Pipes buried in garden slope

[Powerhead22]

The garden at the rear of my property slopes upwards, then there is a farmers field which the property backs onto.

I recently started excavating the slope at the rear to create a patio area. I have dug into the slope about 2 metres leaving a soil height of about 1.2 metres.

During the excavation I unearthed 3 solid orange clay pipes approx 110mm in diameter. They are all connected to the property's single drainage system. The pipes seem to have nothing flowing through them but are moist inside. The pipes are constructed from small sections without any coupling flanges - they are simply butted together.

My question is would the pipes have anything to with the farmers field? and what would be the consequence of capping them off as they are in the way of my patio area though I could divert them.

Many Thanks - great site by the way!

[Stihl_ts400]

on site, a few weeks ago wefound exactly this, its the farmers field drainage, no real significance, wee just dug them out, maybe replace them with perforated dug deeper back into the ground, just dig them up mate, they dont do very much:p

[steve r]

You have unearthed a land drain which will probably be draining his field and your garden.
The presence of moisture on the inside indicates that they are draining water from somewhere.
Although the pipes do not contain much at the moment, just wait until the Winter and you will see why they have been installed.
Is it not possible to have a word with farmer?

[Powerhead22]

Thanks for the replys

As a compromise I will probably leave the pipes open (to see how much comes out) and divert them if neccessary later.

[Stihl_ts400]

id replace it with perforated, then divert it

[Tony McC]

These are definitely land drains and must be replaced or diverted. If you cut the line, the open end(s) will simply dump their water and waterlog your site.