Inspection chamber at change of direction of drain

[Helen2]

We have discovered a 400mm surface water overflow pipe runs from the highway in front of our house across our property and out to some woods beyond.   It is our responsibility as it counts as a private drain.  We need to divert it for our replacement build.

 

Approved doc H says you have to have an inspection chamber at every change in direction of pipe, but all the drain construction sites say there only has to be an IC for bends of greater than 30 degrees. I would like to find the source of this reported standard - presumably in a BS-EN document somewhere?  Can anyone point me in the right direction so that I can have a meaningful conversation with our BC guy and architect.

[Dave Jones]

Approved doc H. you already read it ?

 

It's what BC apply.

[Helen2]

Yes I've read doc H which just says change in direction, but it also refers to a whole of of BS EN docs which aren't so easy to access.  And it seems odd that so many creditable companies say that inspection chambers are only needed for more than 30 degrees if there isn't a reason.  Unless perhaps it was in a previous version of Approved document  H.

 

[ProDave]

You definitely need a chamber at change of direction for foul drains, but this is rainwater?  Our BC was completely disinterested in rainwater drains and we have multiple joints and branches without chambers.

[Helen2]

Thanks - that's helpful to know.  Yes, this is definitely only rainwater.  I'll speak to the BC on Monday - I was just hoping to be able to quote some chapter and verse.

[PeterW]

6 hours ago, Helen2 said:

We have discovered a 400mm surface water overflow pipe runs from the highway in front of our house across our property and out to some woods beyond.  

That is classed as a culvert and not a drain - doesn’t need any access. In fact they are better sealed so if it does overflow due to being blocked at the far end it won’t overflow into your garden. 
 

Just use a couple of 22.5° bends to get a nice long slow change in direction and concrete them in to stop them moving. 

[Helen2]

56 minutes ago, PeterW said:

That is classed as a culvert and not a drain - doesn’t need any access. In fact they are better sealed so if it does overflow due to being blocked at the far end it won’t overflow into your garden. 
 

Just use a couple of 22.5° bends to get a nice long slow change in direction and concrete them in to stop them moving. 

That sounds promising - just hope I can persuade them to agree.  

[tonyshouse]

Just do it 

[saveasteading]

On 12/02/2022 at 17:48, Helen2 said:

Approved document  H.

The rules have been relaxed. If you work to them there is no need to go back to any more theoretical documents. Whatever the rules say, it is best to put in chambers at intervals, and as shallow a change of direction as possible, to avoid or clear blockages.