Surprise water pipe from old manor - opinions and options

[AppleDown]

Hello all. We've well and truly started our excavation and access changes. But today we've unearthed a little surprise. The digger driver I bought in to help discovered an old 75mm water pipe running straight through the middle of the potential foundations. Quick tests seem to suggest it's at mains pressure.

 

It runs from the south end of our plot, coming from a private school. We have yet to see where it goes to. We managed to speak to someone from the school by chance this afternoon, who suggested it was an old hydrant or similar, as the plot we are in was next to a store and glass house/conservatory (part of the old manor the school now occupies). The pipe runs from their manor to us - and they were confident they could find a valve or stop-cock. We're meeting with them tomorrow to discuss more.

 

Where I need some assistance is in who will have to foot the bill. We're happy to excavate a hole on the boundary line, and they have suggested they will cut and cap.

 

The deeds we have from where the property was divided from their land date back to 1974, and has nothing on the hand drawn map regarding this line. There is a private water main, which is still used and marked, but that's nowhere near this one.

 

Any advice on how to approach this? Yes obviously we're making the fuss and need to get rid of it. But it's their water line. I would assume it's probably us that may have to cough up, but just want to be sure. Thanks!

[joe90]

1 hour ago, AppleDown said:

and they have suggested they will cut and cap.

Says it all really, let them crack on. (At their expense of course)

[AppleDown]

23 minutes ago, joe90 said:

Says it all really, let them crack on. (At their expense of course)

Yes, I thought that sounded a bit too good to be true - but I'd expect a bill to land in the post box. When/how that gets paid is up to the Gods

[Conor]

3 hours ago, AppleDown said:

Hello all. We've well and truly started our excavation and access changes. But today we've unearthed a little surprise. The digger driver I bought in to help discovered an old 75mm water pipe running straight through the middle of the potential foundations. Quick tests seem to suggest it's at mains pressure.

 

It runs from the south end of our plot, coming from a private school. We have yet to see where it goes to. We managed to speak to someone from the school by chance this afternoon, who suggested it was an old hydrant or similar, as the plot we are in was next to a store and glass house/conservatory (part of the old manor the school now occupies). The pipe runs from their manor to us - and they were confident they could find a valve or stop-cock. We're meeting with them tomorrow to discuss more.

 

Where I need some assistance is in who will have to foot the bill. We're happy to excavate a hole on the boundary line, and they have suggested they will cut and cap.

 

The deeds we have from where the property was divided from their land date back to 1974, and has nothing on the hand drawn map regarding this line. There is a private water main, which is still used and marked, but that's nowhere near this one.

 

Any advice on how to approach this? Yes obviously we're making the fuss and need to get rid of it. But it's their water line. I would assume it's probably us that may have to cough up, but just want to be sure. Thanks!

You need to contact the local water company, they might be the ultimate owners. Do not trust any drawing of any underground utility, or take anybody's word as reliable. It could be anything.

[AppleDown]

Just now, Conor said:

You need to contact the local water company, they might be the ultimate owners. Do not trust any drawing of any underground utility, or take anybody's word as reliable. It could be anything.

I should've added that in, sorry. Thames Water and South East Water have both stated it's not theirs.