MOVING DRAINS/ Home extension vlog

Moving drains & building over drains is one of the least glamourous parts of building an extension but it's often unavoidable.
In part 4 of my home extension & renovation vlog I discuss the challenges we faced when we needed to build over our drains and the costs associated with moving our drains.
Costs vary but £1,500 is a conservative estimate of the cost of moving our drains based on some planning work plus 3 days labour for 2 people & £600 material costs. There was also the £299 fee we had to pay Thames Water for the build over agreement.
Please subscribe to follow the project and find out more about how we've kept our costs down and what innovative new products we're trying out during this building and renovation project. Other videos in this series include:
RENOVATION VLOG & EXTENSION BUILD #1/ Project overview
• BUILDING HOUSE EXTENSI...
PLANNING APPLICATION PROCESS/ Building & renovation vlog #2
• SIDE & REAR EXTENSION ...
BUILDING WELL ON A BUDGET/ Home extension & reno vlog #3
• BUILDING HOUSE EXTENSI...
I also Vlog about Vlogging equipment and my experience of starting a KZbin channel in 2018. You can also catch me on the Skill Builder KZbin channel.
#renovation #buildinganextension #home

[@m.a.9471]

Thanks for precious information as we going for extension is very useful and hoping you and your daddy will continue to provide us more knowledge.

[@sandraditchfield3389]

Thank you for sharing this information to the public. Very helpful. I am a big fun of your dads videos as are some of the most straight forward, knowledgable construction videos in you tube.

[@LuckyLucky-xp2sz]

Beautiful video. Well done you and your sweet dad.

[@stevecorcoran2846]

Thank you Georgina & Roger for this helpful video!

[@GeorginaBisbyDIY]

You are welcome : )

[@DrawingTechnical]

I found the due diligence that you showed in this video to be refreshing. I get a little paranoid about going against some rule and ending up having to be liable for it. The part about the clay pipes was really good.

[@GeorginaBisbyDIY]

Thanks, glad you found it useful.

[@talisingh1977]

Thank you for this video and others. It's a huge help! Keep it up!

[@MrMagsimus]

Thank you lady you are so informative! I salute u 👍👌❤️

[@crazythingsinlondon]

Was watching ur dads video but it missed out the key info I wanted. Being hunting bridge over videos lucky I come across ur . Very good info video both u and ur dads keep up the good work.

[@angelahay61]

Thanks very informative

[@johnwaby4321]

Good job you did it correctly . Don't want any come backs 👍👍👍👍

[@mrd6438]

Very useful thank you!! 👍

[@kiteboywales]

Im in a Welsh Water area - when we moved ours Welsh Water stated I had to have a SSIP approved contractor - but of a cartel if u ask me - was only 800mm to bottom of pipe but just for a days work cost us about a grand. Did query what if I do myself - they said they could prosecute but unlikey plus it could cause issues if we decide to sell house.... so had to pony up for it but hey extension built now at last

[@drprepper8229]

Oh and that is fun! The temporary bungs that you put in neighbours pipes so you can cut into a drain. 9/10 the neighbours are considerate - but I’ve had nightmares with neighbours of customers.

[@graemehunte8215]

'Belt and Braces' chip off the old block Georgina - Great video

[@drgrowuk8830]

Just watched this after not knowing that I’d just watched your farther’s video Both very helpful ✌🏻😷

[@GeorginaBisbyDIY]

Glad it was helpful! 😀

[@harrysingh1145]

yes agree I had to do a man hole conversion as I built a 6m extension. Thames water signed off the build over agreement and charged £300. When I asked thames water for advice how to do the conversion they had no clue. I had to do my own research into how to do the conversion properly. I replaced everything with hepworth clay and using flex seal connectors that were approved for sewer adaption. I even had to use bushes on the dn100 pipes to marry them up with the old imperal clay pipes which keyline had to order in. My dad and I done the job and building control was very happy with the out come. I rememb my grandad building a man hole on the main public sewer line at my parents house.

[@GeorginaBisbyDIY]

Thanks for sharing - I'm glad we weren't the only ones who had the issue - or cared more to the point!

[@harrysingh1145]

@@GeorginaBisbyDIY I like to get things done right first time. Was not impressed with Thames water they didn't even have any recommendations to what flex seal couplings to use. They just said your builder will know how to do it. Very worrying as everyone does it differently. Also its a mid terrace property so there was 2 other houses flowing through us. We had to bung it and cut out the main run section in order to modify the run. Interesting work and also saw a sewer rat come out luckily not while we were doing the work, it was big like a rabbit. So there is life down under!

[@drprepper8229]

You’d be surprised how much weight the pvc pipes can take . I would have thought pvc would be better than clay. Every job we did - the water board always accepted lintel for existing pipes & pvc where they were new runs. They like the joints to be flexible and specify exactly how that’s done.

[@eastcoast4233]

Would love to know more about the drawings and application to the water company, and how you went about siting the new drains that go into the sewer. Many thanks.

[@therealdojj]

nice to see roger popping up in unexpected places, like james 🤣 our extension foundation is right on a sewer pipe so we are currently awaiting thames water to tell us if we have just given them £300 for nothing or if there is a solution to our issue the sewer is only 550mm deep so it would be halfway down the footings and i have yet to find a video explaining what we can do in this instance as there are 3 pipes joining the main sewer system at this location and they look like they will be very difficult to move

[@gharkirasoibymeena838]

very nice.

[@rykelly82ify]

We are looking at an extension and will need to build over drains in Yorkshire...will keep you posted!

[@GeorginaBisbyDIY]

Good luck : )

[@user-nh2mq7mt2r]

Greetings to you and your father

[@peterjonas1545]

This is all likely in the past now, but I would think that the most important thing is to get written approval for materials that deviate from the website specifications. This discrepancy would certainly worry me but as long as you have written approval for the alternative materials, your rear end should be covered.

[@deboradefreitas8107]

Hi!! We are currently having an issue sourcing the clay pipes and csnt fin them anywhere. Where did you buy yours??

[@KhanAli-ss4id]

We had same issue building an extension we had to bridge the main sewer pipe the pipe was big clay approx 300 400 mm had to bridge it with a built wall with concrete lintel top then poured concrete for the foundation, anyway water company told me I was liable if it breaks but building regs told me don't worry we have one million public liability insurance it was an nightmare but at the end it was worth the build.

[@MrHichamVideo]

thx

[@gaetanodademo2251]

Hi great video i have been following your dad for a while now, im having a problem with southern water who are shocking would love your opinion

[@anthonykenny1120]

Another informative video..

[@crazythingsinlondon]

Iam in the same situation doing an extention and the sewer is just inside of the building next to the foundation. I told my builder do we need to do a bridge over , do I need to tell thames water? He said the building inspection check it and he moved the man holes in the garden (we didn’t have a manhole as we are end terrace) and did a bridge over just like u did in video. Do I still need to tell thames water? Foundation is done . So if we have leak my kitchen will flood! I guess. Could we have done anything else differently? Any help will do thanks.

[@GeorginaBisbyDIY]

Strictly speaking you should probably have told Thames Water but not everyone does. If building control asks for the build over agreement it will need to be addressed but your builder can deal with this.

[@niclee1863]

Started watching and wondered how you managed to get Roger to do the work for you and then saw your surname!

[@waynekierans8016]

You have taught me loads I need you to teach me how to plaster please xxxxxd

[@saheedpatel1]

You really explained it to the T I’ve just started a single story Extension self build I’m stuck on the drainage Cracked a clay pipe Can’t source parts easily And now I know after watching your video I need to do a build over agreement Can I do the drawings myself? Will they accept them or will it have to be from the architect? And were did you source the clay pipe parts from? Thanks in advance

[@EnglishforFOOTBALLFANS]

Really nice presenting and informative style. I’ve watched a few of your videos as we want to do a similar extension. I make videos too and I have the same problem with my sound not syncing. It’s frustrating isn’t it. I’m using iMovie and don’t know how to fix it.

[@GeorginaBisbyDIY]

Glad it was helpful. 😀We switched between editing software and sorted the sound after a few videos thankfully! There's so much to think about when you first start making videos it's hard to get it all right.

[@rezakashtiban8496]

Hello, nice job indeed! Do you need to inform local authority or water company for sort of work you have done here? If so any link for the process greatly appreciated. I am thinking of a single story extension by 3m from current wall, but a manhole fall inside the extension. I have to mention that all the sewer pipes to the manhole originates only from my property and pipes connect to the main sewer system through next door neighbor.Thanks 👍

[@GeorginaBisbyDIY]

It depends on your local water authority - if you check out their website their should be some guidance there.

[@rss112]

Considering purchasing a new home where we would like to complete a extension. Unfortunately there is a man hole cover. Any recommendations who I should speak to before purchasing the property?

[@GeorginaBisbyDIY]

You could try having a chat with your water authority or take a builder to view the property with you to give you a quote for the extension as they may also take a look at it for you

[@karandeepsidhu3471]

Hello Ragz Sandhu. Did you buy the property ?

[@rss112]

Karandeep Sidhu brought another house in the end.

[@ericanderson1028]

Hi I'm having an issue as a build an extension above a manhole Can you assist me please on this matter thank you

[@kingofdeath5600]

Great video. I want to extend my kitchen but the new wall which will be in line with my utility extention will land right in the middle of a brick dain/manhole, so guessing I can't do this extension unless I bring the wall back or push it further into the garden? Really want the kitchen to extend in line with the existing extension 😩

[@GeorginaBisbyDIY]

Or move the drain?

[@kingofdeath5600]

@@GeorginaBisbyDIY will look into that, hopefully it won't cost loads

[@loup4199]

Weve just had an extension built and had to build over the drains plus move an inspection pit out of the way. Our water company Wessex, have very strict rules. We had to use a builder who had a permit to work on Wessex drains, clay pipes had to be used and the inpection pit had to have a metal lid and a restrictor despite the fact it was only 3 feet deep and in our back garden. And if you dont do it properly they simply wont sign it off.

[@GeorginaBisbyDIY]

That's interesting. It's amazing how much they vary!

[@JB-xi5ek]

Our pipes are clay, and when we had a new toilet installed a below ground clay pipe was found to need replacement, our builder was able to do so the same day.

[@TheEulerID]

I'm rather surprise clay pipes might be considered more resilient than plastic. All the new stuff is surely in plastic, and it's not brittle either. Perhaps the issue is with mating plastic to clay piping.

[@riazhasan8534]

Hi my daughter has planning to build kitchen extension. Her drain and sewer are within 3 metre of the extension. Her property has no manhole only sewer pipe is going through her property. Can you suggest what she should do to connect her existing pipe, drains and sewer from existing kitchen , toilet and bath room. Thanks

[@GeorginaBisbyDIY]

I'm sure a local builder will be able to help - I imagine there is a manhole somewhere on her property.

[@mohammedzaman9331]

@@GeorginaBisbyDIY not every property have manhole my neighbour to left built theirs in late eighties , I built mine in 1998 and neighbour to the right still with out one

[@jiffthejiffmanjaffa]

Is this the skill building extension? Haha should of carried on watching. Answered my own question.

[@GeorginaBisbyDIY]

Yes it is

[@Chanesmyname]

Smart thinking about the 'like for like' materials the cost of repair that could be dropped on someone by the authorities could be huge for not be absolutely compliant to the build over regs.

[@barnie8282]

I have completing on a house with an anex and hoping to knock through. Im hoping no manhole in the anex or it could be a bit of a headache. Good channel btw i also follow your dads channel.

[@GeorginaBisbyDIY]

Thanks - fingers crossed for you. It's all an adventure!

[@markstanton2926]

If TW stated that you could use plastic on their website that might allow builders to unwittingly sub-in the dreaded twin wall plastic drain. This is not approved by TW due to it breaking down during high pressure jet cleaning. So they are probably being vague on purpose, they probably can only ban a product by British Standard specification. Ductile iron isn't a bad alternative particularly when you get it in the longer 3m or 5M lengths , less joints and a stronger pipe. What ever the material, two things to design out are a. causing future flooding issues in your extension or to your neighbours property and b. build in as much access to the new system as possible, manholes or Inspection chambers but especially stub stacks and downpipes. good video though

[@HYUKLDER1]

Where there is no compliance certificate and suspecting non-regulatory materials could have been installed by a builder, a property seller may have a requirement placed upon them by a buyer's solicitor to provide an indemnity insurance policy before the purchase can go ahead.

[@GeorginaBisbyDIY]

I wonder how often this would get picked up though given that the pipes are buried in the ground

[@deangreasley8168]

All building sites that I have worked on whether they be an independent property developer or are NHBC, all drains have been plastic 110mm leading from the properties to the sewers. Why on earth they're asking them to be replaced like for like IE clay is very old school. Everyone knows that joints and pipes have the potential of movement. How much deflection does a clay pipe have ? I'd say zero. On my latest 2 storey extension I replaced a full drain from clay to plastic, simply because the amount of times that ST water had to come out and clear blockages was getting to be around 3 times a year. This was solely down to the current clay pipe having hair line cracks in it.

[@GeorginaBisbyDIY]

That's interesting. Thanks for sharing.

[@paulfearns7132]

Lol i'am a roofing contractor from scotland i watch a lot of your video's but i'am knocked off my socks here i thought the legend that is roger bisby of skillbuilder was your husband georgina i'am so sorry for this it is no reflection on how old i thought you where your father will kill me in the comment section for this but i just thought he was a lucky man as your a stunning looking lady sorry roger she you are a lucky man to have a lovely looking daughter like that i'am a subscriber to skillbuilder and robins channel i love the work all of you guys are doing and i hope none of you guys take that personally i'am busy with work commitments and have probably missed a few videos please keep the skillbuilder channel coming with awesome content and off course the lovely georgina bisby and also the legend that is robin clevet no harm intended i love all of you guys

[@GeorginaBisbyDIY]

Ha ha how funny - it never occurred to me anyone would think that! Glad you are enjoying everyone's content 😊👍

[@carlwarren2039]

Do you need permission to install a raised manhole cover? In this instance, it is required as we are considering utilising an unused space within the footprint of our house. It is basically a gap created by the previous owner who added an extension. There is a roof/ceiling present and all that it requires is the installation of a front perimeter wall/footing on which to sit sliding doors. However, in the middle of the space is a manhole cover at ground level which needs to be raised using a double sealed cover to the same height of the new floor which will either be insulated concrete or, a timber hung floor. Many thanks

[@GeorginaBisbyDIY]

I would check with your water authority.

[@a133m210]

carl warren make an access hatch in the new floor

[@killerkhan]

my problem is having smelling waste pipes under my room, I'd rather move the pipe from underneath the house

[@aryehelectricalltd7247]

plastic is better and stronger to

[@algep001]

As a TW drainage engineer I’m glad to actually see someone doing the right thing, I’m tired of submitting cases to court getting extensions taken down.

[@sultanali6260]

i replaced the manhole and put in a plastic pipe which connects the original clay pipe but the building inspector said it has to be a clay pipe ,any advise so i dont have to dig it up.p.smy water board is thames water as well.

[@GeorginaBisbyDIY]

I'm not sure I'm afraid - that's why we went for the clay pipe

[@sultanali6260]

where did you buy the clay pipes from and how much where they .Thanks much appriatated

[@GeorginaBisbyDIY]

@@sultanali6260 it was Hepworth super sleeve - you can get it from Travis Perkins

[@karandeepsidhu3471]

Hi Sultan Ali Which builder did you use?

[@simonruddy8265]

Thats a hidden cost that builders would be reluctant to pass on an extra £1500 bill, they're more likely to replace in plastic, taking half a day and charging a few hundred. All councils and services say you have to replace like with like don't they???

[@beerbandit291]

Inspection chamber.

[@GeorginaBisbyDIY]

You are right - thank you for pointing that out - much better name too

[@clivewilliams1406]

All water authorities have different standards, the worst in my experience is Anglian Water, who at one time would not allow any building over or building within 3m of a public sewer!! I use Severn Trent Water as a model authority in this respect in that whilst they inherited 38,000kms of new public sewers due to the change in the Regs you can discuss your specific circumstances intelligently with them. Be aware that on submitting a Bldg Regs application Building Control are obliged to consult the Water Authority, so you can't get away with doing unauthorised work on a public sewer. The other issue is that the Water Authorities rarely have records of the former private drains that are now sewers. Unfortunately, Water Authority standard details stem from traditional/historic practice and do not generally account for modern systems or practices however, if the Water Authority approve the building over proposals then that supersedes their guidance notes so that having plastic drains to replace clay (probably salt glazed ware) is common and allowed. Plastic drains, whilst not as strong as vitrified clay (Supersleeve) has the benefit of flexibility so that I would guess that it would perform better than VC in an earthquake. The plastic will be smooth bore and can bend within its 3m max length and allow a small amount of deflection at the joints. VC has a slightly rougher bore and therefore a slower flow rate but also it can only be had in 1m lengths, which means 3x the number of joints, which inhibit flow. Also, because it is ridged any deflection must occur at the joints to create a faceted curve unlike a smooth radius of the plastic pipe. Whatever the construction material the building must not impose a load on the drain to prevent damage. I have seen plastic pipe with a deformed top due to improper loading that would have crushed salt glazed pipes and raised the question whether the VC pipe would have resisted the same load.

[@endicous]

Why clay is better than plastic? I bet clay cracks quicker than plastic when weight is excessive

[@melfaraj4633]

Wish to highlight the fact that one is not allowed to build an extension within a few meters from a sewer pipe!? This would be even more complicated and costly to deal with

[@brightwell127]

Ahhh the extension at 32a is it

[@GeorginaBisbyDIY]

No it's the other one : )

[@brightwell127]

@@GeorginaBisbyDIY ahh yes I did reliase . May I say the way you present is fantastic... I'm a builder and been following skill builder for a while ... And very nice to see more a customer guide as such and with skill builder seeing the practical side too keep up the good work

[@GeorginaBisbyDIY]

@@brightwell127 thank you that's really kind : ) I wanted to try and give a homeowner perspective that gave some insight into issues other than soft furnishings! I think it's useful for homeowners to have some technical insight into their builing projects given the average financial outlay!

[@kevinstanton8495]

how on earth can a clay pipe be stronger than a plastic pipe...the clay come in sections so many points that can leak plastic is seamless and comes in 3000mm long (10ft)

[@myproject3119]

Pvc pipes definitely stronger then clay. Earth quake shall crack the clay pipes anyway

[@uararunuh9010]

If you want to reduce expenses-empoy Romanians))

[@140rware]

I understand you have followed the regs but there is no way that clay pipe is better that plastic. It is far more likely to move and leak than plastic. You be I’ll have worried a lot of people. I fully understand that you have complied but it is the wording that needs changing not relaying clay pipe. No criticism intended. A classic case of that’s not my handwriting 🤔

[@Droningonuk]

I bet plastic is better than clay in an earthquake.

[@sithukyaw9019]

Quality of house building in the U.K. is shockingly bad

[@AJ-ku7nm]

Aparantly they had a earthquake.