Collapsed drain under extension

RolandsB90

Hi, I have been in my house for around 2 and a half years and always noticed drain problems but until now have just tried to handle it by using drain rods to unblock it. I finally decided to get United Utilities to come and look at it thinking they would cover any problems because I'm in a row of terraced houses and my drains are shared with them. Unfortunately he told me they couldn't do anything because we're the first in line so it technically isn't shared. He did however tell me that the drain has collapsed and quickly showed me cctv footage but didn't give any more information.

The house was built in the 1920's but had a single story kitchen extension at the back built at some point and the collapsed drain is underneath this. Access to the area is very very limited since it's in a row of terraced houses.

I'm just wondering how this can even be fixed and how much it costs. I'm worried because I'm almost certain it wont be covered by insurance because they'll claim it's down to 'wear and tear' due to it's age.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Davesnave

How deep is the drain and do you know where the collapse is, say to within 1/2 metre?

RolandsB90

I would estimate 1/2 a metre deep and about 3/4 to a metre along from the exit from the manhole.

Carrot007

If you are at the end it is likely not more than a metre down. I replaced a drain in an end terrace myself (which was at the end of the drain line). Also fairly easy. However yours will be complictaed by the extension.


Re-routing most of the drain (or all is possible) would have been best but it is what it is.


If it is due to age consider that neighbours may have to do the same. The water companies may these days but back when I did it was an argument with the council. I got a camera survey and told they to keep going after my property!

vw100

You may have to find a reputable company, who can assess and line the drain if digging it all up is not a option - but only they will be able tell if it is feasible or not.

Davesnave

RolandsB90 wrote: »

I would estimate 1/2 a metre deep and about 3/4 to a metre along from the exit from the manhole.

I feel your pain, but if a different route is impossible, then at least it's within manual digging range if lining isn't an option.

RolandsB90

Thanks for your replies. Do you have any idea of ballpark costs? It's an £80,000 house and I really don't think I can afford to fix it especially considering the value of the house.

Davesnave

RolandsB90 wrote: »

Thanks for your replies. Do you have any idea of ballpark costs? It's an £80,000 house and I really don't think I can afford to fix it especially considering the value of the house.

The value of the house is governed by how mortgageable it is, and without working drains no one will lend on it. Usually, a functional sink and toilet is an absolute minimum.


The work might only take a few days, especially if you only want a fix in order to sell the house. If you want to stay, then it would make sense to get the whole drain sleeved, if that's possible, rather than a repair just to one small section.


None of us can see the problem, so no one can really advise you, except a company that can CCTV the whole drain run and report. Without a local recommendation, I would probably look for a company recommended by Which Trusted Traders or that has the Trustmark. Not infallible, but less likelihood of employing cowboys.

RolandsB90

Thanks for all the advice. I was planning on moving out in the next year or two anyway so I will get some quotes and hope that it's possible to fix by lining without any need for excavation.