Old Water Main under Tree?

Peter_87

Have cut down some small trees in our back garden - while digging out the roots I have come across the below structure.

House deeds do not mention anything being there (old septic etc) and to my knowledge water feed for house is located at front of property along with sewage/drains.

Have shown it to a few people I know and they are unsure - some suggestions have been old drain or water main or stopcock.

Anyone know what it is? Have contacted Water provider to confirm if they know of anything being there.

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molerat

Looks like a water stopc0ck. The pipe will not be far down so have a gentle dig round to see which way it is going.

FreeBear

Peter_87 wrote: »

Have shown it to a few people I know and they are unsure - some suggestions have been old drain or water main or stopcock.

I would have expected a stopcock to be quite a bit deeper down to protect it from frosts. It could be an earth rod if it is fairly close to the house. Digging down is the only way you'll find out. If it is an earth rod, be very careful not to cut any wire connected to it.

Paula_Smith

Our water supply company provides access to maps showing where water pipes run you can pay for a map to be printer or go to their offices to look for free.

I would imagine that is a statutory thing so have a look at your local water supply co web site.

Peter_87

Had a look at obtaining maps/plans.

Can download online however cost £45 or can visit Water Board or Council to view plans FOC

Have made appointment for Friday - Fingers crosses it sheds some light.

Peter_87

Water Board have sent someone out who has confirmed it is an active Water Main that goes into our garden and stops (no ideas why it went there as no other property's have it). They have traced pipe along entire length of garden which is slightly longer than what showed on their plan.

Unfortunately route of pipe is above a line of trees so is risk that roots may be around pipe (pipe is approx 65cm below ground).

Going to speak with Conveyancing company as this was not raised to us during the purchase of our property last year.

Grenage

It's not much to worry about; tree roots are not going to pose a threat to the water main. If you're planning on digging out all the roots from the tree, simply mark out the path of the main and avoid that section.

jk0

Maybe for an old WC down the garden, or for a previous house?


Maybe useful for watering with a hose?

tonyh66

Peter_87 wrote: »

Water Board have sent someone out who has confirmed it is an active Water Main that goes into our garden and stops (no ideas why it went there as no other property's have it). They have traced pipe along entire length of garden which is slightly longer than what showed on their plan.

Unfortunately route of pipe is above a line of trees so is risk that roots may be around pipe (pipe is approx 65cm below ground).

Going to speak with Conveyancing company as this was not raised to us during the purchase of our property last year.

Like you they probably knew nothing about it, could have been installed by the owner before the previous owner or somewhere down the line, if it were the main gas supply line for the NW of england then you would have a point.

Peter_87

Grenage wrote: »

It's not much to worry about; tree roots are not going to pose a threat to the water main. If you're planning on digging out all the roots from the tree, simply mark out the path of the main and avoid that section.

Unfortunately the line of trees are directly above Water Main which appears to be only 65cm below ground.

Peter_87

tonyh66 wrote: »

Like you they probably knew nothing about it, could have been installed by the owner before the previous owner or somewhere down the line, if it were the main gas supply line for the NW of england then you would have a point.

The issue is not with previous owner but with Conveyancer.
This should have been highlighted as part of “Water & Drainage Search” - have been and checked Building Plans I can see that it was their prior to building and Water Board are aware of it.