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Groundwork & Foundations

Build over sewer pipe - should have used a lintel

Anonymous user 23/02/2024 - 2.51 PM

My builder has dug 1m deep footings for a single storey extension. There is a 100mm drain/sewer pipe underneath but it must be below 1m depth as it could not be seen after digging 1m. The builder then poured in concrete for the footings but then realised that he should have used a lintel to protect the drain/sewer pipe from collapsing in the future. The building inspector has not been notified yet. He is now proposing to dig alongside the new footings to trace the pipe & then work out how he can fit a lintel retrospectively. Is this possible/advisable? He said no need to excavate the new footings & start again. Can you help with suggestions please?

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2 Answers

Anonymous user

Hi, I have a couple of issues with this. Primarily if the sewer is below the bottom of your footings then it must have been back-filled, therefore you are not in virgin ground and you have not gone deep enough, secondly the reason for stopping either side of a pipe and lintel over is so that you do not put pressure on the top of the pipe, which is exactly what your current situation will do. The correct procedure is to break out the concrete above the pipe and lintel over. Regards Simon

Answered25 March 2015

kevin cassidy building contractors

Rating: 5 out of 5

Accrington

This should be acceptable as it's only to protect the sewer pipe.

Answered15 August 2014