Trusted local plumbing & heating — 25+ years of experience

conroy.phr@gmail.com|24/7 Emergency Callouts

HomeAboutServices 

Our WorkAreas We CoverReviewsBlogContact07863 789484Get a Free Quote

- 

HomeFAQWhat is the 135 rule in plumbing (and does it apply in Bolton)?

# What is the 135 rule in plumbing (and does it apply in Bolton)?
Quick Answer

The 135 rule isn't a UK regulation — it's an American rule of thumb saying you should never make more than 135° of pipe bends between drain access points without an inspection point. UK plumbers working in Bolton follow BS EN 12056 and Part H of the Building Regulations instead, which set similar limits to keep waste pipes rod-able.

## What the 135 rule means
The 135 rule says that the total angle of bends in a drainage run between any two access points (rodding eyes or inspection chambers) must not exceed 135°. Beyond that, if the pipe blocks you physically can't push drain rods through to clear it.

It's a North American shorthand. In the UK we follow BS EN 12056-2 and Approved Document H of the Building Regulations, which use the same principle — keep runs reasonably straight and provide access — but specify it in slightly different ways.

## Why it matters in Bolton homes
We come across breached versions of this rule constantly in older Bolton extensions, where waste pipes have been routed around obstacles with multiple 90° bends and no rodding access. The result is a drain that blocks every six months and can't be cleared without lifting floorboards.

If you're planning a new kitchen or bathroom, insist on a rodding eye at every change in direction over 45°. It costs almost nothing during first-fix and saves hundreds in callouts later.

## Need a Bolton plumber today?
Phil Conroy is a Gas Safe registered plumbing & heating engineer covering Bolton and the wider Greater Manchester area. For a free written quote on any job — from tap repairs to a full boiler installation — call 07863 789484 or message us here. For round-the-clock issues, see our emergency plumbing service.

## Related questions
How much is a plumber per hour in Bolton?
- What do local plumbers charge per hour in Bolton?
- How can I spot a dodgy plumber in Bolton?
- How much does a plumber charge for 3 hours work in Bolton?
- What's the most common plumbing repair in Bolton homes?

A trusted, family-run plumbing and heating business with over 25 years of experience serving Bolton, Manchester, and the wider Lancashire area.

### Our Services

- Emergency Plumbing
- Boiler Installation
- Boiler Repairs
- Boiler Servicing
- Central Heating
- Gas Safety Certificates
- Leak Detection
- Power Flushing
- Plumber
- Gas Engineer
- Renewables

### Company

- About Us
- Our Work
- Reviews
- Specials
- Blog
- Contact
- Privacy Policy
- Cookie Policy
- Terms & Conditions
- Complaints Policy

### Areas We Cover

- Bolton
- Manchester
- Blackburn
- Bury
- Chorley
- Preston
- Wigan
- Salford

### Get in Touch

- 07863 789484
- conroy.phr@gmail.com
- 14 Prestbury Rd, Bolton BL1 8SAAvailable 24/7 for emergency callouts

*Conroy PHR LTD is an Introducer Appointed Representative of TradeHelp for the purpose of credit broking introductions only. Our firm reference number is 1059442. TradeHelp is a trading style of TradeHelp Ltd, Marchwiel Centre, Bryn Lane, Wrexham Ind Est, LL13 9UT, registered in England (03712438), authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (firm reference number 697812). TradeHelp are a credit broker, not a lender, and offer loans from a small panel of carefully selected lenders. TradeHelp do not offer financial advice and do not charge you for credit broking services. All loans are subject to status.

© 2026 Conroy Plumbing & Heating. All rights reserved.

Privacy PolicyCookie PolicyTerms & ConditionsComplaints Policy

Call NowFree Quote

WhatsApp usWe use essential cookies to run this site, plus optional cookies from embedded forms and reviews. Cookie Policy

AcceptReject