United Utilities - Sewage in a stream

adamrochdale

Hi,

I have had contact from United Utilities who say that one of my pipes has been incorrectly plumbed and has been draining into a local stream. My property is old and has had an extension attached 36 years ago. United Utilities state that it was at this point that the drains have been connected to the wrong sewage system. The property had drainage at that time so i don't understand how this would be the point that it went to the 'wrong' sewer.

Anyway my point is I had a survey carried out which didn't identify this. Also my solicitors were not aware of this situation. I am now being left with a big bill (in excess of 20 grand) and I wanted to know if anyone else has had similar issues or anyone who has more experience of similar situations. Any help that could be given would be great.

Apologises if this is the wrong forum.

Thanks

Rubidium

It is quite a common problem and the property owner is responsible.

More info here (1st Google hit)

http://www.thameswater.co.uk/help-and-advice/8217.htm

No survey would spot if your fowl water was connected to your surface water drainage.

brewerdave

Is the bill (£20k) just to put the situation right ?? If so, then there isn't much you can do about it -don't think any standard property insurance would cover it.

adamrochdale

The bill is anything from ten grand to 30 grand as the local roads will have to be closed to connect the sewage to the correct drain. The other option is for a cesspit to be added to her property, but this could cost up to twenty grand and then she is concerned that it would affect her house value

Inner_Zone

adamrochdale wrote: »

Hi,

I have had contact from United Utilities who say that one of my pipes has been incorrectly plumbed and has been draining into a local stream. My property is old and has had an extension attached 36 years ago. United Utilities state that it was at this point that the drains have been connected to the wrong sewage system. The property had drainage at that time so i don't understand how this would be the point that it went to the 'wrong' sewer.

Anyway my point is I had a survey carried out which didn't identify this. Also my solicitors were not aware of this situation. I am now being left with a big bill (in excess of 20 grand) and I wanted to know if anyone else has had similar issues or anyone who has more experience of similar situations. Any help that could be given would be great.

Apologises if this is the wrong forum.

Thanks

adamrochdale wrote: »

The bill is anything from ten grand to 30 grand as the local roads will have to be closed to connect the sewage to the correct drain. The other option is for a cesspit to be added to her property, but this could cost up to twenty grand and then she is concerned that it would affect her house value

Thought it was your propery, who is her and she?

adamrochdale

sorry, I'm writing on behalf of my sister, she is really panicing

Robin9

Does anyone know if the discharge was legal in 1936 ?

Rubidium

Robin9 wrote: »

Does anyone know if the discharge was legal in 1936 ?

Surely that is irrelevant if this happened when the extension was built in 1980 as stated.

Robin9

Sorry - misread 36 years ago as 1936.

To rephrase my question:

Does anyone know if the discharge was legal in 1980 ?

davidmcn

Robin9 wrote: »

Does anyone know if the discharge was legal in 1980 ?

It seems unlikely that chucking raw sewage into a stream was legal in 1980 (and even if it was, that there isn't something the authorities could do about it now or that the OP/sister would be happy to tolerate it).

brewerdave

I SUPPOSE that if the original builders of the extension are still around, then they could be sued ??