New extension - Exposing the mahole

[Jasper]

Hi,

My builder ignored my request to leave access to the drain that sits in my new extension. He said that the BCO approved the drainage, he concreted over the head drain then a week or so later the builder disappeared with a large sum of money.

I called in the BCO who said the drain now needs to be opened up as well as the other remedial work to the kitchen waste water.

Rather than pay a builder to digup/remove the concrete, I am planning to use a concrete saw and kango drill to expose the drain myself to save money.

I may also have a go at fitting the new drain lid/cover & seal but need advice on the products to buy and the solution method?

Regards
Jasper

[lutonlagerlout]

i was under the impression jasper that local authoritys were trying to do away with manholes inside buildings due to the problems they cause
we have to resite them out doors now,be careful breaking the oversite ,there is a damp proof membrane in there
regards LLL

[Jasper]

good point, thank you LLL

[matt h]

oUR LOCAL AUTHORITY DOESNT ALLOW DRAINS INSIDE, THEY INSIST ON RESITING... EVENT WHEN IT INVOLVES CREATING TWO MORE MANHOLES BECAUSE OF DOGLEGS. sOMETIMES CAUSES MORE PROBLEMS THAN ITS WORTH. cLAIM AGAINST BUILDER FOR REMEDIAL WORKS... IF YOU CAN FIND HIM

[Jasper]

hi
I think one of the problems we face being in the borough of Ealing is that you may get a different BCO visiting each time you arrange an inspection, so there is no consistency of solution.

I have read the BCO reports and it is clear the builder has been playing off the different visiting BCO's off one another.

I will try to hold the builder to account but these things are never easy as he is a limited company.

The new proposed solution with a new builder is to try and use the drainage system from before the extension was built. This means breaking into the membrane as LLL suggested but the new builder said when the concrete goes down he will use bitumen on the conrete to seal out the damp.

I have arranged a BCO to be there before we decide to take a breaker to the concrete, to discuss our proposed solution.

thank you for you advice, it's greatly appreciated.

[eazybarra man]

Jasper,
If your drains need to be exposed, make sure that your builder installs a double sealed, locking, recessed manhole cover. This will prevent smells.The recessed tray can be filled with concrete and access in the future would be by removing locking screws and lifting tray out. Clarkdrain and Peter Savage manufacture this type of cover and can be bought from your local builders merchants, they may need to order.

[lutonlagerlout]

good advice EB but as i mentioned most local authorities dont want any manholes inside living areas now and that means NONE
lately we are having to install a lot of saniflow systems due to this
or the dreaded alternative of multiple manholes outside the building
regards LLL

[matt h]

I agree with LLL saniflos rule

[flowjoe]

You suprise me gentlemen.

Having spent more time than i care to remember dismantling defective units i would not have one in the house as long as i have a H in my A.

I know there are situations where they are the only alternative but i find them noisy (especially on suspended floors), temperemental, not the cheapest to run and bloody messy when they pack in.

You can`t beat gravity, it nearly always works.

[Dave_L]

I couldn't think of a worse contraption to have break down and require repair! :0

[lutonlagerlout]

i didnt say i had one in my house did i?
:;):
do you get my drift?

LLL

[Rich H]

Ahhh. The old 'turd muncher'. Nasty machine. Wouldn't fancy having to change a worn-out macerator...

[matt h]

changed several, and never had any probs. there is even a loo with a built in macerator so you dont need a cistern either so fits in the tiniest space. exceptionally quiet compared to normal units as well. They do help get around some awkward basement saitation layouts to be fair:p