FTB - draining and water search, should I be concerned?

[thelittlethings99]

Hi all,

I received the report on title today from my solicitor which hopefully means we are very close to exchange/completion.

My solicitor has informed me that the public sewer map indicates that there is a public sewer, disposal main or lateral drain within the boundaries of the house. My solicitor asked the seller to confirm if it has been built over or within 3 meters but the seller confirmed that he was unaware of the existence of the sewer and that this is a matter for my surveyor.

I had a level 2 survey and can't remember this being flagged. I'm reluctant to fork out more money on a structural survey as the house was only built in the 80s and there's absolutely nothing wrong with it. My solicitor has suggested taking out a build over indemnity policy but I don't think these policies are worth the paper they're written on if I'm honest.

The manhole is in the back garden and this clearly hasn't been an issue in the 40 odd years since the house was built. I'm not sure if my solicitor is just covering her arse.

Is this something to worry about?

I have a manhole in one of my properties. I didn't actually know it was there until selling it.

It hasn't caused us any issues tbh I suppose the only thing you need to be mindful of is making sure people can get access to it etc so if you were going to put decking over it that people could get to it if a emergency.

It wasn't a problem for us but I'm sure others will come along and share if it was for them

Does the house have an extension at all?

EDIT - of course you will have a sewer in the garden/drive as that is how your bathroom and kitchen waste water joins the main public sewer under the road. The manhole is to ensure access in case of blockages.

No extension.

I might extend in the future though.

It is accessible by the looks of it (paving slabs have been put down the manhole is still accessible)

My solicitor asked the seller to confirm if it has been built over or within 3 meters.

No extension.

You've answered the question yourself.