Drain query

Phil_GT

HI any builders around.
Preferably that specializes in drains

I’ve just bought a house which has a weird drain down the paving next to the house

Please see pics below

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23696526@N08/4685166669/

The other day this was over flown with water due to the bad storm however I don’t know if this is a drain or just a hole that’s been dug to allow surface water to run off

However I was prodding this with a garden cane to see if blocked and could feel what felt like soil and mud, after this a checked a couple of hours later and it had stopped being flooded and left some water in the pipe

The inside under the lid looks like this

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23696526@N08/4685800548/

Also near the driveway there is a long rectangular grate which just appears to capture run off water and it just has an oval hole in the centre, which is full of soil indecently.

Any idea’s if these drain into a sewer or just let water go into the soil and drain naturally.

Cardew

Seems to be a straight forward soakaway and not a drain.

For many years planning permission has not normally been granted if surface water(i.e. from rain) is allowed to enter the sewerage system - this includes from guttering.

The solution is to build a soakaway, which is essentially a large pit under the garden filled with rubble. The surface water is routed to this soakaway; the entrance normally has a membrane and rubbish needs cleaning out from time to time.

Incidentally water companies charge extra if surface water enters sewers, so check your bill and claim relief if you are charged.

Phil_GT

well this has been like this since 1971 when the owner's had it done so if its just soaking water i will clean it to remove excess mud and silt and leave it how it is as i cannot be digging up the pathways driveways and gardens to fit 1

or i will fill it and not have htem there and allow the water to drain into the gardens or house drains

Phil_GT

as an edit house is on a water meter so dont know about being charged as not received a bill yet

Cardew

I was suggesting that you already have a soakaway and your 'drain' and grate takes water to that soakaway.

The default position is that companies charge for SWD(Surface Water Drainage) and you have to apply for exemption from that charge. People have reported that although the previous occupant may have gained exemption, it 'defaults' back to charging SWD for a new customer.

Different companies have different methods of charging for SWD. Severn Trent for example charge £26/£53/£79 pa for metered flats & tce/semi-det/det properties.

If you are charged for SWD tell them that you have a soakaway and let them prove otherwise.

Phil_GT

ah ok i get you, she did say builders had done the driveway and paving.

however, how can i locate the soakaway and rectify it, is it a simple job of hand in and remove any mud?

Cardew

Yes, just hand in and remove the leaves and mud; train your wife - it comes under the heading of cleaning!!!

Be careful not to poke sharp objects(sticks etc) down through the membrane.

Phil_GT

just been to take another look.

i've tried to push my hand in to remove any mud that may be blocking it and i just seem to keep pulling out handfuls of mud.

here is a picture after i have tried to see if it was blocked

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23696526@N08/4687870150/

may be it just goes to ground.... i dunno

here is a second grate that is there 2 and i think its safe to say this does just go to ground

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23696526@N08/4687870770/

DVardysShadow

Yes, there is a trap within the drain, or I would expect one, to stop smells coming out of the soakaway. You need to clear below the level of the trap - and if dirt has blocked the outlet of the trap, you may need to lift some of the driveway to disassemble of you cannot flush it free.

Psykicpup

Cardew wrote: »

Yes, just hand in and remove the leaves and mud; train your wife - it comes under the heading of cleaning!!!

Be careful not to poke sharp objects(sticks etc) down through the membrane.

lol :rotfl:

(btw I dooo hope you were joking :eek:)