Major drain issues following extension build

chrisg1972

So excuse the pun ... but I'm in the sh.... poo... literally...

I got an extension put onto my home in Gorey a few months back... all going well for a while...

Then we suspected mice/rats in the house which is unusual as everything is secured and no gaps really for them around the house - everything sealed well.

I got one leading drain inspection company to have a look based on guidance from pest company and they said our drains were perfect.

Roll on a few weeks and things are getting worse... this time we went with the company recommended by pest control... they found MAJOR issues...

Drain pipes were cracked and leaking all water (from sinks, shower, dishwasher, toilet you name it) UNDER the new extension!

I am now awaiting a quote on works. I don't have a notion so hoping to God someone passing by my post might have some indication of costs (4 pipes are cracked requiring fibreglass mesh repairs).

If anyone has been in a similar situation - appreciate any advice on how you approached it with the builder. I really want to avoid legal stuff but we can't enjoy our home at the moment at all.

Any ideas welcome. Thanks

Lenar3556

Just to clarify;

The suspected rodent issue and the pipe damage identified - are these in any way related? I understand that the drain survey was carried out in the course of the rodent investigation but not sure what cracked pipes under a building have to do with a rodent infestation?

The builder you mentioned, did you engage him as a building contractor to carry out all works relating to the new extension? Or just some elements?

The pipes that your drain survey firm report are cracked - did the builder install them or were they existing prior to the new extension being built?

Has the builder been contacted yet at all?

Hannaho

We had am issue with rodent infestation from old drains that were not sealed when new extensions added 25 years ago. Drain survey undertaken, drains that needed sealing identified, drains seal by company that foes this in Sandyford, rat flaps put in drain and at end of terrace. No more issues since, but costly at 3k.

chrisg1972

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121005317#Comment_121005317

So there are large holes in the pipes underneath the building which rats can use as an access point.

Builder was engaged to cover all extension works. They've been given a heads up but full quote for costs pending.

Re drains - its a combination - most were fitted by builder but the others were no longer in use so the builder should have blocked them off.

chrisg1972

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121005642#Comment_121005642

Thanks thats useful to know. Did the pest control company have much issue removing the rodents from your house once repairs were done?

Hannaho

No. Apparently rats were using old redundant drains as a rat run but not staying in the house. They said we might be unlucky and have rats remaining in the house after sealing, but we didn't. Once sealed up - nothing afterwards.