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Sewage pipe

7 replies

Sambobee · 22/08/2023 20:59

A few years ago my neighbour redid their bathroom extension. Their bodget and legit builders decided it would be easier to plumb into the inspection pit on my property rather than the shared line which was being used previously and is also on my property.

The house is rented and in the past few years the smells coming from the inspection pit are foul and waft all through my home. On May 1st I told the landlord of the house next door that he had three months to plumb it back into the original shared line as I have had enough.

He was very rude and has basically ignored my request.

I had a drain firm in to give me some advice. and yesterday, I had them in to come and line the leak and block the sewage pipe in the wrong place. Their camera had seen that we have a crack in the waste pipe probably from next door drilling into the inspection pit. This would not only explain the smell but also why we had damp on the kitchen wall! We thought it was rising damp but in fact it was probably from this.

The sewage pipe plumbed into the inspection pit was leaving the hole very damp and the workman said blocking it would help with the smell as they can see that the 'pooh' sits under the cover until the toilet is flushed again or more water is sent down. The sewage drain hole was capped and blocked before being cemented into place.

Today, the tenants have taken it upon themselves to drill through the work I have just paid for. What can I now do? I tried to speak to them saying they need to reuse the shared line but had a mouthful of abuse. They would not listen and the landlord is being just as aggressive as his tenants.

I had given them fair warning and he has chosen to ignore it.

Severn trent don't seem to have a department that can help! Planning control didn't know what to do either. I thought about 101 as it is criminal damage but do not want to waste the already stretched police force with this.

Help! Am I in the wrong? Who can I turn to for support?

TIA

OP posts:
MrsMoastyToasty · 22/08/2023 21:14

Do you have legal cover with your buildings insurance?

Sambobee · 22/08/2023 21:20

Thanks for answering. Yes, do you think they would help?

OP posts:
ThreeLeggedCat · 23/08/2023 09:07

Ring Environmental Health at your local Council and ask for the Private Sector Housing dept.

TizerorFizz · 23/08/2023 21:07

You have arrived at this position because you let them divert the foul water drainage from the former arrangement into your land and your pipes.

I would now get a surveyor or drainage engineer to talk to you about options. I cannot understand why you let your neighbour into your property to change the drainage. It’s obviously not a suitable arrangement and isn’t working. I assume you are absolutely sure this arrangement was not original.

I cannot imagine getting practical answers from lawyers that will solve a drainage issue. You need to try and find a drainage solution. I’m assuming they put in new pipes with insufficient fall so the sewage doesn’t flow away. However you need someone who can advise on how to amend the drainage to get it working. Look for smaller civil engineering consultants who advise on drainage.

Sambobee · 24/08/2023 14:19

Thank you

OP posts:
Sambobee · 24/08/2023 14:23

We didn't allow them to do it. The inspection pit hole is next to a low wall separating the gardens. It's a side access to the house and isn't really used that often. We will however look into contacting the people suggested. Thanks

OP posts:
TizerorFizz · 24/08/2023 14:43

You said they plumbed into an inspection chamber on your property. However the big issue is probably that it’s not draining away into the public sewer.

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