Inspection chamber leak

[BobThomas]

Would someone be able to advise please. I’ve attached an image of an inspection chamber. There appears to be crack /split in the gully at the base of the chamber where the property's main outflow intercepts it.
Waste water seems to be happily disappearing down this ‘crevasse’.
Is this fissure repairable… do I need to contact the water company before starting work etc (the chamber is within a property boundary. However I believe STW is responsible up to the rodding side of the chamber)?
Best next steps… best people for this sort of job?

As always, any advice appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[Rtplumb]

I would use Rawlplug R-Chem II and fill that gap in the cement. It works in wet or dry conditions. When it sets (vey quickly) it will be harder than the cement base and water proof.

If you don’t fancy a bit of diy then any local plumber, drainage person or builder will do the job in half an hour.

 

[Chuck]

You need to figure out who 'owns' the chamber. First question is, does the chamber carry just your waste water or does stuff from another property come into it?

 

[BobThomas]

I would use Rawlplug R-Chem II and fill that gap in the cement. It works in wet or dry conditions. When it sets (vey quickly) it will be harder than the cement base and water proof.

If you don’t fancy a bit of diy then any local plumber, drainage person or builder will do the job in half an hour.

Thanks Rt…,
I think I may have some of that. I was a little unsure on what was acceptable to use, I contemplated CT1, but thought if it failed it might cause a bigger problem for the drainage. Thanks for the advice.

 

[BobThomas]

You need to figure out who 'owns' the chamber. First question is, does the chamber carry just your waste water or does stuff from another property come into it?

Hi Chuck, the chamber only serves one property, and just it’s waste, the chamber is within the property boundary. The property is 150 -170 y.o. Would it’s age have a bearing on who would be responsible for the chamber? And thanks for your response btw.

 

[snowhead]

The chamber is yours along with the interceptor (Kenon, Winser or similar) on the outlet, which need removing if you end up having the chamber dug up and replaced.
The outlet pipework is also yours untill it crosses your boundary.

 

[BobThomas]

The chamber is yours along with the interceptor (Kenon, Winser or similar) on the outlet, which need removing if you end up having the chamber dug up and replaced.
The outlet pipework is also yours untill it crosses your boundary.

Hi Snowhead, thank you for the clarification. If I might ask, in your opinion, who might be best suited to replace the chamber if required? I think I may be able to effect a short term repair, but I think the removal and replacement is beyond my capacity.

 

[Chuck]

@snowhead is right, the problem is all yours. Bearing in mind the 'polluter pays' laws I would not draw the problem to the attention of STW; nor would I recommend a DIY solution. You can find a local firm that specialises in this sort of work by googling for 'drainage services'. I'd get them to do a camera survey and test the rest of the system while they're on-site to make sure there aren't any other problems.

(If you do decide to DIY be careful about hygiene and PPE. I had a mate who got some sort of hepatitis from working on a sewage pipe. He wasn't an idiot when it comes to H&S so I've steered clear of work on drains ever since.)

 

[BobThomas]

@snowhead is right, the problem is all yours. Bearing in mind the 'polluter pays' laws I would not draw the problem to the attention of STW; nor would I recommend a DIY solution. You can find a local firm that specialises in this sort of work by googling for 'drainage services'. I'd get them to do a survey and test the rest of the system while they're on-site to make sure there aren't any other problems.

Thanks Chuck, I’ve found a local firm that actually mentions ‘proper’ repairs and not just just emergency unblocking services, so I’ll give them a shout in the morning… I suspected it might be a tricky situation as soon as I clocked it.
This is why the forum is an invaluable place. It’s folk such as yourself, and all the responders today, that offer the benefit of years of combined knowledge and experience. Thanks one and all, it’s very much appreciated.