The Brew Cabin

Hi Tony :)

A client has had a new bathroom fitted up stairs, it was downstairs, so because of this he need to get LA planning, he got the ok and had it fitted.

We fitted a new SV and connected to an IC that was already there, no more than 2 meters away, the IC was about the invert was 2.3 meters, so we remove a bout 5 courses bricks and piped it up to the SV and put and internal drop pipe into the IC, backfilled re-concreted and left.

2 days ago we get a phone call from the LA planning saying that the connection in the IC is not allowed. and that all connections have to be a invert type connection.

What a lot of Cobblers!!!

Have you ever heard of a drop pipe not being allowed, we do work for the local water ath.. and we do this all the time when external drop pipes fail, mind the IC's are at 3 to 5 meters deep. but this can't be right!!

Look forward to your comments...great site keep up the work.

Stewart

(Edited by Stewart at 1:05 am on Oct. 28, 2003)

You love working in these 'grey areas' don't you, Stewart? I think this one is down to personal interpretation of the very loose regulations that exist.

Drop pipe connections are usually accepted when it's a Backdrop scenario, ie, the pipework is outside the IC/MH, but I know from bitter experience that some LA inspectors will not accept internal drop pipes because, they say, the over-benching connection allows detritus to accumulate, and the pipework itself provides snags for other 'material' if there were to be a surcharge.

As there is no specific guidance given in SfA4 or BRegH, it all comes down to the whim of the local inspector. Some LAs have set policies on such matters, and agree, on an authority-wide level, that, for example, no internal drop connections will be accepted. Elsewhere, it really is left to the individual inspector.

I think all you can do is ask the LA to give a written statement for their reasons in rejecting the internal drop pipe connection. There's a chance that, faced with the task of having to justify their decision, they'll decide that judicious use of the legendary 'Blind Eye' would be a better option.

I can't recall seeing or reading anything that would specifically rule against the use of inernal drop pipes, but, as I said earlier, many LAs seem to be naturally prejudiced against them other than in exceptional circs. If you can supply them with documentary evidence of other works using an internal connection that have been accepted by neighbouring LAs, they may change their mind.

Quote: from TonyMcC on 12:46 pm on Oct. 28, 2003

I think all you can do is ask the LA to give a written statement for their reasons in rejecting the internal drop pipe connection. There's a chance that, faced with the task of having to justify their decision, they'll decide that judicious use of the legendary 'Blind Eye' would be a better option.

I go with this, and also We have done this type of connection for the same LA and it was allowed by them, I've lost count of the number of times, we needed to cut into the SV to jet the line because there is no access to the line, this type of connection ensures access.

I have a meeting in the morning so I'll let you no the score.

(Edited by Stewart at 10:21 pm on Oct. 29, 2003)


(Edited by Stewart at 10:24 pm on Oct. 29, 2003)

If you get it in writing, you can waft that under their nose the next time they want to interfere in one of your jobs. :)

Sorted...as long as we do not do as they call a back fall on all connections. but adapted as the needs are called for...lol

Untill next time..thanks and keep up the great work you are doing for the ppl...:)



(Edited by Stewart at 10:14 pm on Nov. 1, 2003)

I was talking with a Highways Inspector in the pub on Friday night and although he doesn't do a lot of drain work, he reckons their policy for internal drop shafts is to require the channel that lies over the existing benching to be re-benched, so that there are no nooks or carnnies for detritus or rodents to rest. Sounds like a good idea to me! :)