The Brew Cabin

I have a blocked downpipe from my guttering. The downpipe goes directly into the ground and I assume this is going into a soakaway. We beleive the blockage is either due to silt buildup at the base or damaged underground piping from some old trees that were recently removed.

I have had 2 contractors look at the problem and they have both suggested that we reroute the guttering to a second downpipe I have at the far end of the house. This is an old brick coal shed that was converted to a joing utility room by the previous owner. This down pipe does not go directly into the ground but sits just above the drain. I do not know if this goes to a soakaway or the waste drain which is right next to it. But would this be able to take all the water from my neigbours house, my house and the utlility room.

Another contractor has suggested taking the existing downpipe and diverting that into the sewage drain which is within 4 ft of the pipe. I want to avoid digging up my new garden if possible.

Which should I go with and should my neighbor share the costs as we share the downpipe?

I'd definitely connect up to the sewer you know to be functional. If you get some drain tracing dye from your local BM (it costs around a fiver) you can put a couple of tablespoons into the hopper of the 'second' downspout and see whether it turns up in the Inspection Chamber or Manhole nearest, just to confirm that it is connected to the SW system. If it turns out it links to yet another soakaway, then try running a hose at a steady flow into the hopper for about an hour - if it doesn't back-up, then the soakaway should be ok.

I really wouldn't fret about digging up the garden - this is the best time of year to do such work, as by the time time spring returns, the excxavation and construction work will be all but invisible. You can't make an omelette without breaking eggs. :)

I can't see why your neighbour should chuck in with you towards the costs, though. It's not as though they want or desperately need any of this work doing. It's for your benefit, and so, in my book, you should pay. If your neighbour benefits, then they may elect to make a contribution, but they'd be perfectly within their rights to tell you to go forth and multiply, if they were that way inclined. ;)