Waste pipe venting into attic

minicooper272

We live in the top floor of a block of flats, and have a common waste pipe that feeds all 4 flats in our side of the block. The waste pipe runs up into the loft, where it's not capped, basically meaning they all vent into the loft space. Is that allowed/ok?

Owain_Moneysaver

No. The emission of noxious gases from the sewer system is a health risk and contravenes plumbing regulations. Water vapour from baths/showers can also condense in the roofspace and lead to rot.

The waste pipe must be taken through the roof and vent a certain height above any windows.

An alternative in some circumstances is an Air Admittance Valve but the places these can be used is limited.

Norman_Castle

I had similar after roofers failed to fit a roof vent after a new roof. Flexible end of soil stack pushed into a corner caused damp through the wall and sporadic smells in the loft. Durgo valve fitted and problem solved.

They're cheap to buy and install. Much cheaper than roofing work.

minicooper272

Owain_Moneysaver wrote: »

No. The emission of noxious gases from the sewer system is a health risk and contravenes plumbing regulations. Water vapour from baths/showers can also condense in the roofspace and lead to rot.

The waste pipe must be taken through the roof and vent a certain height above any windows.

An alternative in some circumstances is an Air Admittance Valve but the places these can be used is limited.

I didn't think so... I'll have to tell our factor about it and hope they do something!

minicooper272

So follow up question, as this is a MSE thread after all

I've read into it and the most recent building regulations for our region are from 2004, and do say that ventilation must be in such a way as to prevent possibility of gases accumulating in the building. The flats were built in 2005/2006.

It's clear the developer didn't build in accordance with the regulations, and there are 8 blocks of flats here with 6 common waste pipes apiece (48 lots of roof works!) so it's going to be pricey to fix. Can we claim costs back from the developer, or did that window close with the building warranty?

Furts

The drainage layout would need checking, but many of the pipes could have an air admittance ("Durgo") valve fitted onto the svp. This is straightforward work done from inside the loft space.

Those needing external ventilation could be via a flexi duct and vent tile. This saves work with lead flashing, but depends on getting a matching tile.

All this is latent defects, but action against the builder may be expensive and pointless. Does the builder still exist? Could you go after whoever signed off the Building Regulations Completion Certificate/Inspections?

minicooper272

Thanks! I've asked our factor to ask someone about options going forward. As it's building fabric, we can't do anything ourselves.

TBH I doubt whoever inspected the flats bothered to look in the attics - the insulation is badly lain, and there are a few little holes in the gable ends that are letting birds in, and this too. They probably stuck their head in and ticked a box off...