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Posted: Tue May 05, 2015 11:50 am
by Slancelot
Can you offer a total beginner some advice please?
We bought a wreck of a house. The drains were blocked and the access was apparently buried beneath the patio bricks. The patio also had a dozen trees growing up through it. We had to cut these down then take up the bricks to find out where the drain access was. Found two drain covers buried underneath patio bricks! The drain covers and frames were stuck together but the frames have come loose from pipe.

Drain further down was blocked and cracked so we got professionals in to replace it. Now that it's fixed, we need to put that patio bricks back in to the same level. Was thinking of putting two recess trays in to allow easier access in future but the drain covers are too high/proud and one of them is wonky!

Should I try to cut the clay down pipes with an angle grinder and suitable blade to get them to the correct level for a recess tray?

Perhaps I need to dig out the wonky down pipe and replace it properly vertical? Don't fancy doing that! Think it's only about 600mm though.

Will i need to get a new drain covers as well as a recess tray? Or is it just a one/other situation?

Want to get this sorted before putting down the sub-base etc obviously. Please see the photos attached and forgive me if i'm using the wrong terms for things!

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Posted: Tue May 05, 2015 7:04 pm
by seanandruby
It's what's known as an access chamber. You can cut it down when your ready and place 150 deep concrete plinth to bed your new cover and frame on. No need to straighten unless the bottom the chamber is sealed to stop ingress of soil.

Posted: Tue May 05, 2015 11:11 pm
by Slancelot
Thanks seanandruby.
Just put the concrete onto the soil around the newly cut pipe? It'll need some "haunching" too to keep the frame attached properly right?

Posted: Wed May 06, 2015 7:02 am
by seanandruby
Sorry lance i was in a rush. Allow for mortar bed and haunching, keep haunching low enough to allow for your flags etc:

Posted: Wed May 06, 2015 9:07 am
by Slancelot
No worries, i really appreciate your replies!