A BCO has requested a drain test, two years after the building of an extension was completed. Being a novice, I can’t help questioning the logic especially as the BCO did not exactly endear himself to me as he was annoyed that I had not responded with details of stairs and lintel specifications etc.. even though my builder had agreed everything with the then visiting BCO’s and had dealt with all issues 2.5 years ago.
The extension was built over the top of my existing soil drains (already encased in concrete) and two toilets were incorporated within.
An existing manhole/access chamber was removed and a new 90deg bend with an external rod-eye was fitted (in accordance with advice of a BCO). A new soil pipe of approx 1.5mtrs long was connected just before the bend.
At the far end of the existing drains where the next manhole/access chamber is, another new soil pipe was connected from an internal run (backfilled and capped in concrete) (as advised by a BCO) into the access chamber above where the existing soil pipe terminates.
All the work was accepted and at no time was a drain test requested or even suggested.
When all the building had been constructed, floors laid etc, the builders asked the BCO to sign off the project. At that point however, the new rain water drainage was still exposed (but all connected and functional). For this reason the BCO was unable to sign off the project, but again there was no mention of a drain test and the builder was satisfied that the BCO had accepted everything he had been responsible for. The soil pipes where at that stage protruding approx 1.5mtrs from the floor level.
I have since had the interior finished off with new bathroom suites fitted and tiled walls and floors. Finally, more recently the garden was landscaped with a retaining wall built in front of the drains and backfilled, (all are okay).
With the rainwater drains now covered, I called the local council and a BCO came down for what I thought was going to be a straight forward visit and certificate in the post. He picked up on a couple of things that should have been noted earlier but nothing I could really disagree about. However, he has also requested a drain test.
Being a layman: -
1) A drain test – Am I right in assuming this should have been requested earlier?
2) What sort of drain test would be appropriate under the circumstances.
3) Should there have been one prior to backfilling and one after the building work had been completed?
4) Which part of the drains should be tested?
5) What if there was already a leak on the existing (50+yrs old) prior to any building work?
6) What if an unacceptable leak now shows up?
7) Is he being unreasonable?
8) What are my options ( I have tried discussing it with an officer but have been advised to speak with the officer who is requesting the Drain Test)
Any useful advice/suggestions most welcome.
bichard
Drain test - What stage should a drain test be run
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84-1093879891
Keeping it short'n'simple....
1 - yes
2 - water test as described on main website
3 - yes
4 - All drains on your property
5 - test only those sectiopns that are entirely new. You could test older or mixed sections, but best to do this when the BCO is elsewhere and then decide whether you wnat to share the results.
6 - That's up to the BCO. S/he may let it pass if it's minor and/or in the SW system, but if it's significant and/or in the FW, they can, and probably will, insist on a full repair.
7 - Not really. As a professional, they really shouldn't sign off any work unless they are absolutely sure that it's up to standard. You'd be well pissed off if you were to buy a house where a dodgy BCO had signed off sub-standard work just because they couldn't be arsed doing the requiste tests. It is their job to ensure the work done meets the regulations - he's just doing his job.
8 - Be sweetness itself. Be reasonable. Make him a brew, offer him a ciggy or a piece of chewing gum. Do the test as requested and then, if any problems do come to light, try to convince him that they are really minor.
Do not start telling him he's power mad, a jobsworth, or a little Hitler. Don't be surly or unhelpful. Don't tell him you know more about it than he does. As a general rule, BCOs do not want to fail work - they are much happier to give you the benefit of the doubt and get your job off their books, so do all you can to make him feel that this job is finished.
1 - yes
2 - water test as described on main website
3 - yes
4 - All drains on your property
5 - test only those sectiopns that are entirely new. You could test older or mixed sections, but best to do this when the BCO is elsewhere and then decide whether you wnat to share the results.
6 - That's up to the BCO. S/he may let it pass if it's minor and/or in the SW system, but if it's significant and/or in the FW, they can, and probably will, insist on a full repair.
7 - Not really. As a professional, they really shouldn't sign off any work unless they are absolutely sure that it's up to standard. You'd be well pissed off if you were to buy a house where a dodgy BCO had signed off sub-standard work just because they couldn't be arsed doing the requiste tests. It is their job to ensure the work done meets the regulations - he's just doing his job.
8 - Be sweetness itself. Be reasonable. Make him a brew, offer him a ciggy or a piece of chewing gum. Do the test as requested and then, if any problems do come to light, try to convince him that they are really minor.
Do not start telling him he's power mad, a jobsworth, or a little Hitler. Don't be surly or unhelpful. Don't tell him you know more about it than he does. As a general rule, BCOs do not want to fail work - they are much happier to give you the benefit of the doubt and get your job off their books, so do all you can to make him feel that this job is finished.