OPTIONS FOR RE-ROUTING SOIL PIPE FROM EXTENSION

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I have just found out that the builder I bought my house from has unbelievably plumbed the soil pipe from the extension he built on the property in to a surface water soak away pit!

I therefore obviously need to urgently correct this but am trying to avoid a new connection directly in to the main sewer under the pavement and all the fees this brings with it, but there is not an immediately obvious existing soil pipe or manhole to connect to.

The extension is basically the whole left hand side of my house and has my kitchen downstairs, and an en suite upstairs (both at the front), with the outlet from both all running from the front of my house diagonally to the front centre of my drive where the soak away is.

The original soil pipe connections however are at the back right hand side of my house where the kitchen used to be and the family bathroom upstairs and utility room downstairs still are. This outlet goes in to a manhole down the right hand side of my house and then diagonally on to my neighbours side and we assume under his extension as he doesn't have any manholes or inspection chambers anywhere on the front of his house to give any clue where it runs so we could join up to it. Our neighbours on the other side have a manhole right in the middle of their tarmac drive (so not an option) and another about half way towards the back of our house just on the other side of the boundary fence, so would be flowing back up from where all my soil pipes exit my house.

Is there anyway of routing soil pipes along the front of my property and back up to either my existing manhole, or in to the one just over the boundary fence on my neighbours side (subject to them agreeing). Are there pump systems that would do this external to my house?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
 
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A lot depends on if there is enough fall available for the route you would like to take. It's also worth bearing in mind that you will need an access chamber at each change of direction.

I'd be tempted to get a specialist in to trace the drains before you make any decisions.

Depending on how long it is since you bought the house it's worth having a look at the declarations made as part of the sale about compliance with building regs for any works done by the previous owner.
 
As said, provided there is scope to get an adequate fall (gradient) on any new drainage runs then the idea is perfectly feasible, if not entirely practical.... However, needs must and it is by far the most superior solution to use gravity drainage.

However, worst case scenario if all other options fail, is to pump. Either a small package pump station in the garden, collecting the flow from this bathroom and pumping it to a suitable point where gravity can take over, or the dreaded Saniflo. Probably the Saniflo option would be easiest and cheapest short term, however may prove expensive (and regrettable!), long term, if you have women in the house.... :cry: The new connection to the main sewer would be the preference over one of these, believe me!

Firstly though I would be checking if you have any comeback against the vendor.
 
Thanks both for the replies.
I have to admit even though I have no prior experience the thought of a pumping solution didn't quite sit right; therefore your comments below have confirmed this Hugh.
I am going to get a drains specialist in to map what we currently have around us and then go for the best option where gravity can do its stuff, even if it is a new connection and we have to throw money at Severn Trent for the permits!!
I am also looking in to filing a claim against the builder!

Thanks again.
 
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To be honest I think any builder would have extreme difficulty in defending an action whereby he had laid drains not fit for purpose, especially the foul drains!

I have known occasions where the builder has forgotten to connect drains, (stub was left sticking out the foundations, and never got connected up!), or even cross connection whereby foul is connected to the storm and vice versa. But to deliberately connect a foul sewer to a soakaway is unforgiveable! Your idea is wise, get a full report done now before changing anything, it'll be useful if not vital if you go to court!
 

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