Dreaded Buchan trap...

[londonbairn]

We have a blockage in our drain, and it looks like the Buchan trap has basically collapsed and needs to be replaced, with a straight through connector hopefully. Just trying to reconcile who should be responsible for it.

I have been told that as the drain was built pre 1936, it is actually the responsibility of the water company? I don't think the drain is shared.

If it is mines, that is okay (we already have drain insurance) but just want to check.

 

[JohnD]

I have been told

Who by?

that used to apply to Common Sewers before the recent change (I used to have one) but if yours is not shared it will not apply.

 

[PullerGas]

Your responseablity if it's not shared.

 

[londonbairn]

Just a friend. Just spoke to TW who said it changed as you say in 2011.

Just wanted to check so we had all facts.

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

Even Pre 36 it was only shared drains. Afraid if only you using it, your responsibility. May be worth checking if House Insurance covers it, prior to engaging a contractor. Also, look for a reputable builder, and get several quotes, don't use the franchise drainage companies!

 

[londonbairn]

Thanks, we have Homecare who seem fine in covering it, they mentioned having to check shared drains and then my friend mentioning it to me made me want to ask.

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

Oh dear.... You want it repaired properly I'd have thought? From what I've seen, their work hasn't been the best.

 

[Nige F]

We have a blockage in our drain, and it looks like the Buchan trap has basically collapsed and needs to be replaced, with a straight through connector hopefully..

Are you sure it's collapsed- the damned things are bomb proof - then again if you're in London there might have been one in '41.

 

[PullerGas]

Are you sure it's collapsed- the damned things are bomb proof - then again if you're in London there might have been one in '41.

That was my thought, I've never seen a damaged/broken Buchan Trap.

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

I've seen a couple, one due to ground movement I think, the other damaged by someone having been rather over zealous in a previous attempt to unblock it....

 

[londonbairn]

It's definitely broken, we pulled out bits of it. It does happen. Probably ground movement, it looks like it is original from when the house was built (1900s).

 

[londonbairn]

If anyone is ever interested. So after a lot of inspection and what not it was not actually broken and misdiagnosed. In the end we ended up keeping it as it was in perfect condition.

Had been blocked up for years they reckoned, relics of a renovation circa 2007 were found. In the end the trap was cleaned properly by hand and back jetted. The chamber however needs a lot of work, one of the benches was fixed urgently as the adjacent chamber was leaking into ours. I will do the rest myself with Jetcem (needs rendered etc).

Was in there myself today, learnt a lot and actually can do a lot of it yourself with a strong stomach!

 

[PullerGas]

That was my thought, I've never seen a damaged/broken Buchan Trap.

Try the rest then try the best!!

 

[londonbairn]

Try the rest then try the best!!

It was so bad because the neighbouring chamber was also blocked and had caused all the pointing to have fell out and thus the chambers were basically leaking into each other. Years of neglect on both houses basically. Chamber looks original from when house was built too. Apparently if I pop down every several months or so wth a gauntlet glove is enough to pick up debris from trap, and keep an eye on it periodically.

We found a broken bottle with a 90s date on it, mortar, screwdriver, loads of baby wipes (previous owner!), tiles etc.

Before and after cleaning below. Rebenching in progress

Before cleaning

• londonbairn
• 20 May 2017

After cleaning

• londonbairn
• 20 May 2017

 

[rules&rulers]

Nice photos ! Seen many chambers a lot worse.

Have you got the rodding drain plug ?