Old drains in Scotland

robindunlop2 · Post: # 4932Post **robindunlop2** Tue Jul 20, 2004 11:35 pm

I have a contractor renewing my drains - the house was built in the 1880s - don't know how old the clay pipes were. All the new plastic pipes look (to me) OK - but I have a single rain/foul system and the contractor has installed hoppers to collect the rain and these are connected direct to the main drain. No traps have been installed. The previous clay system had traps everywhere - including a large one underground between kitchen etc and the main foul system. I am concerned about venting at ground level a foul water drain system. The whole drain system, rain and foul, is now open at multiple points and at ground level. I know Scottish regs differ from England - but appreciate your comments. Thanks.

danensis · Post: # 4938Post **danensis** Wed Jul 21, 2004 12:58 pm

In England any changes to drainage would be subject to Building Control approval. Is there a Scottish equvalent to the Building Control Officer? I've usually found them most helpful in telling you what is and isn't allowed, and finding ways to get your work compliant with the regulations at the lowest cost. The big secret is to ask rather than argue.

robindunlop2 · Post: # 4939Post **robindunlop2** Wed Jul 21, 2004 2:30 pm

Thanks - I have done just that. Initial phone conversation with building control suggests my contractor is outside regulations. I'll post the result.

84-1093879891 · Post: # 5005Post **84-1093879891** Tue Jul 27, 2004 3:57 pm

Standard apology - been off for a few days due to angina. Sorry for delayed responses.

There are some relatively minor differences between the Building Regs in England & Wales and those applicable in Scotlandshire, but they agree on one key point - any connections to foul or combined systems must be trapped to prevent bad odours venting from the sewers.

Has the problem been rectified now?

robindunlop2 · Post: # 5059Post **robindunlop2** Thu Jul 29, 2004 8:10 pm

TonyMcC - yes, they have returned and corrected the problem. Bemused expressions and they asked each other if it was a single system (they had just dug it and replaced it completely! Did they fail to notice??!!) - but got on with it and corrected. I think the main work is sound (though their "finishing" poor with the gulleys crooked and at odd angles). Thanks to all for the support. I have this site well noted should I need advice again.