Drainage report VS Plumber report

[tedmosby]

Hi everyone,

I'm in the process of purchasing a basement apartment in West-London at the moment as a first-time buyer.

As part of the full homebuyer's survey I did, the surveyor noted he could not comment on any of the plumbing/drainage within the flat. Given it's a building dating from the late 1800's, I would like to get this further checked out before executing the sale.

But I am a bit confused whether I would need a 'Drainage report', or a 'Plumber report'? Reading what they both do, it seems very similar to me..

What I want to get checked is whether all water taps (sinks, toilets, showers) etc are running fine, as well as if all the pipes inside/and serving the flat are in good conditions, free from any damages. And given the flat has some small visual damp issues, I would like to make sure this is not faulty drainage/pipes that cause this.

Do I need a Plumbers report or a Drainage report for this? Or are they the same? Reading online I suspect I definitely need some CCTV checking of the pipes/drainage.

Thank you so much for your help.
Cheers
T

 

[Deleted member 267285]

There are some that do both, like @HERTS P&D or @Hugh Jaleak, so maybe get someone like them?

For the drains, it does sound like you may need a drain specialist, as not all do both.

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

You will need a Drainage Company to do a CCTV Survey and report, not something most Plumbers have, do or understand. Advise you shop around for quotes before engaging a Contractor.

 

[HERTS P&D]

My advice is: don't buy a basement flat!

Andy

 

[cleverworks]

I run a small drainage company in London and most of my work is 1800s buildings. People buy them and extend them so I come in to check the footings, pipes, tell them if they have to spend money, if they can ever get a build-over agreement and if they're prone to subsidence.

As a home owner, i'd want a drainage survey more than a plumber's one.
If the plumbing is faulty, worst case you have to shut the water until you can fix the leak.
If the drains are faulty, worst case is you'll have to dig in the middle of the kitchen to get to the pipe or you have a blockage and the manhole cover was built over.

Plumbers don't have the hardware to deal with drainage issues. Their van stock is light and consists of small bits. Drainage vans carry heavy machinery, cameras, confined space kits, breakers etc. Drainage guys usually don't have the "software" to deal with plumbing issues so I'm afraid if you think you'll get 2 for 1, at best, you'll get someone average at both.

To address you last question :
The drainage report is for underground and external pipework, storm or foul usage, 100mm to 150mm diameter. If the drainage guy is experienced and knowledgeable, the report is worth its weight in gold. Not sure how much 2mb weigh.
For the plumber's report, you'll need to ask a plumber what it is you'll be getting.

Homebuyer's surveys are usually useless, even the lvl 3 ones. All they tell you is what trade to go to for your actual surveys.
Personally think they are a rip off. Almost nothing can simply be checked visually. You need proper equipment for drainage, for electrics, bit of groundwork - shovels breakers (checking the underside of footing), opening up the walls (check cavity, insulation, wall construction) etc.

Hope that helps

One last thing: If you're buy a basement flat, you better have money set aside to install cavity drainage pumped via rising main and have damp proof membrane installed all around. You can also check to see if the previous owner installed any of this.

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

As a home owner, i'd want a drainage survey more than a plumber's one. If the plumbing is faulty, worst case you have to shut the water until you can fix the leak. If the drains are faulty, worst case is you'll have to dig in the middle of the kitchen to get to the pipe or you have a blockage and the manhole cover was built over.

Or the flat fills with sewage from everyone above....

 

[HERTS P&D]

I was called to a ground floor flat on Saturday, where the owner had died and her daughter had sold the flat. They were completing today, the manhole outside had blocked and all the above flats were flooding the ground floor flat, the flat was covered in sewage as the shower tray and toilet just overflowed onto the floor. The daughter was in tears.

Andy

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

Heartbreaking, was she still insured?

 

[HERTS P&D]

I cleared the manhole and restored the flow, then her and her other 2 sisters were plaining to clean the place by hiring in carpet cleaners, luckly she had 4 days to complete the clean.

Andy

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

Think they'll have needed the 4 days. Then get it handed over, Quickly!