Drains - How Far Down Are They?

[DiddyS]

Hi,

I need to dig up a small tree/big bushy thing outside my toilet window and I'm wondering how far down the drains might be. I don't want to dig them up or damage them! This must be covered by some regulation, but I don't know where to find it. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks, Derek.

[Tim S]

Hi

Find the nearest manhole and lift the cover - should give a guide.

They could be as little as 12", though a couple of foot would be fairly common.

Cheers

Tim

[The Natural Philosopher]

The drains will be close too the surface near a loo outflow.

However provided you don't use a digger this is not a problem. They will be encased in either concrete or gravel, and are strong enough to take the odd spade..or if not - well you have dug the hole anyway, and replacing a bit of smashed plastic pipe is no big deal.

[Chris Bacon]

It varies quite a bit. The only thing you can do is go carefully. How old is the house. or the bit where your "toilet" is?

[Mike Dodd]

I know nothing about this subject, save that on my relatively new-build house the grey water drain was *very* close to the surface, as it had to run some five metres before it got to the main drain. So, regardless of how deep the main drain is I think you'll have to exercise care with your excavation.

[TMC]

When I extended my 1960's house I found that the drains were not encased in anything.

Tony

[DiddyS]

Thanks for all that. The house was built in 1990, so I guess the pipework could be pretty close to the surface. I'll just have to proceed carefully and hope for the best.

Thanks, Derek.

[The Natural Philosopher]

No, plan for the worst instead, and be happy when it turns out not to be so bad.

If you dig down where you have to carefully, avoid the pickaxe, and cut roots where you have to, damage can be minimised.