DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

I'm thinking of purchasing a property but my potential neighbour has added a new drain, upon opening up the drain we could see that the waste pipe was not connected to anything and that the waste literally fell into the hole. There seems to be a small amount of water movement at the bottom. The drain sits directly next to the property foundation at one side. The existing pipe work for the property is situated at the rear, several feet to the right, whereas this is situated roughly in the middle of the property in a narrow walkway which is under the first floor. I have contacted scottish water and they have no record regarding connection to the main sewer or inspection. Also we were told that planning permission was given but on researching we found that only a building warrant was applied for in regard to internal improvement by the neighbour. Could someone offer information in regards to the drain, is it likely to be connected to something, certainly other than an area a little larger than the drain manhole no other area was dug up in order to connect elsewhere. I don't want to purchase and find that raw sewage is sitting under the property. Thanks in advance>

lindmck,
You should talk to the local BC department and see if they can help. Soilpipe to drains in the ground require BC approval.
However if the work was done more than 2 years ago no action can be taken unless it can be proved that the new drain constitues a health problem.
end

Sorry to be blunt but you are asking peeps to speculate on something they haven't seen and can't see.

Have you got as far as a surveyors report? If so such should highlight any issues.

[quote="rosebery"]Sorry to be blunt but you are asking peeps to speculate on something they haven't seen and can't see.

Have you got as far as a surveyors report? If so such should highlight any issues.[/quote]

Aren't most people on this forum asking advice on things others can't see.

Anyway...

Am a clueless female who was under the impression waste had to be connected from house to sewer via pipe work, i'm only looking for thoughts about what type of drain this might be, is anyone familiar with or have experience of this type of set up where the a persons waste and foul water from washbasin and shower drops onto the ground at the bottom of the hole. Is this a normal type set up? Survey is the next step but would have like to have known more myself before i make the decision to shell out a lot of money on that only to find that yes there is a problem, especially when were all counting the pennies at the moment. Thanks again in advance for any comments and thoughts.

".......who was under the impression waste had to be connected from house to sewer via pipe work

I can confirm that it does. You then asked " is it likely to be connected to anything". I'm afraid I really can't say for sure.

If you are considering buying the property then you should have a surveyors report done. If that highlights problems its then normal to allow for rectification costs in whatever offer you make. That doesn't put you out of pocket.

Is the drain on your property? If not, then it is not your problem and unless or until there is a leak, in this case your neighbour will be required to fix it via the council or the local water authority on the grounds of it being a health hazard.

If its a problem - walk away from the house and find another.

Hi

From what you write it sounds like your neighbour has their waste going into some kind of makeshift cess pit/septic tank (google it)

You need to find out whether or not you are on the mains sewer
line, the estate agents would know.


Cheers.