New conservatory over drain inspection cover

[Chris S]

Dear UK d.i.y.ers,

I am contemplating building a new house-linked conservatory on the site of an existing rear patio.

One issue is that there are drain runs and an inspection cover over a drain junction box in the area in question. Re-routing/re-engineering the drains around the area would be extremely onerous and costly. I realise that having a drain inspection cover inside a conservatory is undesirable, although I understand gas-tight lids exist. But it is it illegal?

The likelihood of needing to access and unblock the drains from this point is not zero - I have had to do it three times in ~ 27 years. However, although this scenario is fairly unpleasant, it may be a risk I would be willing to run.

What do people think/know?

Thanks.

[Owain]

No. I've had a gas-tight lid in a kitchen. They're usually designed for a tiled inlay and are quitre inconspicuous.

Owain

[Peter Crosland]

It is quite feasible but you need to comply with the building regulations. Best to go and talk to them before committing to the purchase.

Peter Crosland

[ericp]

We have one of those with the cover under the side wall near the house. The conservatory has a half wall and the bit over the cover was required to be full height plastic, not brick so it looks a bit odd.

If anything goes wrong the conservatory will have to be dismantled for access.

Avoid if any walls are involved. Under the floor in the conservatory is probably a different matter, and easier to cope with.

As the house is occupied by an old lady who has gone a bit dotty and shoves anything down the toilet we are resorting to prayer at the moment.

[Franko]

I have a sealed screw down manhole cover in my lounge extension floor, had to roll the carpet up once in 14 years to allow the building inspector to have a mooch as he missed it the first time. Not too worried about needing to get at it again if need be though - just takes an hour or so to make sure the carpet goes back properly. Franko.