What a waste!!

rabb_lbad

Not sure whether this is the appropriate forum for this, but maybe someone in the know may be able to shed some light on a situation that, from my own experience, leaves me very much in the dark. Here goes the story!

A person owns a dwelling (apartment). In one of the bedrooms a waste pipe, form another dwelling above, runs through it. This waste pipe is contained within some boxing.

A problem arises in that, each time the occupants of the above dwelling use their toilets, shower and/or sinks the sound of the waste flowing through the pipes in the boxing is very audible, to the extent in fact that it would wake you from your sleep!!

This would not have been detectable during the snagging, and contracts have been signed and mortgage is being paid. A builder has been contacted and it is feared he might say that’s the way it is, nothing can be done. Live with it.

Not being terribly clued in on this sort of thing, I’m not sure who has made the mistake here, the individual for signing the contracts or the builder for not giving a damn?

Is there legislation/regulations that dictate whether waste pipes, or other, from one apartment can be routed through the living space of another? Or are there some similar legislation/regulations that dictate how waste shouyld be run in, on or around private dwellings?
If so what are they and where might a person get their hands on them?

Victor

Its a patent (obvious) defect, that is you should be able to detect it in the normal use of the building. This puts a time limit of 1-2 years, depending on contract.

Such pipes are unavoidable. However, they generally shouldn't run through bedrooms and should be insulated.