Clay pipes disintegrated

Simon Fit · 21 Nov 2020

I recently had leaking guttering and traced it to backed up pipes. There was 1 metre of sludge and earth. Problem was a collapsed pipe. A local quote was £1260 to fix a 900mm run by cutting 90mm deep concrete.

I borrowed an angle grinder and cut the concrete myself and dug down. I was able to see the clay pipe and took the length out which was smashed. It didn’t connect to anything as the rest of the clay pipe was smashed. I have chased the pipe but nothing but clay pieces. If I chase any more, I come to the garage which I am not digging up !!!

I thought about a soak away but am only 2 metres from the house in the area I need. I also have clay soil.

thinking of I keep digging down I might find the pipe that carries shower water etc. Not sure what I can do now to allow the gutter water to run away.

any suggestions

HERTS P&D · 21 Nov 2020

Keep digging.

Andy

Simon Fit · 21 Nov 2020

I’ve dug down to where the clay pipe should be and it’s smashed. About 2 metres in length now

tel765 · 21 Nov 2020

Why not post pics?

Any ideas why or how 2m of clay pipe can be "smashed" below soil and concrete?

KenGMac · 21 Nov 2020

Sounds like a candidate for an Insurance claim under the heading of Accidental Damage to underground services ?? Worth a look, and could save you a load of digging??

Simon Fit · 21 Nov 2020

No idea why it’s been smashed. Bought the house 2 years ago. Have been looking online and it may have been a soak away but just keep finding pipes. spoke with insurance company who say it’s wear and tear as it’s a 1970’s house. I found a 20p piece about 20 inches down so I’m thinking they must’ve knew about pipes before laying the hard concrete layer on the drive

Simon Fit · 21 Nov 2020

I will take some pics in the daylight....

KenGMac · 21 Nov 2020

Simon Fit said:
nsurance company who say it’s wear and tear as it’s a 1970’s house.

Ask the Insurer how a buried drain that has a concrete surround can get Wear and Tear?

W/Tear [a typical get out clause] can and is used when the area of damage is exposed to the elements,

Keep plodding with the Accidental Damage claim, with the Insurer, the phrase if you think about it "Accidental Damage" implies damage by a non-specific cause, where as W/Tear means exposure to say wind and rain over a very, very long time.

If the Insurer maintains their stance make a "Formal Complaint"

Ken.

Simon Fit · 22 Nov 2020

HERTS P&D · 22 Nov 2020

Where does the pipe lead to? post a picture.

Andy

Ian H · 22 Nov 2020

If your other drain is below I’d aim for that.

Wayners · 22 Nov 2020

There is a system to pull through new plastic pipe shattering clay pipe vs digging up. Will cost though... Might be worth keep digging but maybe look further down for manhole or where it goes. Laying new pipe is easy but you need to find the end that's in good nick

Simon Fit · 22 Nov 2020

The pipe was underneath the down pipe. It didn’t go anywhere !! Just the run I’ve dug down. Lots of cracked and smashed clay pipe. The trough I’ve dug is where the pipe pieces were. It’s just disappeared now. Which is why I’m thinking of a soak away

Simon Fit · 22 Nov 2020

Hi Wayners. That’s the issue. The pipe doesn’t go anywhere. I have a down pipe in the back garden but would have to go through a garage or a set of concrete steps which would be too pricey

Simon Fit · 22 Nov 2020

Hi Ian, I don’t know where the drains are or if I keep digging I will find a pipe to tap into...

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Clay pipes disintegrated

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