Common horizontal toilet waste pipe: is it legal?

Question

The toilet waste from my flat runs from the bacl of the toilet around 6 feet to the vertical common sewer stack with a fall of about 6 inches. Half way along, however, it is joined by a similar waste feed from two other flats on the same floor. It seems inevitable to me that the waste that enters the pan when we are away for a period comes from the other flats (lovely!).

This must be against current building regulations, but the block of flats was built in the 70s. Should it, however, be condemned and the managing agent instructed to modify it?

Answer 1

You are only required to meet or exceed plumbing codes during construction or renovation not because codes have changed since construction. If this were the case every building would need to be upgraded every time the code is modified and would not be a practical solution.

It sounds more to me like a venting problem since toilets expel waste in "slugs" it is important that air not build up underneath slowing the flow. This could cause backup of sewage but would not indicate an illegal connection.

Answer 2

I would say it is, This is unacceptable, and needs to be addressed.

Answer 3

Any health hazzard is normally against the law as the law protects individuals like yourself. Your situation sounds hazzardous so report it, if they fail to repair it take them to court.

Answer 4

Have to agree with NotRobin, could be a venting problem.

Are you saying that it is backing up into your Flat?  Is that like a rental property?  Contact the management it is their properly which they must maintain.  Going to the Legal authority is after the fact, when they dont help correct the situation.

Does flushing you unit effect the other flats?

Good luck.

Answer 5

The flow on drains is surprisingly shallow - so the 6 inch fall does not sound problematic. The brach should be 'swept' in the direction of flow and the flush action should send everything on its way to the stack (vertical pipe) If you are getting backflow I think you may have a slight blockage - try flushing out or rodding as a first option.

Answer 6

Speak to your local council's environmental health people - they're usually very helpful.  If they find it necessary they can take the appropriate enforcement action for you.