Relocating soil pipe and inspection chamber

[rabcnesbit]

I live in a 1930's mid-terraced building. An rear extension (which is the kitchen) was built sometime ago (before I bought the property) which has the inspection chamber under the kitchen floor, and the soil pipe in the kitchen (boxed in). Apparently this was allowed when the extension was built years ago. I want to relocate these (soil pipe and inspection chamber) outside (i.e. out of the kitchen extension). I worry about an unfortunate incident where the soil pipe or inspection chamber is blocked or damage and get foul smell and/or excrement in the kitchen!!! My question how difficult and how much roughly this will cost? I am aware I would need permission from the relevant authorities (water/sewage company etc.). Pictures attached. The red circle by the washing machine is where the inspection chamber currently is, and the other picture is the boxed soil pipe. Thanks

 

[noseall]

My question how difficult and how much roughly this will cost?

How deep is the drain?

Does it service all the properties in the row and does it run in a straight line?

 

[rabcnesbit]

How deep is the drain?

Does it service all the properties in the row and does it run in a straight line?

Hi noseall, thanks for your response. Unfortunately, I can not answer those questions (as it obviously require actually breaking/digging up the floor etc.). However, I guess this might be info I might be able to get from the water/sewage company, not sure? If it helps, my neighbour (adjoining my building) had an extension recently built, and the soil pipe and inspection chamber were relocated outside of the extension foot print, so it would appear it can be done. Obviously, my extension is already built over the inspection chamber, with the soil pipe inside the extension. I think what I am really after is whether it can done (relocated) and estimated cost, so I know whether it is a project I can afford to pursue? Thank you.

 

[noseall]

I think what I am really after is whether it can done

If its practical - yes.

estimated cost, so I know whether it is a project I can afford to pursue? Thank you.

Not a clue until the questions are answered.
Start at £3k and go upwards.
£20k wouldn't be silly if it was deep

 

[thomp1983]

It's going to be seriously expensive especially given your not going to actually gain anything.

There's no reason for there to be any issue with your sewer but if your after piece of mind ask your neighbour if either they have a cctv survey showing your sewer from when there sewer was moved or if they'd mind you having a survey done using their inspection chamber.

A cctv survey should set you back between £300 - £800 and will actually show if there's any reason for concern.

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

Chamber should have a sealed, screwed down cover on it, so the chances of anything accidentally leaking out will be remote. Worst case scenario, if it did block, I'd expect every attempt to be made to clear the issue from a neighbouring external chamber, opening the internal cover would be a last resort.

As Noseall has said, costs are going to be at least 4 figures, and could very easily go into 5, depending on depth of pipework, how far it needs moving, and then if that was done, it would probably be prudent to seal off/fill the abandoned sections under the property to prevent any possible issues in the future.

Old adage. If it works, dont fix it.

 

[rabcnesbit]

Thanks for your replies. However, at thomp1983, and Hugh Jaleak, who are leaning on the side that it's not worth it and should not be an issue, like I mentioned, may neighbours who had their extension recently done, the inspection chamber, and indeed the soil pipe were relocated outside the extension foot print. Probably due to new building regs, I am guessing, which says something (i.e. best it is not in the house).

 

[Ivor Windybottom]

Have you considered leaving the pipe and chamber where they are and moving the soil pipe? (with a new small chamber)

I wouldn't care about having a sealed chamber under the floor. But that boxed-in creation looks awkward. How feasible this is would depend on the layout, it's not going to work if the extension is the full width of your plot.

Having said that, I doubt I'd bother as your kitchen looks very well finished - I'd do it as part of a refit but not as a standalone job. Unless you replace that tall cabinet end panel and cornice you'll have scars.

 

[rabcnesbit]

Have you considered leaving the pipe and chamber where they are and moving the soil pipe? (with a new small chamber)

I wouldn't care about having a sealed chamber under the floor. But that boxed-in creation looks awkward. How feasible this is would depend on the layout, it's not going to work if the extension is the full width of your plot.

Having said that, I doubt I'd bother as your kitchen looks very well finished - I'd do it as part of a refit but not as a standalone job. Unless you replace that tall cabinet end panel and cornice you'll have scars.

Hi Ivor, thanks for your suggestion "Have you considered leaving the pipe and chamber where they are and moving the soil pipe? (with a new small chamber)", will definitely consider that if it is a workable solution and cheaper. Regarding the kitchen, though it is relatively newly installed, my plan is to redesign the extension/kitchen area, so the kitchen would be removed anyway.

 

[Ivor Windybottom]

You'd need some outside space over the existing pipe to do this.

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

Probably due to new building regs, I am guessing, which says something (i.e. best it is not in the house).

Ultimately, if the sewer is shared, (i.e. sewers more than one property), it is the Water Company's asset, and they will determine what can and cannot be done with it, and you are beholden to them. Hence the concern, it could get expensive.

My understanding is now, Thames will not allow a chamber inside the building, so the sewer has to be diverted outside the footprint of the building.

 

[Ivor Windybottom]

If the changes are only the internal layout then it should be fine to stay as-is.

I'd definitely want to physically check it though, and ensure that the lid (AND risers) have a very good seal. I wouldn't assume that it was ever done properly in the first place, there's a very good chance you'll find a standard one under the floor, chucked on top of plastic risers with no o-rings. The standard ones do give a reasonably good seal outdoors, where the rain keeps the trough around the lid full of water so provides a pretty good, maintenance-free seal. But under a floor it will be bone dry so air will be able to pass through. Plus you probably wouldn't notice the odd minor whiff outdoors where it would blow away, but definitely would indoors.