Installing a garage pit
Discussion
I had been thinking about getting a lift, but decided there really isn't enough height to do it.
So, the next logical step is to look at getting a pit instead.
Google suggests that glass fibre pre-fab pits are all the rage, so is it as simple as cut/break the concrete, dig it out, install prefab pit and wiring for lights, cement in place, then make good the floor?
How much should I expect a project like this to cost me? I don't have an easy way of disposing of what I dig out, so would probably need to get a builder involved so it becomes their problem.
Are there scenarios where a pit can't be done?
So, the next logical step is to look at getting a pit instead.
Google suggests that glass fibre pre-fab pits are all the rage, so is it as simple as cut/break the concrete, dig it out, install prefab pit and wiring for lights, cement in place, then make good the floor?
How much should I expect a project like this to cost me? I don't have an easy way of disposing of what I dig out, so would probably need to get a builder involved so it becomes their problem.
Are there scenarios where a pit can't be done?
roofer said:
Check insurance cover. And you need to allow for staircase length as well as pit length. Collapsing inwards with weight of car over pit needs addressing. A bit more than just digging a hole.
True but having said all that last year I had a new pond built in my garden. It's a formal circular design and 4' deep. All the builder did was hire a digger for a day and a skip and dug a 4' hole. Nothing collapsed but of course the mass of 6500 gallons of water now balances the surrounding soil. I guess it depends on the soil?There are a few times that a pit cant be done but most of them are space related, as some garages can fit a pit in them, with a car above but you then have no room to actually then get under the car. or the car has to hang half in anf half out the garage which is not ideal if its a longer project.
but things to consider easpecially if the garage was built after the house are
Sewers and drainage
Gas
Electric
Water
Other services
natural water table etc etc
ive sent you an email with some more information in it.
Hope this helps??
but things to consider easpecially if the garage was built after the house are
Sewers and drainage
Gas
Electric
Water
Other services
natural water table etc etc
ive sent you an email with some more information in it.
Hope this helps??
dan5oclocksmith said:
I don't have an easy way of disposing of what I dig out, so would probably need to get a builder involved so it becomes their problem.
All the builder will do is hire a skip and put it all in there, which is something you could do yourself. The only 'problem' with a pit is that some fumes from petrol etc can be heavier than air and end up filling the pit, leading to a possible danger of suffocation. If I was building a pit I would incorporate some sort of air moving equipment.
SkinnyBoy said:
Pits should be banned, you would never get me in one. You can get mobile scissor lifts, I have one in work, expensive but if you value your life its a small price to pay.
How so? I count myself as lucky that my parents (by accident) have a garage with a full length 2m deep pit on one side of their double garage. Dead useful - are there measures I should be taking to protect myself? - Other than wellies because the damn thing keeps flooding?On a side note I'm only in it about once every 6 months - last time I opened it up a frog was swimming around in it. I rescued it - luckiest frog ever!
In theory any hole in the ground can fill with fumes, or rather not have enough oxygen for you to breath properly. In that case, there is a chance that you'll just keel over, fall to the bottom and it's game over with no replay. In industry similar things like deep bunds used to be classed as "confined spaces" (something like that) and required breathable air tests before going in.
Even knowing these dangers I still put one in my workshop and it's been very handy over the last few years. Common sense, not using it with a running car overhead, checking for spilt fluids, etc, and it's not going to be a problem. I just felt the car was more secure than it would be on a domestic-market scissor lift and I don't have enough height for a professional 4 post lift.
Brian
Even knowing these dangers I still put one in my workshop and it's been very handy over the last few years. Common sense, not using it with a running car overhead, checking for spilt fluids, etc, and it's not going to be a problem. I just felt the car was more secure than it would be on a domestic-market scissor lift and I don't have enough height for a professional 4 post lift.
Brian
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