Hi
We moved into our present house in 1989, when it was about 3 years old. The house has an internal soil stack, into which fed a loo and sink downstairs and a loo, sink and bath upstairs. The stack reached up to a few inches above sink level.
About 10 years ago, we had the upstairs suite replaced by a well-known bathroom company as part of a complete refit. During this work, the soil stack was reduced in height to just above the toilet connection. The workmen assured us that the extra pipe above that point was 'useless' and cut it down for aesthetic reasons.
Since the work was done, we often had problems with the bath draining very slowly for no apparent reason.
We have recently replaced the suite again, but with a shower cubicle instead of the bath.
We are now getting problems with the shower tray overflowing due to slow drainage. (It is just an ordinary mixer valve type shower.) Cleaning the trap seems to make little difference. We have also noticed that if the tray fills up and you then stop the shower, the water will slowly drain away and then you can turn the shower on again and let it run for as long as you like without any further problems.
It is almost as if some sort of air lock has to be overcome before the drain operates correctly. Is this possible? Could this be to do with the stack?
I have read on this forum that the stack should reach above sink height. Also, as it is boxed in, I do not know whether it has an air admittance valve fitted. I suspect not. What are the symptoms of a stack with no AAV / being too low?
Sorry if I have rambled on , but this is puzzling me. Also, I am fed up with the shower overflowing and ruining the kitchen ceiling!
Any views welcome!
Thanks, Richard ('splidge')
We moved into our present house in 1989, when it was about 3 years old. The house has an internal soil stack, into which fed a loo and sink downstairs and a loo, sink and bath upstairs. The stack reached up to a few inches above sink level.
About 10 years ago, we had the upstairs suite replaced by a well-known bathroom company as part of a complete refit. During this work, the soil stack was reduced in height to just above the toilet connection. The workmen assured us that the extra pipe above that point was 'useless' and cut it down for aesthetic reasons.
Since the work was done, we often had problems with the bath draining very slowly for no apparent reason.
We have recently replaced the suite again, but with a shower cubicle instead of the bath.
We are now getting problems with the shower tray overflowing due to slow drainage. (It is just an ordinary mixer valve type shower.) Cleaning the trap seems to make little difference. We have also noticed that if the tray fills up and you then stop the shower, the water will slowly drain away and then you can turn the shower on again and let it run for as long as you like without any further problems.
It is almost as if some sort of air lock has to be overcome before the drain operates correctly. Is this possible? Could this be to do with the stack?
I have read on this forum that the stack should reach above sink height. Also, as it is boxed in, I do not know whether it has an air admittance valve fitted. I suspect not. What are the symptoms of a stack with no AAV / being too low?
Sorry if I have rambled on , but this is puzzling me. Also, I am fed up with the shower overflowing and ruining the kitchen ceiling!
Any views welcome!
Thanks, Richard ('splidge')