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What is the best solution for my waste connection issue?

We paid a certified contractor to install a sewer connection up to our boundary. However, they met with other services, which required the pipe to be raised by 200mm. This meant that it was the same height as the outlet under the main slab of the house, some 8m away – insufficient to dispose of waste effectively. The company has told me that there’s nothing for it but to put in a second pumping station (we already have one for the basement but it wasn’t designed to serve the whole house). How common is it that an infill project is unable to connect to the main sewer? And what is the best way to resolve the issue?

I’m sorry to hear about your situation, but it just goes to show that you can never really accurately plan or budget for groundworks until you start digging. It’s not uncommon for houses to be unable to connect to a nearby sewer due to levels, obstructions or lack of capacity. It’s situations like this that reinforce the need to keep a contingency fund in reserve.

I think you have two options, both of which will add to your budget. You could elect for an off-mains solution, such as a septic or treatment plant, but I would suggest this would introduce unacceptable additional cost when you are so close to the main sewer. The other possibility is the pumping station you have been advised to install. From what you have told me, this sounds like the best route. You mention that you already have a pumping station in the basement – I assume that you are referring to a macerating pump such as a Saniflo system. A mains solution will be much larger and capable of handling waste from the whole dwelling. I’d recommend speaking to a company like Kingspan Environmental to discuss which of their options would fit the bill.