Open Sewer Cover

justmyself

We have a Open Sewer Hole in our basement/ lower ground floor. I think it's for access if the drain ever gets blacked:



It is covered with a large square ill-fitting cover stone - not great as it can let out foul smells & sewer gases. It's not as bad as it sounds, as the basement is well aired.

It has however in the past blocked on us & over spilled. So it's time to address it!

I wouldn't mind using the space as a DIY studio/ workspace - as i have no garage. But don't like the idea of staying down there too long given the gases.

Basically I would like to get it properly sealed & air tight. With something like this that i can tile over:



http://shop.parkerbs.com/manhole-cover--frame-galv-5t-double-seal-recessed-600-x-450mm-t11g3-699-p.asp

My concern is:

1) Where will the gases go? I'm lead to believe that they need to escape? Or i might have an explosion? Maybe i need some sort of air pipe that let the gases escape?

2) And if it blocks again, where will the waste flow out if i have the basement sealed airtight?

Any advice? Suggestions? Any insight greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Prenderb

Em.....

I would get someone in (engineer/architect/builder) to look at that properly. I would want to be moving that manhole outside the house.

All the issues you've raised are important to deal with, ventilation in particular.

dhog4n

I would want a professional job done on that.

Sewer gases can be explosive (methane), poisonous (hydrogen sulphide) and suffocating (carbon dioxide) not to mention a prolific source of infectious maladies. In short, very strong reasons to get it sorted.

It may only require a standard sealed cover, properly installed. It must be an effective solution though, so do it right.

justmyself

Thanks for the replies!

I already had my builder here... he said i would need to be careful alright - mentioned explosive gases etc...

I can't put the manhole outdoors - as this room is at the front of the building (public path outside)... and we've no rear garden/ court yard. So I'm thinking it will have to stay... sealed tight... with some sort of pipe vent allowing gases to escape out on to the path?

Who are the PROFESSIONALS to carry out such a job? My builder seems to be very cautious... so probably best to go a step higher for a specialist.

I'm guessing Pipeline Specialists? Sewer Repair & Replacement Specialists? Is there a name for such people?

sky6

I'd call in the local CC they will have the expert knowledge and may even do it for free as a public health hazard.