A very brief history.
1970's detached house with domestic drains running along the side of the house.
Drain has 2 T-junctions into the original house to pick up the soil pipes.
2008 extension built (on piles) over the drain and the 2 manhole covers that access the T-junctions.
The architect specified that drain covers needed to be extended into the extension to allow access.
However, the council inspector visited during the build and said that it was fine to build over the manhole covers provided it was possible to rod the length of the extension (this was relayed by the builder but the works were approved on completion)
We have subsequently been plagued by rats gaining access to the extension walls & loft, via the void under the extension.
Since the straight section of the drain has been lined, the rats are accessing the void under the extension via one of the manhole covers or a crack in one of the 2 T's leading from the soil pipes in the main house.
1. Am I totally wearing this problem or do I have any recourse?
2. Either way, are the only 2 solutions available:
a) Rip up the extension floor and walls, repair drains and build access to manholes. This would be huge as the rooms & kitchen have tiled floors, underfloor heating and the layout was made around the fact that there were no manholes.
b) Dig down at the side of the house, go under the piling raft to access the manholes and pipes - if this was possible there are lots of different solutions available. But I expect Health & Safety issues would prevent this.
I have no doubt that the house could not be sold in its current state.
Any (constructive) advice or suggestions would be welcome.
Thanks
1970's detached house with domestic drains running along the side of the house.
Drain has 2 T-junctions into the original house to pick up the soil pipes.
2008 extension built (on piles) over the drain and the 2 manhole covers that access the T-junctions.
The architect specified that drain covers needed to be extended into the extension to allow access.
However, the council inspector visited during the build and said that it was fine to build over the manhole covers provided it was possible to rod the length of the extension (this was relayed by the builder but the works were approved on completion)
We have subsequently been plagued by rats gaining access to the extension walls & loft, via the void under the extension.
Since the straight section of the drain has been lined, the rats are accessing the void under the extension via one of the manhole covers or a crack in one of the 2 T's leading from the soil pipes in the main house.
1. Am I totally wearing this problem or do I have any recourse?
2. Either way, are the only 2 solutions available:
a) Rip up the extension floor and walls, repair drains and build access to manholes. This would be huge as the rooms & kitchen have tiled floors, underfloor heating and the layout was made around the fact that there were no manholes.
b) Dig down at the side of the house, go under the piling raft to access the manholes and pipes - if this was possible there are lots of different solutions available. But I expect Health & Safety issues would prevent this.
I have no doubt that the house could not be sold in its current state.
Any (constructive) advice or suggestions would be welcome.
Thanks