Can someone explain what these are for ?

Albermarle

A family member recently bought a house with one of these poking out of the ground just inside the front driveway perimeter. I assume it is related to the drainage ( it is close to a manhole). I have seen them before ( sometimes taller ), but have often wondered about their function.

stuart45

It's a ventilation pipe for the drain. There will probably be a mica flap as a one way valve that might not work anymore.

Section62

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6671312/can-someone-explain-what-these-are-for

As stuart45 says, for ventilating a drain.

You'll normally find one near a septic tank or cesspit, but if the property is on mains drainage then it is a sign there is an interceptor manhole instead. This is because the ventilation you'd normally have from the mains drainage is blocked by the interceptor trap.

NeverTooLate

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82024706#Comment_82024706

We've got one in our front garden, it's a bit whiffy when you walk past it, can it be fixed?

WIAWSNB

Fit an Air Admittance Valve to the top?

But these only allow air in, and not out - would that matter? I dunno.

Or repair the existing one by replacing the mica flap that Stuart mentions with polypropylene or similar. Only worth it if you like the look of the oldie - I think it looks great 😍

Albermarle

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82024813#Comment_82024813

The property is on mains drainage. I do not notice any other properties in the road with them ( although I have not closely inspected every house !). Could it be that is because the property is at the end of a line of houses? Mainly bungalows built in the 1930's. Also the area is prone to River flooding, so not sure if that means anything.

Section62

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82025174#Comment_82025174

Could it be that is because the property is at the end of a line of houses?

Possible there is a sub-main serving the row of properties, in which case this might be the vent pipe at one end of the run.

The river flooding is unlikely to be related. (at least I hope the grille isn't there as a flood water overflow for when the water gets that deep 😯)

dnpark38

Maybe you should ask your local water authority what it is and if your responsibility or theirs.

stuart45

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82025084#Comment_82025084

It's probably seized up so is allowing air to escape. It should only allow air in.

twopenny

I like them.

I'd turn it into a feature. Or grow English Lavender hedge along and around.

WIAWSNB

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82025454#Comment_82025454

And invite folk to lean in for a good sniff… 😬