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Author Topic: Soakaway issues - New Build  (Read 4970 times)

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mbm2672

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Soakaway issues - New Build
« on: November 11, 2020, 04:05:04 pm »
Looking for some advice in regards to soakaways, I can't name the builder yet as we are currently discussing the issue with LABC.

We moved into a new build in in 2019, which is one of 3 properties which share a soakaway between us, during Dec 19 - Feb 2020 our rainwater drains flooded regular after a few days of rain leading to gulley and drain outside garage overflowing and flooding internal garage.

Roll on to Oct 2020 and the drains have flooded 3 or 4 times already, the builder isn't interested saying everything was signed off by building regulations, LABC etc etc

Some interesting points

1. We had CCTV inspections that found the soakaway to be full, even though there had been no rain for over 10 days (that can't be right), sometimes they flood after 1 hour of rain.
2. Our property is at the lowest point (I thought he soakaway should be at the lowest point) which means our drains in theory act as a release for the backed upped water due to the soakaway being full, the other higher properties don't have this issue.
3. Developer says it isn't their responsibility but have suggested we add another soakaway or additional way to release the water as that may help, but they won't do it.

Have I got a valid claim here or can they hide behind the face it was all signed off and I have no case?

Any advice welcome.

Thanks 


New Home Expert

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Re: Soakaway issues - New Build
« Reply #1 on: November 12, 2020, 12:18:19 pm »
Soakaway should soakaway, not remain full of water.

You should also check that you are not paying your water company for surface water drainage as you have a private a soakaway when it works.

A soakaway should only deal with surface water from the property it is located on, not other homes.
It appears the builder has tried to save money with one big soakaway not three smaller ones.

It could be a storm water culvert (not a soakaway) or might it be a septic tank?
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mbm2672

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Re: Soakaway issues - New Build
« Reply #2 on: November 12, 2020, 05:18:09 pm »
Thanks for the reply

It's 100% a very large soakaway shared between three properties and it just for rainwater, I have a copy of the plans and calculations. But it's defiantly not right, I just hope they LABC help me out with it. Not confident they will.