Plumbing or Roofing Problem?

[sophiejazz]

We had a flat to apex roof conversion over the dormer bedroom. The top of the open soil pipe was altered. Instead of going straight up, some flexi was put on it and then attached to a new piece of pipe, about a metre along from it, and the new piece of pipe goes through the roof. We've 3 times had a problem with water running down the outside of the pipe, along the corrugated tube and coming through the lights on the bathroom ceiling (yes very dangerous). Each time the pipe has been resealed on the roof. We think the wind may be catching the pipe and breaking the seal. We obviously need a permanent solution to the problem. Should I seek out a plumber or a roofer for the job?

 

[Madrab]

Get the original installer back and get them to sort it. There should be either a full lead slate or one with a flexible rubber seal that will seal the pipe and then a weathering collar added. Wind should not really be a factor, if it is a flexible seal slate would be used to overcome this.

 

[sophiejazz]

Thanks Rob.
Unfortunately getting the builder back is not an option, he's retired. He did come back the second time we had a problem (first time a roofer came and used sealant and tape round the pipe where it came out the roof). Also, whilst the builder had subcontracted for the apex roof, we paid separately for the edging tiles. When the builder came he said that the lead flashing under the edging tiles (which we had done at the same time) should have been wider. He did replace some cement that had broken away and I think he resealed round the outside of the pipe. It does appear that the water (rain) is running down the side of the pipe, to the corrugated tube, dripping off and dropping through the spot light opening.
It sounds like you are recommending a roofer and the recommendation of a flexible seal slate does make sense.




I'll attach some photos, the pipe doesn't seem straight up, and it's whether we need a plumber to rectify the pipe work.

 

[Stadan20]

Jesus that's rough

 

[dilalio]

You could fit one of these inside the loft space and drill through the block wall to take the condensation/overflow pipe to the outside - it will catch the water shedding off the 4" and redirect it elsewhere!

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=4"+soil+pipe+condensation+collar&client=safari&sa=X&hl=en-gb&biw=320&bih=460&noj=1&tbs=vw:l&tbm=shop&srpd=224593196468775602&prds=num:1,of:1,epd:224593196468775602,paur:ClkAsKraX9n8YYlH6lgxWjzaz-dY1tL5CKZ82MJqphTp8u3BofJT3-Nx5chk_PfQDcIrM3ghrZFbIytdyJT9OnXVcrMfeSYiS4rRKW9ddlcBBFqgYf7fI_OMCBIZAFPVH707mp7HRYIyNQP4C2vPuS6zMNFLmA&ved=0ahUKEwin9ZfhzLDQAhXEbBoKHdruCYUQgjYIygQ

Edit: doh! These capture condensation running down the inside of a vertical vent pipe, not the outside! Then again- have you actually viewed this on the outside during rain? Maybe it is down the inside and escaping the flexi at the bottom of the U!

 

[sophiejazz]

Stadan20 is right, it is rough.
So do I need a plumber to rectify the pipe work and then a roofer, if necessary, to address any problem with the roof? With regard to the pipework, would it be better replacing the flexi with proper pipe?
As Dilalio suggests, it could be coming down the inside of the pipe and escaping the flexi as it happens when it's raining and windy.

 

[HERTS P&D]

You are also getting condensation building up in the flexible pipe and holding water above the light fitting and acting as a gully due to the incorrect angle of the pipe work. It needs removing and replacing with soild pipework.

Andy

 

[dilalio]

You are also getting condensation building up in the flexible pipe and holding water above the light fitting and acting as a gully due to the incorrect angle of the pipe work. It needs removing and replacing with soild pipework.

Andy

+1

Get a plumber and have it done in rigid pipework and fittings! It is likely that warm/moist air rising up the vent is condensing inside when it enters the cold roof space and is running down to the inside to pool in the lowest point of the flexi.

 

[Madrab]

As the guys have said, and what you seem to realise is that's quite a bad bodge and will never be right. You would be looking to get a plumber to replace the flexible pipe, he may also have the skills to add a lead slate for the pipe through the roof. Ideally though a recommended roofer to sort out the issues you have been left with on the roof exterior and the pipe, that way it should be done correctly.