Combined rain/sewage pipe hindering fresh air

[ameliacm]

In the photo, where the downspout comes down to the grating, is that not trapped there? Also see attached - a screenshot from building regulations document H.

Hi Chris, No it's not trapped - I have last week put a green drain 4" trap seal over that and the other other pipe (there are two) in the balcony so water can go down but the smell can't go up. It works 90% of the time.

Thanks for the reference, this will be really useful once we diagnose the problem.

 

[ameliacm]

* Update * After loads of investigation by the builders - it's been discovered that Sainsbury's (which our properties are built on top of) actually added some pipework onto the residential rainwater pipes. This is what we have been told by our builder/freeholder:

"Sainsburys FM are removing their pipework completely From the RWP and rerouting to an SVP further back in the shop.

(they will then clean the pipework) The clean is to remove any possible debris left and upon completion of this and the clean from above we are expecting the issue to stop.

We will keep the pressure on the facilities company going."

Do we as homeowners, have a case against Sainsbury's?

 

[snowhead]

Do we as homeowners, have a case against Sainsbury's?

No.
Sainsburys are a Leaseholder just as you are.
Any claim would be against the Freeholder and probably via their Property Management co.

If Sainsburys are deemed to be at fault then the Freeholder / Management company would have a claim against them.

You and any other affected Leasholders have possibly got a claim against the Freeholder's Property Management company / Builder - Freeholder for mismanagement of the issue, good luck getting anywhere with that though.

And the issue of incorrect / lack of trapping of the balcony drain will still need sorting out including removing of any non return valves that are blocking venting.

Is it weird that residential flats connect to the same drainage system as a commercial business? This seems really weird...

It's not weird, it's quite common for drains from flats above / adjacent to commercial properties to pass through and or connect with theirs.

 

[ameliacm]

No.
Sainsburys are a Leaseholder just as you are.
Any claim would be against the Freeholder and probably via their Property Management co.

If Sainsburys are deemed to be at fault then the Freeholder / Management company would have a claim against them.

You and any other affected Leasholders have possibly got a claim against the Freeholder's Property Management company / Builder - Freeholder for mismanagement of the issue, good luck getting anywhere with that though.

And the issue of incorrect / lack of trapping of the balcony drain will still need sorting out including removing of any non return valves that are blocking venting.



It's not weird, it's quite common for drains from flats above / adjacent to commercial properties to pass through and or connect with theirs.

Thanks for the advice... makes total sense. Will continue to pursue the resolution of the trapless rainwater pipes also then!