Hazardous Drainage Setup in Beckenham Home Corrected by Drainsmart Team

We were contacted by a property owner in Beckenham, Kent, shortly after she had completed the purchase of her new home. During our initial conversation, the client explained that she wished to divert existing drainage pipework within the garden. Based on the first description, the issue appeared fairly routine; however, once photographs were provided, it became immediately clear that the situation was far more serious than first anticipated.

On inspection of the images, we were shocked to discover that approximately 20 metres of pipework serving the soil and vent pipe, including toilet connections, had been installed above ground and laid directly across the garden. This type of configuration is extremely unusual and something we had never encountered before in a residential property. The pipework should have been installed underground as part of the original drainage system, and we were genuinely surprised that the property sale had proceeded with such a non-compliant and hazardous drainage arrangement in place.

The existing installation demonstrated poor workmanship and incorrect drainage practices. Not only was the pipework vulnerable to being knocked, damaged or dislodged with it being a major trip hazard, but it also posed a significant health and safety risk, as it was carrying foul water from WC connections. In addition, underground drainage pipework had been incorrectly used above ground, meaning it had no UV protection. Prolonged exposure to sunlight would inevitably cause the pipe to degrade, weaken and potentially fail, leading to leaks, blockages, or sewage contamination within the garden.

Due to these risks, it was essential that the drainage system was fully corrected and brought up to current Building Regulations standards. Our experienced drainage engineers therefore carried out a full excavation, digging a new trench from the base of the soil and vent pipe through to the existing manhole chamber. We installed new underground drainage pipework, carefully laid to a correct and suitable gradient to ensure optimal flow, long-term performance and compliance.

All new pipework was bedded and surrounded in pea shingle, in line with UK Building Regulations, to provide stability, prevent movement, and protect the pipe from damage. Once the drainage works were completed and tested, the trench was fully backfilled and the ground reinstated, leaving the garden safe, compliant and visually tidy.

This project highlights the importance of using a professional drainage contractor when dealing with foul drainage, soil pipe alterations, and pipe diversions. If left unresolved, issues like this can lead to costly repairs, health hazards, and potential legal complications. We were pleased to provide the homeowner with a safe, compliant and permanent drainage solution for her Beckenham property.

If you are experiencing issues with exposed drainage pipes, incorrect pipe installations, blocked drains, or soil pipe alterations in Beckenham, Bromley, or throughout London, Kent or Sussex, our specialist drainage team is here to help.