What to do when performing drain or pipe repairs and fitting by yourself
What to do when performing drain or pipe repairs and fitting by yourself
Before executing any DIY plumbing and drainage, you should first take into consideration the rules issued by your Local Authority.
You need to explain your work plan in detail to the authority if you wish to install a new sewage system or alter an existing one, the officials will then go through the plan to check if it is in accordance with the rules. However you don’t need to inform them if you are just replacing some damaged parts.
Whatever water we see on the surface around your home is usually rainwater. In older properties this can discharged into a foul water sewage system whereas in other properties this can discharged into a soakaway, watercourse or a surface water sewer. In a combined system, the rainwater pipes are discharged into the foul water drains via gully traps which stop foul air escaping from the drains. However with the new drainage systems, the foul and the surface water can be kept apart. To comply with modern planning rules you should always make sure that the foul water and surface water drainage system do not connect. The Building Regulation Department will be able to guide you on any details or procedures you may require for repairs or replacement of your drainage.
Before starting your work, finalise the routes the waste pipes would take. Keeping the path as straight and short as possible will be the main concept behind the design of the waste passageways or pipes. Steep pipes should be avoided during the path design. Use a surveyor’s leveling tool to set out the slope of the drain ditch. In case you don’t have a surveyors site level, choose a datum point and then a water filled hose can be used to calculate the fall from there.
Don’t compromise the stability of the house when setting up the drain ditch. If placing a drain alongside the home, you need to make sure any foundations are not damaged.
While installing a new drainage system make sure that you do not dig too long before laying the pipe. Make sure that you get the pipes laid as quickly as possible and then backfill the trench as soon as the system has been inspected and tested.
Depending on the depth and soil conditions, the ditch may require support. Avoid risks when working in the trench. If you are not sure prop up the trench anyway to prevent it from falling. The excavation should be only as wide as required, but should also permit the fitter to work conveniently. Ensure that the ditch bottom is flat and free of stones, tree roots and soft spots. If the material at the base of the ditch is not appropriate then you might have to bring in new material.
Bricks and/or any other sturdy material should never be used to prop up the pipe in the ditch. This will damage the pipe and must never be used as temporary or permanent support. The bedding should be properly compacted with hollows made to accommodate the joints in the pipes. The support should be smooth and even, from the beginning of the pipe to its end.
It is important that all parts of your drainage system are designed so that all parts of the pipework are accessible to a set of drain rods. Which means that a run of drains must be installed straight between two points. As a general rule, any change in direction of the pipework should be provided with an inspection chamber to allow rodding access.
Keeping these points in mind, you can carry out your own drainage and plumbing work smoothly and almost professionally.