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Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2005 8:01 pm
by wilsons
Hi, We're in the process of having a patio laid. There is a sewage drain cover in the area. The builder has removed the drain cover (round steel cover approx. 18 inches in diameter) built up the sides by 2 bricks and laid a large slab on top. He has marked the slab to identify where it is. Is it okay that we no longer have the steel drain cover? The slab is only about 1 inch thick - is it possible that the slab could break where it's not supported over the hole for the drain or do you think it's strong enough? It's Indian Sandstone.
Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2005 10:08 pm
by ABILITY
No its not strong enough.
May last quite a while, but is not good practice, if you were to drop something onto the middle it would easily break.
If its to be paved over it should have a recessed lid fitted with flags cut into it.
Then you can still access chamber if required in the future.
How has he marked it ?
Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 9:57 am
by Tony McC
Agree 100% with Ability. Get this cowboy builder back and ask does their insurance cover you for when (not if, but when) that flag breaks and some poor bugger breaks their leg falling into the chamber.
There should be a proper drain cover used. A recess tray cover would be the most sensible option, but sensible doesn't seem to be in your builder's vocabulary.
Sometimes, the stupidity of those who claim to be professional contractors just dazzles me! 
Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 6:15 pm
by dig dug dan
Too right. Not only that, but what about when other contractors come in when you move, and there are new people in the house?
It happened to me recently. I put up a new fence. Demolished the old one, started to dig new holes. First hole, concrete. Broke it out with a JCB beaver. Next hole the same, and the next. I was obviously hitting the old post bases. The next hole was on the edge of a patio. I lifted the slab where the post was going, removed the sand, and found what I thought was another concrete base. So I plunged in with the breaker, and after about 10 seconds it disappeared into a void.
They had slabbed over a concrete manhole cover, and I had burst through it. I could have murdered them.
I couldnt get a replacement, and had to settle for a metal one instead, which cost me half a day to install.
Moral of the story. Always reveal exactly what you are breaking in case its another manhole! 
Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 10:37 pm
by flowjoe
You’ve touched a nerve here!
Spent last week ripping up a floor that a Conservatory Specialist had constructed over a chamber, unfortunately it was in his way so he dropped it a couple of courses and put a flag on it.
Eventually the effect of the main sewer venting directly into the house became a bit too much for the house owner, what with the rat infestation and all !, so we were called in to rectify the problem.
There are dozens of recessed covers and frames on the market so there is no excuse for bodging internal or external chambers, I would be a bit concerned if this is how your contractor approaches his prep work for your patio
Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 10:38 pm
by flowjoe
You’ve touched a nerve here!
Spent last week ripping up a floor that a Conservatory Specialist had constructed over a chamber, unfortunately it was in his way so he dropped it a couple of courses and put a flag on it.
Eventually the effect of the main sewer venting directly into the house became a bit too much for the house owner, what with the rat infestation and all !, so we were called in to rectify the problem.
There are dozens of recessed covers and frames on the market so there is no excuse for bodging internal or external chambers, I would be a bit concerned if this is how your contractor approaches his prep work for your patio
Sorry for the double post
Teenage kids you see, im used to having to say everything twice
Edited By flowjoe on 1120540864
Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2005 1:39 pm
by wilsons
Thanks everyone for your replies. Luckily the job is not yet finished and money hasn't changed hands so we'll insist that he sorts this properly. Thanks again for all the advice.
