1. Check your contract and drawings - should they have done this work and is it work they included for in their tender: if so they have to do it at no added cost

2. again looking at your contract - if the work is included then it's up to them to manage their time and if this is not an extra piece of work then they can't claim for an extension of time to do this

3. check with your building control officer (as suggested above) to see if there is a solution which meets building regulations - building regulations apply for any drain regardless of if it's a shared or private one. Also if you used an architect or an architectural technologist then they should be able to answer questions about the drains.

Good luck!
Tani H-S
5 years ago
So if you do have to live with the drain as it is, you should be able to get them to replace it with the double seal access cover which would sit lower than your floor.
Then I would install a trap door type top on hinges (or lift off) and fit your wood flooring within that top frame.
I read a few things about it and I would get a good joiner/floor fitter in to discuss it as they might have some excellent ideas for disguising it as much as possible.
PRO
User
5 years ago
My point of calling building control was for them to visit site and offer up alternative suggestions, they are usually happy to do this. It was also to check whether or not the builder is correct in suggesting that nothing can be done, rather than possibly that he just doesn't want to.

United Kingdom

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internal drain/manhole

Claudia Cooper
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internal drain/manhole

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