Question for *Piglet John*

[PrudenceDudence]

Hi
Wondering if you’re able to help with identifying the function of this brown pipe that’s in the corner of our driveway. I think it might be for drain ventilation, could that be right? There’s often a horrible smell coming from it. Is there anything I can do to stop this.
Many thanks,
Pru

It is an obsolete drain ventilator. If it smells bad there is probably a blockage in the nearby manhole. You can lever the lid open with a spade if you want.

Thank you. I think the problem is with our neighbours manhole. Our is completed clear, we lifted it recently but I know they’ve had ongoing problems with theirs. Is there anyway we can take this pipe out and cover over it to stop any smells coming up through it?

if it's on your side of the fence, then it's probably for your drain. Unless the boundary has moved since the house was built. they were usually put against the wall or fence so people wouldn't trip over them.

Open your manhole and squirt a hosepipe down the pipe. Does the water appear in your pit?

They can be closed off if you have a soil pipe, open at the top, on your house, to equalise pressure. If it has been removed (some bathroom fitters like to do that) then the sewer may vent up your sink or WC pan. This is rare, but not unknown, especially when a blockage is being cleared.