Would you buy a house with an internal manhole and drainage issues?

mame_is_me

stuart45 said:

I wouldn't put an interceptor trap on an internal manhole. They are more likely to get blocked. They used to put them on the last manhole before the main drains, but as they were so much trouble they don't do this anymore. 
I always thought internal manhole were a poor choice, and there's a good reason why they don't use them anymore.
Obviously there's a lot of people who have them without issues, but working in the trade for years I've seen enough of the mess they can create. 

Thanks! Good to know. 

plumb1_2

I am with Stuart45 don’t install a trap, they do block up, I’ve unblocked a few in my time 
Fit a double sealed cover, they do small aluminium cover,( about 450 mm sq)  which you can bolt down. So no fear of it coming loose,and you’ll only see about 12 mm rim
If your manhole is bigger than 450 mm, you can take some of the brickwork down a few courses, then rebuild reducing the opening 

Eldi_Dos

mame_is_me said:

Eldi_Dos said:

Your concerns are valid but there will be many properties with similar arrangement that never give any proplems.

Have you actually seen the CCTV yourself to see existing pipework and while in the property where any smells noticeable?

Yes, we’ve seen the CCTV report and some of the footage, and we didn’t notice any smells during our visits — if we had, we wouldn’t have proceeded. 

If there’s a manhole already in the house you’re living in, it seems acceptable as it often doesn’t cause major issues. But if you were buying a house today, would you personally go for one with an internal manhole and possible drainage issues, or is it a dealbreaker for you?

I would want to see all the footage and be reassured that the drains are all ok.

If you go ahead with purchase the first job would be to get a professional to fit a new frame and cover on the internal manhole, one with seals and that bolts down. Also get advice on whether it is worthwhile getting a new manhole/ inspection chamber just outside or upgrading cover of exsisting chamber.

When fitting out the room / kitchen give thought to the layout so if in the unlikely event  of problems you could gain access to the internal manhole without any major disruption.

Once in the property it would be good policy to make sure regularly to have the gutters cleaned and maybe a device at top of downpipe to stop leaves entering the downpipe.

So in answer to your question, if the price was right and above conditions where met I would buy the property, especially if you really love it.

Remember when doing your research on this you are far more likely to hear of disaster's than the many people who have similar set up's but never have problems.