Dreaded Buchan trap...

[londonbairn]

It was half smashed (that was he clay it pulled out that fooled us into thinking it was from the trap). Removed the remaining bit and not decided if I will do the chain thing again yet. Half the benching is done to fix the leaks, just need to the do the other side. He black stuff was solid as water was going down the rodding hole, it was just getting so bad as the debris was backing up towards the house. The next chamber upstream (just outside the extension about 10m away) was getting full as well of shingles etc

I am also tempted to render most the chamber too in case given the pointing is nearly non existent. Pointless?

 

[rules&rulers]

The plug helps preventing rats getting easy access into your chamber/property and also cuts down on odour from the main sewer entering your chamber.

http://www.enviropestsolutions.co.uk/blog.asp

 

[londonbairn]

The plug helps preventing rats getting easy access into your chamber/property and also cuts down on odour from the main sewer entering your chamber.

http://www.enviropestsolutions.co.uk/blog.asp

thanks, where can you buy them? (with chain etc)

Edit: I guess it is this, http://www.screwfix.com/p/bailey-steel-drain-test-plugs-150mm-2-pack/27952, then just add a chain / bracket etc

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

Be very careful before going down there again! Half the reason the masonry was in poor condition could be down to Hydrogen Sulphide. H2S is commonly found in sewers, and anyone working in a confined space such as a chamber should be observing the correct precautions before and during entry. This gas takes no prisoners.

 

[londonbairn]

Yes, our neighbours had bad fumes! The rendering seemed to be from the fact that both chambers were partially full for a long time eroding away the pointing (we ended up getting a specialist instead of dynarod round and paid for ourself instead of insurance, and leaving the rest for me to do)

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

Lying sewage wont help matters, but just be mindful of any possible gas when entering the chamber.

The pukka stoppers can still be obtained, http://www.knowlesdrainage.co.uk/products/default.asp?categoryID=5

 

[londonbairn]

Thanks, I guess I could attach to a chain and mount to the top to allow easy removal in case i need to empty the chamber

 

[rules&rulers]

The drain test plug is the answer,measure the internal diameter of the rodding eye.



Cleaned many of them traps when living in London,a nice little earner i must say !.

 

[londonbairn]

The drain test plug is the answer,measure the internal diameter of the rodding eye.

Not into screwfixxy stuff but used drain test plugs before with a brass wing nut,turned the brass wing nut around the other way and passed rope (blue polythene 6 or 8mm) between the wings as a rope anchor.

Easy to pull out for an emergency only,will get you out of the shyte and give you time to arrange cleaning.

Sounds like a good idea, I guess I could tie the rope to a bracket near the cover (drain chamber is about 1.5m deep or so)

 

[rules&rulers]

courtesy of screwfix

 

[londonbairn]

haha yes! Company wanted to charge me over 100 to fit one..

 

[PullerGas]

I'm pleased you got sorted mate.
It always worth keeping an eye on your drains.

 

[londonbairn]

I'm pleased you got sorted mate.
It always worth keeping an eye on your drains.

Indeed, it has been an issue for a while for us. We have another inspection chamber about 10m before the main one which is where the rain water from the back joins the foul. It was assumed this this connected through to the sewer however after constant blocking (viewed from the non main chamber), was at a loose end until i stuck a £15 USB camera down and saw there was another chamber.

Previous owners had built one of those garden log cabins straight over the drain. Had to cut the floor out to get to the main chamber. As part of the building as well, there were bricks that had fell off the chamber etc.

Glad we finally got to the bottom of it but you are absolutely right people should check drains!!!

 

[Donald_diy]

How easy are these traps to clear ? Got an interceptor trap and it looks the same.
We have tried standard diy rod with rubber plunger attachment but it's to big,any info greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.

 

[londonbairn]

How easy are these traps to clear ? Got an interceptor trap and it looks the same.
We have tried standard diy rod with rubber plunger attachment but it's to big,any info greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.

Ours was cleaned first with a gully grab (as it was blocked) to restore flow then jump down and use a gauntlet glove to scoop whatever is left in the trap.