UK Plumber Forum

[SPCPlumbing]

Hi all, I have been battling with my local water authority with some ground movement problems next to a manhole. I have had builder round insists its a drainage issue causing the movement of the ground (water board responsibility). water board say they've been out, cleared the drains and inspected with cctv, they are all fine and the issue is nothing to do with them. I have since lifted the manhole and I am no expert but they look poor and its conceivable that the manhole could be the issue. I would like some opinions from people who know far more than me about drains so I am armed with some correct information when I call the water board.

[REDSAW]

All depends if its a shared gulley with neighbour?
that small hole looks like its caused by a leak washing away the subsoil, could be on that mains pipe also, that would need investigating.
The manhole certainly needs pointing up.

[SPCPlumbing]

Yes, its a sewer. Terrace property, all 4 drains link in at the top of the alley and make its way down to the bottom of the alleyway. I had not thought about the possibility of the mains leaking, good point!

[REDSAW]

Yes, a leak washes the surrounding soil away causing sink-holes.
if it serves more than just yours, then its severn trents problem or whoevers and are liable for any injuries & damage.
its the water undertakers resposibility to maintain their services, be a couple of weeks though!

Get them to change the inspection cover as well as the path damage, its defective and can allow rats passage into yard!
They may also try and charge you £250-300, tell them to bog off, its normal to try and recoup costs.