The pipe under my toilet has collapsed and all the water has been flushing under the floorboards without me knowing until the wall started to make cracking noises. (It's a bungalow). Having looked under the manhole there is nothing going down from the rainwater gulley either so I think everything has collapsed outside as well. Who is the best person to call plumber or drainage or both? I don't want to involve the insurance as they may say it's wear and tear and cancel my policy. Thanks for any suggestions.
Soil pipe collapse (Ed.)
- Thread starter Oldgirl21
- Start date
The pipe under my toilet has collapsed and all the water has been flushing under the floorboards without me knowing until the wall started to make cracking noises. (It's a bungalow). Having looked under the manhole there is nothing going down from the rainwater gulley either so I think everything has collapsed outside as well. Who is the best person to call plumber or drainage or both? I don't want to involve the insurance as they may say it's wear and tear and cancel my policy. Thanks for any suggestions.
any movement or cracks in the wall - whats under the floorboards - just earth
Perhaps the waste water may have done something to the foundations ??
surprised no odour if just emptying under floorboards
maybe photos - Rainwater may go into a soakaway - how old is the bungalow
Our bungalow is 1932 and has a soakaway at the front and the back - no surface water goes in the drain
why do you think the insurance may cancel the policy ? - not sure i follow that
Good grief!
I would have thought that there would be quite a pong by now.
I think the first thing to do is to get someone to lift the floorboards in the immediate vicinity of the loo to see what is going on.
Please don't say that's the only one in the house........!
John
I would have thought that there would be quite a pong by now.
I think the first thing to do is to get someone to lift the floorboards in the immediate vicinity of the loo to see what is going on.
Please don't say that's the only one in the house........!
John
The floor under the boards is concrete and the boards are on joists. The rainwater goes down the drain as it's a combined sewer. There are no cracks in the wall but cracking sounds until I stopped using that toilet 4 days ago. I was worried insurance might say the bathroom is old and they won't cover any damage which could then invalidate the cover.
No I have a toilet at the front or I would be in trouble! There is a damp smell but no pong so I think maybe water has been leaking and I've caught it just as it's completely collapsed.Good grief!
I would have thought that there would be quite a pong by now.
I think the first thing to do is to get someone to lift the floorboards in the immediate vicinity of the loo to see what is going on.
Please don't say that's the only one in the house........!
John
OK
That's a relief!
Lets hope it's just a joint that has broken or similar (I had an issue with a plastic flexible pipe going into the original salt glaze - it had split at the plastic collar). That was grim enough but relatively easy to sort.
You need to have the floorboards lifted to see what's what, but in the meantime break open the insurance documents (and a bottle of wine) and read through the small print....I would think you are covered but it's best to be certain.
John
Lets hope it's just a joint that has broken or similar (I had an issue with a plastic flexible pipe going into the original salt glaze - it had split at the plastic collar). That was grim enough but relatively easy to sort.
You need to have the floorboards lifted to see what's what, but in the meantime break open the insurance documents (and a bottle of wine) and read through the small print....I would think you are covered but it's best to be certain.
John
I'd suggest a Plumber first off, needs the floor taking up and seeing what's going on. Depending on damage, (and if Plumber is happy to take the job on), see what's needed from there. Whereabouts in the world are you, in case anyone on here is Local and is happy to take a look for you.
same post here
www.diynot.com
Soil pipe collapse (Ed.)
The pipe under my toilet has collapsed and all the water has been flushing under the floorboards without me knowing until the wall started to make cracking noises. (It's a bungalow). Having looked under the manhole there is nothing going down from the rainwater gulley either so I think...
www.diynot.com
This is why I never install a joint on any part of the pipe which either enters the wall or under the floor.
I have the number of a very good plumber, just wasn't sure if I'd need a drainage guy as well. Thank You!
When a drain in the ground cracks or leaks, the leaking water turns the earth to mud and washes it away. This can cause a cavity. The drain itself can collapse into this cavity. In some cases it undermines the wall as well, which would lead to an insurance claim for subsidence. The leaking water runs away into the ground and is often not noticed until the gulley sinks or the paving falls in.
This is more common with gullies and drains outside the house, which are relatively easy to dig up and repair.
I have only know people claim on the insurance if the wall of the house needs underpinning or rebuilding, but it might be worth you looking into. Insurance will pay for rectifying the damage but not for mending the pipe..
digging out and laying drains is usually builders work, not plumbers.
This is more common with gullies and drains outside the house, which are relatively easy to dig up and repair.
I have only know people claim on the insurance if the wall of the house needs underpinning or rebuilding, but it might be worth you looking into. Insurance will pay for rectifying the damage but not for mending the pipe..
digging out and laying drains is usually builders work, not plumbers.
Please keep us informed as to the progress here! Photo's would be great.
John
John
Yes, silly me thought it hadn't posted so I pressed twice!same post here
Soil pipe collapse (Ed.)
The pipe under my toilet has collapsed and all the water has been flushing under the floorboards without me knowing until the wall started to make cracking noises. (It's a bungalow). Having looked under the manhole there is nothing going down from the rainwater gulley either so I think...