The Brew Cabin

I am planning to have a conservatory built across the back of my property. The problem is that I have a manhole outside my back door which will be in the middle of my conservatory floor. I do not want this in the middle of my conservatory floor for obvious reasons.

How do I go about moving this?

The manhole accepts my soil pipe and only my next door neighbours soil pipe. Can I just cover the manhole and move it further along the garden ( approx 6m)? Do I have to replace this with a new manhole or can I put in an inspection chamber?

This is another question that comes up time and time again. I'd construct a page to answer it, if there was a stock answer, but each case depends on the site layout.

Without seeing your layout, I can't say what is possible and what isn't. I'd need to know what pipes are in place, what other pipelines join the line at the MH, the position of other fittings and access chambers.

You cannot just 'cover up' the existing MH. It's there for a reason. It may be that it's there to provide access or because there's a bend or a junction, but it is definitely there for a reason. It may well be that a new MH/IC is required outside the building line of the proposed conservatory, but, as I said, without seeing a site layout, it's impossible to give a stock answer.

Tony,

Reference covering up manholes:

I've just put in a new man hole approximately 6" downstream of the existing 'ole. The new one was put in as I've added an upstairs bathroom, so there's a 'T' junction now.

As the old one is only for inspection / rodding (there's no junctions beyond it), as it's going straight to the downstairs toilet, I can see no reason to keep it. I'm due to block pave the back yard soon, all the hardcore's down (I'm just waiting for the weather to improve!).

How would you recommend covering up the old 'ole. Would some concrete flags do the job, or is covering up strictly a no go. I can send some photos if required...

Thanks for a great site.

James

6" - is that really 6 inches, or did you mean 6 feet?

Send me a pic, so I can take a look and advise accordingly.

Errr, sorry - I ment 6 foot. Thanks for the reply - I'll email some piccies later today. Cheers

Tony

Thanks for the reply.

I have since spoken to my local council who have informed that I will need planning permission if I want to move the manhole.

I have been informed that I can add a sealed manhole cover over the existing manhole which will finish flush with my floor in the conservatory. This doesn't need planning permission and I can tile in and around this cover.

Do you know how much these units roughly cost and where can you get them ( wickes??).

Double sealed internal units, such as you'd need, aren't all that expensive, really - around 50-60 quid depending on size. You won't get them at Wickes, or at your average BM, but you can get them from a specialist civils merchant such as Cooper Clarke, Burdens, UGS, etc., or a company such as Manhole Covers Ltd in Aylesbury - try their website or call them on 01296 632775