Moving a manhole cover and changing the run of an underground shared sewer pipe

parkliving

As the current manhole is right outside my back-door it makes any extension very difficult/untidy.
I've spoken to a couple of architects (they know nothing - unless they are waiting for me to become a client before spilling the beans).
Anyone have recent experience of this? If I was to move the manhole, it would create a large 'sweep' in the sewer pipe, am I right in thinking this won't be allowed? - it would also mean a neighbour would have to have a manhole in their garden, which I am sure they wouldn't agree to.

I feel trapped by my manhole, which has never been any issue to me before!

naf123

It's the manhole right in the middle of the proposed extension or just on the side ? 

As if on the side , sometimes it's easier to build around it losing maybe 1sqm of space .

Tucker

It's a common problem and usually very easy over come. 
Speak to a decent builder and they will find a solution. In the scheme of things you are digging out anyway and this won't normally be a big issue or cost. 
I have built over our mains waste and moved it out further. There are regs to govern what you have to do like max of a 45 degree turn and rodding access but it can usually be resolved and should not have to affect your neighbours. 

theonlywayisup

Building Regs Part H (H4 for your query) is worth having a read.  
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/442889/BR_PDF_AD_H_2015.pdf

parkliving

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parkliving

Thanks for your replies, I know its a fairly common problem, but I haven't found a builder/architect who knows how much it will cost, and whether Southern water will agree to my plan. I've tried googling, but people are very shy about revealing the cost involved.

Above is the plan I was thinking of  - pink is the existing sewer/manhole & blue is my proposed new route.
As you can see the placement of the existing manhole makes it impossible to make good use of the space to extend if I am not allowed to move it.

What do people think of my plan? Anyone had experience with this sort of thing? Any idea of costs?

Gastines3

Not sure if it applies in your area but when we suffered blocked and flooding drain caused by waste from Chinese Takeaway,as it turned out to a be shared drain with four shops/homes in a short terrace,the local water company did all the clearing up at no charge as it was a 'shared drain and not our resposibilty.

naf123

I may be wrong but I don't think sewer lines can be curved?

Tucker

Pretty sure that you can have a slow bend, no problem. 
I don't think it has anything to do with your water company. You just need to satisfy building regs. 
I presume you will be using a builder? If so why do you need to know the cost of this piece of work? It will be all part of the foundation process. Just get a builder to quote the whole job and let him worry about it with the building inspector. 
You are over thinking it. 

flippityfish2

@parkliving would love to know whether you have an update. Can you share whether you have found a solution/ the costings to your problem. I have the same issue at my property and don’t know where to start and as you mention internet searches are a bit slim on this topic!