1960s flat - drainpipes run through property internally
1960s flat - drainpipes run through property internally
Author
Discussion

Leedssurveyor

Original Poster:

72 posts

147 months

Thursday 18th August 2016
quotequote all
CAN A MOD MOVE TO HOMES GARDENS AND DIY PLEASE - WRONG FORUM

Hi Guys,

Just doing a bit of a refurb to my 1960s second floor flat (top floor, with flat ceiling above) which involves scraping wallpaper paint etc off the walls and fitting insulated plasterboard to the external walls as the flat suffers from severe condensation issues during winter. We have already done this insulation to the bedroom areas last year and this solved the condensation issues in those rooms completely.

Having now started to strip the living and dining areas I came across a boxed in area which once opened revealed a cast iron drainpipe running from the ceiling above down through the flats internally below. a bit odd to say the least.. I had known of one drainpipe on my balcony but obviously this was not 'internal'.

What would you recommend I do with this? simply close the box back up and forget about it, replace the cast iron pipe with plastic (would potentialy involve downstairs occupiers and further works as necesary) or use as much sealent around the top and pipe as possible and re-box in with new insulation board that is only screwed in to provide future access for repairs etc? Bearing in mind this has been in situ for c.40 years and doesnt appear in an awful condition?

Your advice is appreciated, pictures below!






kiethton

14,510 posts

204 months

Thursday 18th August 2016
quotequote all
I had similar in mine - but Asbesdos! - vent pipes & plastic waste pipes but similar

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

I've connected what I needed to them and then re-boxed in - not cost effective/practical to take out/replace, especially as they serve downstairs too

Phunk

2,092 posts

195 months

Thursday 18th August 2016
quotequote all
Our Glasgow tenement has the same, I'd leave them alone but make them accessible if you need to get into it.

TwigtheWonderkid

48,111 posts

174 months

Thursday 18th August 2016
quotequote all
Can you expose them and paint them gloss black, or wrap them in tinfoil...make a feature out of them. New York loft style. (maybe a bit of a stretch there)

Leedssurveyor

Original Poster:

72 posts

147 months

Thursday 18th August 2016
quotequote all
Potentially like the idea of exposing with gloss black, not so sure on the tinfoil idea! I think the best thing to do would be to clean them up, put some sealer around the entry and exits, check for damage or serious rust, re-paint and then box in with new insulation panels and fix in with the ability to access if needed. Thanks guys.

Tom_C76

1,923 posts

212 months

Thursday 18th August 2016
quotequote all
If you expose it you'll have terrible condensation as it'll be cold at the top...

I'd box in with insulation but separate plasterboard with a vapour barrier between to keep the moisture the warm side.

TwigtheWonderkid

48,111 posts

174 months

Friday 19th August 2016
quotequote all
Leedssurveyor said:
Potentially like the idea of exposing with gloss black, not so sure on the tinfoil idea!
I've seen it done with tin foil. Pull it really tight and it can look really effective. Very industrial, but in a good way. Also bound in rough string / rope can look effective.