Sewer runs under new house

[Fab41]

We are almost at point of exchange and a search has shown that a sewer drain runs under the house. Our solicitor has warned us about it as it would cause major disruption if it collapsed/needed repair or maintenance.

We will ask for a specialist survey this week, who should pay for this? The vendor lost a sale late in the day before we came along, maybe for the same reason.

We have also had quotes which show the chimney will need to be demolished, new tray inserted and rebuilt, which also involves disconnecting the power to this and neighbours property. Anyone had experience of this? Is it a nightmare as we will need neighbours permission. The vendor has agreed to return funds on completion to cover the cost of this work, the amount has still to be agreed though.

I am now feeling quite jittery about the purchase, please reassure me this is all normal

Perfectly normal, get the survey, keep a copy of the footage and written report,

Make sure you read the small print on your insurance, speak to the company, make sure all drainage is covered from the start,

We insist that all drains have a survey before our clients buy, we also make sure the insurance covers all the system on property, from day one, as some insurance don't cove drainage for the first three months.

The electricity thing is easily managed just get a decent builder who will manage the whole thing properly.

Thank you, just what I needed to hear

Update from drain survey today - it turns out that the drain is blocked at the back of the house, and smells terrible. There are tree roots which have grown into the pipe and have cracked it. The drain company have proposed urgently removing the roots and relining the pipe.
I have referred them back to the estate agent to get authorisation from the vendor to get this work done.
However, I am now having a wobble about the house. The main sewer runs down the road parallel with our house, and then there is a T junction in the pipe outside our gate where it then comes in under the house. It is a 1930s semi, are we going to be buying into a problem with subsidence later on if the drain collapses?
We were due to exchange if all was ok, but now it isn't. WWYD?

Have it fixed and it will last a hundred years if done properly.

You can also get specialist insurance to cover the drain for the length of time you own the property. We have it on this house, it was hardly any cost.

I spoke to Southern Water and they are sending contractor out tomorrow to sort it out. Feeling better again ...

We walked away from a similar house. Are there any access holes inside the house? There was one under the dining room floor.

Was the house extended? Normally drains didn't run under houses in the 30s, but sometimes under garages.

Drain surveys are a bit dodgy. They are all the rage at the moment, with cameras etc.
We had one done after we bought the house which showed cracks, lining was recommended.
Our plumber said he'd test the drains properly and we should wait.
He blocked the bit where it runs into the mains on the road and filled the whole drains with water - after he'd cleaned it. Then we waited, for an hour, and nothing happened. No drop in water level whatsoever. Which meant we didn't need the drains lined or replaced.
They will be done eventually when we do the drive, together with the main water pipe into the house which is propably lead.

If you're not sure, don't buy. Get insurance quotes.

So Southern Water have cleared the blockage, but not repaired the pipe. It is on the boundary, so they don't need to repair it apparently.
Drain company is now liaising with the vendor to get it lined... I just want it sorted. DH is ok to go ahead with purchase, so maybe I am worrying too much.

My Mum has the main sewer for the whole estate under her garage and drive. Her solicitor asked the sellers to pay for an insurance policy to cover her for any repairs to her property and other accommodation should it be difficult to access her property. This was done under some kind of one off premium. If this is the reason they lost the last sale, chances are they'll agree to this.

Talk to the neighbours and see what reaction you get about the power being cut off. It's worth gently pointing out that if you don't have this done, someone else will probably need to. Also, a good chance to get a feel on what the neighbours are like.

I dropped by yesterday and met the neighbours and they seem really nice. I explained what would need to be done, and I don't think there will be a problem. I was relieved to hear they had dogs (as we do too) and she used to keep chickens, so my hens will be ok too.
Just these drains to sort out now, and agree the retention on the chimney.

Solicitors back at work today -- half day closing on Wednesday round here!