Flexi Toilet pan connector - broken

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Hi Folks,

Our downstairs toilet had a new Flexi pipe fitted end of last year, after the original flexi had cracked which was 5 years old. But the new one lasted only 5 months. Even when the plumber fitted the last new flexi, it wasn't right I felt as there some smell lingered, unlike before.

So now, how do I ensure that I get it properly replaced.

Do I need to buy a stronger flexi or not sure if there was a rat/mouse responsible, but we couldn't see any signs of them downstairs.

Any advice appreciated

. Toilet photo.jpg
 
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Don't use flexi connectors. It's obviously at such an angle, it's straining, cracking and then perishing. Use a combination of rigid ones. Maybe using an extension, and eldon and a straight would solve the problem.
 
As above. Flexi's are a last resort at the best of times, that looks like its been forced to fit, and is under so much strain, failure is inevitable. I'm only surprised the original lasted so long. Replace with a rigid pan connector, if fitted properly you shouldn't have any further issues.
 
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Thanks for the replies fellas.

So I should be looking for 90 degree pan connector and forget about the flexi connectors. At first I thought it could have been a rat/mouse to cause a tear, but you guys think it's sheer straining that likely caused the damage.

If I can fit a 90 degree solid pan connector, I take it that is the best option? From my photo, do you think it's suitable?
 
Looks like rodent damage to me. The jagged edges are tell tale signs ,chewed up to the wire. If the flexi splits it does not leave jagged edges and a wide gap.
 
Thanks fellas for the replies.

Had a DIY friend coming in today lunch time and we went to Screwfix and got a 90 degree flexi Mcalpine and he replaced it.

Had mash wires inserted between the gaps before, so will ensure I do it thoroughly this time, so not sure why damn rodent comes through. Didn't see any rodent activities downstairs, strange.
 
Rats come up from the sewers ,get to your flexi pan connectors ,they allow light thru them which they head for,and chew away. Can't always get thru between the wires in the flexi and into the house.
 
Rats come up from the sewers ,get to your flexi pan connectors ,they allow light thru them which they head for,and chew away. Can't always get thru between the wires in the flexi and into the house.

I think you're right there - I've used Mcalpine flexi products from time to time and not had a failure, and I certainly can't see one failing like that. Just out of curiosity, is the requirement for rat flaps/rodent valves (e.g. products like the modern Ratwall) in any building regs, and if so, from roughly what point in time? Given the flexi-connector is remaining in place and provides a handy ladder (!), it might be worth considering something like Ratwall as an extra line of defense if a rat flap is unlikely to be fitted to this property.
 
Good God, I thought they might come from the gaps in the skirting board, where I had filled it with mash wires. But you're saying they come from Inside. Won't bother filling the holes near the pan with mash wires. If this Mcalpine 90 degrees gets chewed by bloody rats, then next time will fit solid connects and no more flexi.
 
Its been known that rats have entered propertys via ground floor WC 's ,through the pan itself ,swimming thru the water trap !! ( so a local councils exterminator told me a while back ) .Not sure if building regs require rat traps , if they don't they should do .
 
It's not a good idea to have holes that size around pipes - it could still allow vermin in from other sources under the floor. Mice for example only need the tiniest of gaps to squeeze through - such as broken air bricks. But yes, rats managing to get up the sewer into downstairs toilet's isn't unheard of esp. in older properties in inner-city areas where the sewers won't be in quite as good a state, and the infestation in the sewers is likely to be worse. A solid plastic pan connector in a situation like yours means it's harder (but not impossible) for a rat to climb. As Terry pointed out, the flexi-connector is thin plastic and will allow light through which rats may be drawn towards.

My point about rat-flaps relates to a device that goes in the sewer branch itself and acts as a one-way valve to prevent the rats getting near the property. I would have thought the fitting of such devices would have become pretty standard in recent years.
 

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