Main downpipe on rear of house doesn't go into drain, expensive to fix?

t1redmonkey

I got in touch with the Estate Agents and asked if I could get photos of the drainage sections I've referred to (seeing as I couldn't go out to look at them yesterday).  They've said the vendors will be back there on Saturday and will take photos then and send them on to me.  So I will update this thread when I have them!

Eldi_Dos

Looking at the rooflines of the three houses in the picture I would assume the drain indicated drains through rear area of property to the left in photo.

That is a lot of roof draining into that drain and may be why downpipe does not go directly into drain as any back up will just lay on concrete area till clear rather than backing up downpipe and overspilling there.

I would ask when drain was last cleared and would arrange for someone to rod and pull a brush and mandril through from yard to where it meets main and give report.

Rearranging gutters so downpipe has more direct run off to drain would not be big job.

t1redmonkey

So I got the photo a bit earlier than expected.  There is 2 drains by the looks of it (both with the black drain covers over them in the photo).  One is where the kitchen sink is going into, and then one the other side of the door that isn't being used.  So I guess easiest solution would be to put a sort of 'elbow' on the downpipe, and then extend it into the drain routing it under the door?

Apodemus

But what is that we are seeing a very small corner of at the bottom of the picture?  Looks like it could be an access chamber to the drains? 

t1redmonkey

Apodemus said:

But what is that we are seeing a very small corner of at the bottom of the picture?  Looks like it could be an access chamber to the drains? 

I think it is yes, is that a problem?

Says this in the survey:  The cover to an accessible inspection chamber within the boundaries of the plot was lifted and the underlying chamber was found to be free from obvious defect, however without extensive exposure work we cannot confirm the type, layout or condition of the underground drainage system in the areas that cannot be seen.

Bendy_House

That's all promising, Monkey, but begs the Q, why was water pooling there if there's a drain?

These will be foul-water drains. If rainwater traditionally went down these as well, then you should be ok to continue this. But if not, then it would (I understand) breach regs.

Having said that, I know what I would do...

t1redmonkey

Bendy_House said:

That's all promising, Monkey, but begs the Q, why was water pooling there if there's a drain?

These will be foul-water drains. If rainwater traditionally went down these as well, then you should be ok to continue this. But if not, then it would (I understand) breach regs.

Having said that, I know what I would do...

What would you do?

Bendy_House

Oh I think you know...

Anyhoo, I wouldn't have to - as all my 1930s bungalow's rainwater already goes down the foul water system. (Tho' garage and new extension both have soakaways).

getmore4less

I would look at the planning portal to see if there are plans for the before and after the extension.

Also any other development next door also looks to have been extended.