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Lobster

wrote:
My main sewer pipe is under the path at the side of my house and then
exits out through my neighbours property. The main soil stack is vented
at the top, but I also have another vent stack that is near to where
the sewer goes into next door's property. Unfortunately this second
soil stack is attached to the single story kitchen. As a result it is
about 6 foot high and whenever I go around the side of my house I get a
whiff of it.

As far as I can ascertain this is all original and the house was built
in 1904. Is there any reason for this short vent stack. Could I block
it off?

I am aware that maintenance of the sewer is the responsibility of the
water board because of the age of the house and because it is shared
with a neighbour. Could blocking this off cause a problem with them? I
expect they will do anything in their powers to avoid working on this,
should it ever go wrong.

What is the secondary soil stack for; does it just have waste
connections from the kitchen (ie no toilet?) Could any such pipes be
run into a suitable surface gully outside the kitchen?

I'm wondering whether a Durgo valve could simply be plonked on the top
of this stack, which would permit air entry to avoid formation of a
vacuum within the stack, but not let the pooey smells out. Can't see
why that wouldn't work assuming the stack is venting the same pipe as
your main stack (which would be adequate to let gases escape); my only
concern would be whether you can use one outside - AFAK they are
intended for indoor use for obvious reasons.

Alternatively, wouldn't simply extending the existing stack upwards a
bit to a regulation height be the easiest solution? or is there scope
for extending the stack horizontally(ish) (ie sloped up a bit) towards
the main house, then extending upwards attached to the house wall?

David