Soil stack - pan tiles & Structural Engineer needed

[early 911]

Well I had building control round today . . . . amongst other things he wants the soil pipe terminating out side (i.e. through the roof - thought I might get away with an air admittance valve).

I've seen adaptor type things for slate (i.e. flat) roofs, but not for curvy pan tiles.

Anyone got any ideas?

Anyone know of a good (cheap and reliable) structural engineer . . . I need someone to agree that the doorway I've created upstairs isn't going to make the house fall down (using the oak wall plate as the lintel). Not sure if a site visit is needed (can work off my drawings and photo's I reckon). I'm based in Mid Norfolk (Fakenham is closest to the house)?

Cheers
Phil

 

[Penners]

Phil

If you have the option of using an internal air admittance valve, rather than poking your soil stack out through the roof, I should do it! It's a hell of a lot easier, and you avoid a possible source of roof leaks in the future.

 

[early 911]

Tried one of those . . . Building Control man wouldn't allow it.

Found what I'm after . . . .

http://www.trademate.co.uk/ProductExtra/BRI0003/stdunislate_data.pdf

Cheers
Phil

 

[Penners]

Sorry Phil - I didn't read your original post properly.

Just for information, did they say why they wouldn't allow an air admittance valve? Is it the last item on a drainage run? I think I've heard that this can be a problem, but for future reference I'd be grateful to know for sure.

 

[early 911]

He said it was because 'they have been known to fail' . . . . . but searching the net a little I think it was because these valves should only be used on a secondary system . . . . i.e. a house must have vent into fresh air somewhere.

Phil

 

[Penners]

Vent into fresh air...??

No problem in this house! Force 8 venting around every door and window!

 

[MJ]

Known to fail? Sounds a poor argument.

So what is the worst that can happen if it fails.

Buy a new one?

Loss of water from the traps and a nasty smell?

I would argue this one further if you really don't want the vent through the roof.

You need one stack on the run and that could be a neighbours house.

MJ

 

[Penners]

I agree with MJ. To be forbidden from fitting something to your house simply because "they have been known to fail" is bl**dy ludicrous. On that basis, what else should we be forbidden - taps, door handles, central heating boilers, light bulbs, roof tiles, hinges, window glass, cat flaps...?
:roll:

 

[early 911]

Looking at the regs (1.20 &2.18 ) I think I can use one. However considering this was his first inspection (after a year of DIY structural work - i.e. he should have been round much sooner), I think I got away with it pretty lightly. Installed an 'externally venting pipe' at the weekend . . . looks okay and doesn't leak.

http://www.odpm.gov.uk/pub/585/ApprovedDocumentHDrainageandWasteDisposal2002edition_id1165585.pdf

Phil