Soil stack vent into bedroom

[Lindyboo]

I’ve just discovered that the previous incumbents of chez nous have fitted the plumbing so that the soil stack vents into the bedroom. I’ve phoned a plumber (ansaphone, what else?) so it remains to be seen if he’ll get back to me.

I gather that to put it right will require the services of a builder also, to knock through the roof. Before I begin the frustrating search for suitable tradesmen, has anyone had experience of fitting a vent pipe through a roof (pantile) and how long a job should I expect it to be? And would it be a feasible DIY job if I can't get the staff?

This latest problem is in addition to the leaking roof which developed over the weekend. Really fed up today and a bit girly-weepy. Sorry for the winge.

L

 

[Nemesis]

I think it is still legal to vent it into the loft using a durgo valve?

It's poss a girly sort of thing you can DIY with a bit of invention. And a hammer.

(The bedroom??? Ye Gods!!)

 

[KN]

We've got durgo valves into our roof space.
Must be easy from the bedroom as Nemesis says, get your hammer out!

Karen

 

[Penners]

the soil stack vents into the bedroom.

When you say "vents", do you mean that you're getting all kinds of foul smells? Have you looked at the top of the stack (I assume it's boxed in)?

Provided it's been installed properly, then the chaces are there's a Durgo valve on top. This will look like a sort of hat on top of the pipe. Here are some typical examples:

So long as the Durgo valve is higher than the highest point that water reaches in your bathroom (normally the wash-hand basin), and so long as you're not getting smells, then you shouldn't have anything to worry about. The valve is letting air into the soil stack, not allowing it to vent out. That's what it's for. It's a perfectly acceptable plumbing practice.

I'm sure a plumber will be happy to come and take your money to modify the stack and carry it up through the roof - just be sure it's necessary before you part with your cash!

However, if there's no valve - go ahead with the plumber!

 

[Lindyboo]

Well, I've dried my tears temporarily as the plumber sent his cavalry, who examined the scene and muttered something about 'durgo', which I assumed was a Swaheli curse. He's gone to get something from his workshop, though was a tad concerned that there was moisture around the top of the stack and asked if we'd been having flush problems, to which the answer was no (well, not yet anyway, but I expect we will - sigh).

Yes, it's a grey version of the smaller black one in Penners pic. Thinking about it, it's below the height of the basis, which accords (I think) with your advice on that. He said he's going to extend the height of the pipe.

If he does the job, he'll be the first tradesman that's actually turned up, not to mention done the job. If only I could get a builder to fix the leaky roof and an electrician to fit a new consumer unit ....

Ta v much, all

 

[Penners]

If he does the job, he'll be the first tradesman that's actually turned up

If he disappears without trace, I bet you could do the job yourself. All you'd need would be a length of 110mm diameter (almost certainly - but check) pipe to increase the height of the stack by enough to take it up to - say - just below the ceiling, a Durgo valve of appropriate diameter, and two straight connectors (one to connect new pipe to existing, one to connect Durgo to new pipe.

On top of the old pipe, connect:- straight connector, new pipe, straight connector, Durgo valve. (You might also need a pipe clip to clip the new length to the wall). You can use washing up liquid to lubricate the assembly process.

Make sure they're all to British Standard so that they're within compatible size limits to fit the old pipe.

 

[Craig]

I find the washing up liquid stings when I lubricate my durgo valve...

(ahh, friday afternoon)

 

[Nemesis]

Just don't take a photo.

 

[Penners]

I find the washing up liquid stings when I lubricate my durgo valve.

Then you should be using a different washing-up liquid.

Try Fairy. :shock:

 

[DaveBrigg]

Lindy - I can recommend a couple of local electricians, one of whom rewired our house. PM me if you still need the consumer unit fitting.