Advice on neighbour's request to run a pipe

prowla

We have a semi-detached and our neighbour has an extension with a loo and wants to run the pipe across our land to a sewage point.

In principle I don't mind at all, but there is a complication.

The pipe would have to run diagonally across the front of our house to within 1 metre and I am concerned about possible implications:

• What is the lifespan of such a pipe and what if problems occur.
• It could impact our potential to extend the front of our house if we want to, because that would be over the proposed path of the pipe.
• It might impact the saleability of the house if prospective buyers were looking to do the same.
• If we were to extend, what would happen if the pipe underneath had a problem.
• Would the presence of the pipe increase the cost of an extension.
• Would I need to take out insurance or indemnity against issues.

I've explained that I would like to keep the rectangular area at the front of the house clear for that reason, but it looks like that makes it impossible to run the pipe (ie. it would need a couple of sharp bends that would make it prone to blocking).

I don't wish to appear in any way obstructive to our neighbour, but I am anxious not to agree to something that I later find was really a mistake.

It would be really helpful to get some comments/advice on this - thanks.

Innys

Where the new pipe joins the sewerage point, there would need to be a manhole for rodding purposes. If the sewer pipe got blocked somewhere downstream, the waste would back up to the manhole and potentially, out of it (unless it was a bolt down one). Not very nice on the front of your house.

Even if they were to offer to pay you some cash, there's not a great deal in it for you, from what I can see, especially if you're considering extending the front of your house in future.

I guess it depends on how well you get on with the neighbours. My neighbour would have to be my very best friend for me to even think about agreeing to this.

If that isn't the case for you - I'd politely refuse.

phead

You have already identified all the problems that can occur, you already know what to do, you need to refuse permission.

If you feel unable to refuse then make up a lie to blame a third party "the mortgage company has refused permission" or similar would work fine. Actually thinking about it the mortgage company probably would refuse permission if asked!

paddy's_mum

Why do they need to cross someone else's land? Can't the loo in the extension discharge into whatever pipework already deals with waste from (I imagine) their main bathroom?

If, as I suspect, the answer is that to join them up would involve them in more digging, pipelaying, manhole-ing and expense, then they have a blasted cheek expecting you to facilitate what they can't be bothered to do for themselves.

I too would be going down the route of mortgage company won't sanction it/solicitor advises not/insurance premium would rise because of perceived potential for flooding/damage.

Perhaps you could gather some technical info on macerators to hand to them when you say 'sorry, no can do'. At least it will look as though you're doing your very best to be a good neighbour!

DaftyDuck

On every front, this would get a "NO" from me. Polite, but firm. From the sounds of it, there is considerable complexity in the run - increasing likelihood of blockages, etc. You may considerably devalue your property by allowing this. It is the front of your property. You may currently have reasonable relations with the neighbour, but what when he's sold it on to a family of eight, all vegetarians (:eek:)? What about the minor leaks and small you may get, but would be difficult to insist are repaired?

Any building work you have done will become more expensive, and may be constrained by what has been done. Once you've given permission, you'd probably find it hard to withdraw it at a later date.

Asking the mortgage company to kindly say no on your behalf sounds like an excellent idea! But I'd certainly say no.

prowla

Thanks for the comments.

Yes - we get on well with the neighbours; and have done for the 20+ years we've been here.

The point they want to attach to is where the manhole is (in front of our side gate).

Their main loo is at the rear of the property, and the outlet from that runs underground at the back of our house to join the pipe that runs to the same manhole cover at the front.

Their extension loo is at the front, and it couldn't attach to the rear without tunneling under their house. They have a macerator but it doesn't do the job. They applied for permission to join the main at the pavement, but were refused (it is very deep).

I think I will contact my mortgage provider for advice on this.

missile

Heighbour should connect to their own soil pipe or run pipe from their property to the road then to the nearest communal soil pipe.

It seems these options are not viable. I would still be very unhappy having a soil pipe accross my property. If they MUST use this loo, perhaps they should avoid putting solid waste down it or get a better macerator.

I would suggest they ask their architect to find a.n.other solution, maybe a septic tank?

Leif

I agree with all of the above replies. I would refuse. I have a main sewer running across the bottom of my garden, to which my soil pipe is connected. I also have a waste water pipe from the road crossing my property, and connecting to the main sewer. These pipes limit what I can do. For example, would you plant a tree near the sewer/waste pipe? Would you even plant a hedge next to it? You certainly would not want to build an extension over the top.

I can imagine them putting up a notice in the new loo: "Please flush hard, it is a long way to Prowla's property".