Communal Stack Overflow

[w11guy]

I live on the 2nd floor of a 6 storey block of flats. My sink, washing machine and dishwasher drain into a shared stack. A few weeks ago, the stack became blocked and the waste water leaked into my kitchen (via open washing machine drainage pipe) causing considerable damage.

The blockage cleared itself, and now the landlord refuses to check or clean the stack. As I don't want this happening again, what's the best way to remedy the situation? The only thing I can think of is to put a one-way valve (non-return valve?) where my waste water eneters the stack. That way, if the stack becomes blocked again, it won't come back into my flat.

Is this feasible? What valve would you suggest? Does anyone know of a decent plumber in London W11 area?

To fit this, the dishwasher would need to be removed; it's currently built into the kitchen. It should only take 5-10 mins to take out and put back again though.

 

[Bahco]

put a one-way valve (non-return valve?) where my waste water eneters the stack.

You can put one in but if there is a blockage, the water won't drain away anyway!

Suggest you clean out the pipes and drains and forget the one way valve idea.

 

[w11guy]

Cleaning pipes would be great, but council have refused to clean them. I'm still trying to persuade them, but I don't hold out much hope. They don't carry out any maintenmace that they are supposed to, so apart from a court case, I don't see how I can persuade them. I need the valve solution to mplacate insurance company and for my own peace of mind.

 

[w11guy]

Is there any particular type of valve that you could suggest? Would any plumber be able to fit one?

 

[w11guy]

I forgot to add that water not draining away isn't a problem as I can just switch appliance off if this happens. If I don't have a valve, then ALL the waste water will flow into my flat, which is much worse, as I don't have any way of stopping it.

 

[Bahco]

I've not seen such a valve for waste pipes only ones for supply pipework!

You are still putting a plaster over the problem and your waste water will not drain away in the event of a blockage.

Sort the drains!

 

[w11guy]

Bahco, how do you suggest I sort the drains if the council refuse to do it?

 

[Bahco]

Its not the councils responsibility if it is a rented flat.

Put pressure on your landlord, show him how the carpets were ruined due to this problem.

 

[w11guy]

It's a leasehold flat where the council own the lease. The council are legally responsible for maintaining the communal pipes, but they say there is no blockage (beacuse it cleared itself), so there is nothing to do. They should be cleaning the stack regularly, but they don't. I've spent the last 6 weeks debating this with various people from the council and am still trying. I need to have a solution in the meantime, just in case there is anothe blockage.

The only other solution I can think of is to run an overflow pipe through the outside wall. That way, if there is a blockage, the water will overflow into the garden outside. It's better than having it flowing into my flat. People on another forum are also saying that the stack needs to be cleaned. I agree totally, but can't get the council to do it. It's not as if I'm not trying! What I'm asking here is whether a non-return valve is feasible. I know what the proper solution is. But it's just not happening.

 

[blondini]

The overflow idea sounds like it would be effective, but for a one way valve, what about a Hepvo? Can be installed vertically or horizontally, it's designed to stop foul air returning and it although it may not give a perfect seal against liquid back liquid pressure it should still be quite effective. I've just tried filling one with water and it did seal after a very slight drip. I might try attaching a lenght of pipe to see if it can hold a bigger head of water.

 

[w11guy]

All sorted. Plumber has just fitted a one-way valve. It works perfectly.

 

[Bahco]

All sorted. Plumber has just fitted a one-way valve. It works perfectly.

Can you post a pic of what he has done.

 

[blondini]

I would still be concerned about any open drain pipes for washing machine or dishwasher. They would need to be changed to a different arrangement. Consider what would happen if the stack were backed up when a machine emptied.