This job represented one of the nastiest drainage problems we have completed in some time. Part of a vitreous clay combined (or communal) drain had collapsed rendering the development of a large cesspool to the rear of a private property.
Due to the scale of leakage much of the rear yard locally was left unsupported!!!!! Photos demonstrated significant voids beneath the slab. Naturally, the leakage had compromised the drainage also. An emergency repair was completed before the primary works could begin.
The only option was to replace the entire drainage system. And this was made even more interesting as the only access/egress to and from the rear yard was through the house!!! So, all spoil and fill had to be exported/imported by bucket and wheelbarrow. However, the lads kept the place nice and tidy during the works and the client was more than accommodating.
Although there wasn’t any structural damage to the house, pressure grouting or ground improvement was also completed along the rear elevation. This was due to the risk of foundation movement as some point in the future due to the amount of water escape.
Works were done and the yard is looking great thanks to the great finishing skills of our foreman XXX. The client was so thrilled (or maybe relieved that works were complete) that she sent us a lovely ‘Thank You’ card.