Period sewer pipes

[masochists-r-us]

We have vitreous clay sewer pipes around the rear of our house. We're moving our downstairs loo hence this discussion with local builder.
He says can no longer get vitreous clay so need to buy plastic pipe. Futhermore, plastic does'n't connect well to vitreous clay ergo we should replace the whole run with plastic pipe. This involves digging up our rear patio.
Is this really necessary ? We were hoping to get someone to just add a new junction in vitreous clay.

 

[stuart45]

Have a look at Hepworth's site for what you need in vitrified clay. There is even a firm that still makes salt glazed pipes.

 

[robgil]

You can also connect clay to plastic without too many issues if done properly.
Get a ground worker or two to come and quote you and discuss your requirements, you would be surprised what you can get away with.

 

[Zebra]

My builder is joining plastic to clay. Don't ask me how, he hasn't done it yet, but that's the plan. My builder is very good with drainage and groundworks, it's kind of his "thing," so perhaps you just have to find someone who's really really into drainage.

 

[robgil]

OK guys put it this way, how much is your house worth? If you had a car worth the same amount of money as your house and it needed the engine fixing would you take it to quickfit? or Halfords? No , you would take it to a main dealer and have it done properly.

So , if you need building work doing to your house you get a competent builder, electrics you get a competent sparky and so on, if you need drainage doing you get a competent ground worker, simples.

I was really very surprised at the difference in how I thought I was going to tackle the drainage issues in my cottage and how the groundworker who quoted me was going to do it.
In the end he even said to me ''why dont you just do it your self?''. So he even saved me a few quid as well. :mrgreen:

 

[Lime]

Of all the modern materials available today, underground drainage pipes in PVC are vastly superior to clay and earthenware.

Having said that, joining old clay to PVC is easy.

for example:
http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Roofing+Drainage/Soil+Vent/Flexible+Adaptor+Clay+to+PVC+121136mm+to+100115mm/d250/sd2849/p54240

or

http://www.tdlonline.co.uk/Products/Plumbing/Polypipe+Plastics/Polypipe+Underground+Pipe+and+Fittings/drainage_adaptors/item803?startPos=

 

[MatthewC]

I'm not too far from you and I have used an excellent local groundworker. PM me if you want his details.