Waste for 100 flats?

[macka09]

Hi guys. I’m on a job at the moment where the building has 100 flats over 4 floors. The problem is there’s no mechanical supervisor on site or any drawing in regards to the waste pipe work. One of the issues seems to be, there’s only 5 vents going out to atmosphere. today we’ve been told to run a float in the ceiling void on the top floor to pick up 5 flats on the top floor as well as it serving the 15 flats below. This doesn’t seem right at all. Are there any regs that prevent this or is there any guidance that should be followed? Any advice would be great. I reckon they’re are going to Durgo most of it.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Join them together I’m guessing your using 6” and go through the roof eg split them into 5s

 

[macka09]

Join them together I’m guessing your using 6” and go through the roof eg split them into 5s

The only 6” would be on the 4th floor in the ceiling void but back to 4” through the roof. So 4” from ground level then up to 6” on top floor ceiling void but back to 4in through the roof. Each vent would have to serve 20 flats with 2 soils in each. Just seems messed up to me

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Seems backwards supposed to start in 6” then reduce

My advise follow there instructions but make sure it’s noted down they said to do it like that and get paid

 

[macka09]

Seems backwards supposed to start in 6” then reduce

My advise follow there instructions but make sure it’s noted down they said to do it like that and get paid

That’s exactly what I’ve said. I’m not clued up on these size jobs. 6” in the ground then 4” for 4 floors then 6” in the ceiling then back to 4” for a vent??? WTF?? Lol absolute Rubbish show. Excuse the pun lol. What job role would be the one that covers this sort of stuff?

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Who ever tells you how to do it

Should be mechanical services or m and e designer / engineer

 

[macka09]

Who ever tells you how to do it

Should be mechanical services or m and e designer / engineer

I thought as much. It’s above my pay grade I know that much.

 

[Scott_D]

Is there no foreman or supervisor?

 

[macka09]

Is there no foreman or supervisor?

There’s a foreman mate but he has no idea. Not a single drawing to hand and no other mechanical guys on site other than 2 domestic plumbers.

 

[Scott_D]

Crazy
What about the builders? Ask if they can get you a copy of the drawings. At least you can said you requested if it all goes wrong

 

[Chuck]

Have you considered the possibility that the developer is in financial trouble and is cutting costs on 'details' like detailed plans and senior engineers in the hope that the trades will know what to do?

To me, something smells very fishy about the scenario you've painted. Make sure you don't end up as a creditor if/when they go bust.

Also, I wouldn't rely on the "I was only following orders" defence (post 4) without checking with a lawyer firsr. You may have the moral high ground, but it'll still be a system that you installed that is not fit for its intended purposes, which is potentially going to lead to years of hassle.

 

[oz-plumber]

How are you employed on the job?
Are you considered the main contractor?

Not sure on your regs over there, but a 4 storey building over her requires a lot more venting requirements.
You need relief vents between each floor on buildings over 3 storeys.

It's a fair bit beyond the domestic plumber to know all the requirements.
Not beyond the capabilities of a domestic plumber to install as long as there are hydraulic plans.

I haven't done anything near 100 flats, mostly in the 20's, but there have always been spec'd plans to follow.

Whatever you do, make sure you're not going to be liable for the work done on the project.
If you're asking the questions on here, it sounds like you're out of your depth and you have concerns.

When things go wrong at a later date, hopefully your not the one someone is going to blame and point the finger at.

A project that size requires fully specified drawings, drawn by a consultant / hydraulic engineer.

 

[macka09]

How are you employed on the job?
Are you considered the main contractor?

Not sure on your regs over there, but a 4 storey building over her requires a lot more venting requirements.
You need relief vents between each floor on buildings over 3 storeys.

It's a fair bit beyond the domestic plumber to know all the requirements.
Not beyond the capabilities of a domestic plumber to install as long as there are hydraulic plans.

I haven't done anything near 100 flats, mostly in the 20's, but there have always been spec'd plans to follow.

Whatever you do, make sure you're not going to be liable for the work done on the project.
If you're asking the questions on here, it sounds like you're out of your depth and you have concerns.

When things go wrong at a later date, hopefully your not the one someone is going to blame and point the finger at.

A project that size requires fully specified drawings, drawn by a consultant / hydraulic engineer.

You are right. I am certainly out of my depth I’m there as a subcontracting plumber but there’s no mechanical drawings or specs to follow. I’ve been asked to pressure test this setup to 5bar via the manifolds. I’m not scared to say no and walk from the job. I was originally asked to help on the bathroom installs.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Looks a nice set up

 

[macka09]

Looks a nice set up

It looks smart but no one has the answer for whether we can test from the bottom of the manifolds or whether we have to test each run from above. It’s upunor press on the manifolds but then converts to Hep2o.