Sewers
Sewer Problems-Total replacement needed?
I had to have my sewer main snaked for the 2nd time in 6 weeks. The plumber was unable to get his 3 inch auger through my 4 inch pipe. He was able to get his 1" auger through to clear the drain and stop the sewage from coming out of the basement sink. The plumber also recommended an immediate total replacement of the sewer line, which is buried in concrete. I had a contractor give me a quote. He recommended that a new main be created from the main sewer stack, which would be mounted about halfway on the basement wall and would then connect to the city sewer main. He is charging $4200 for that way or 6500 to bust up the concrete floor in the basement and then connect to the main. I would lose my basement sink, since the sink drain would be below the new main. Does this sound reasonable or doable to anyone. I am tempted to go for it. I am having problems getting contractors to replace my line because the township mandated new sewer laters for the entire town and all the contractors are busy doing the required laterals. I wasn't due to replace mine until the end of 2010. Also, if I have the new line mounted on the wall, is there any way to get my sink installed at a later date. I am not planning on staying in my current home later than 2012. Thanks. Existing pipe is cast iron. A 1" blade was used to clear the line. All that came back was hair. No roots. The city inspected the main to see if the main was the problem. They used their camera to go into my lateral. It had tree roots in it.
Public Comments
- Hey Bud, Sounds like a mess, sorry. You asked a couple of questions but before addressing them did they bring any material back on the cutting blade of the sewer machine? If its roots there is a "slow way" to help make it flow. But it is slow. If its roots and is flowing there is a product made to flush down your toilet and I cant remember the name but basically its poison salt. If its flowing it will kill the roots and let the drain be easier to clear. You have to add this often and may not be something you want to try but it works. The sink drain is an easy fix. Go with the drain through the wall and use a pump and check valve for the sink. Any good plumbing supply store has these pumps and they are reliable. If the pipe is crushed not much else to do but replace it. If its cast iron and its roots. I would try using a 1" cable and cutting bit. Its slow, its a pain to run but it will clear the line. You would still need to use the root killer. Good luck and if possible let us know how it goes. Oldguy
- Get a second opinion. The problem is outside your house not under the basement floor.Call a drain service with camera capability . The main drain can be accessed from inside the house.It must be free flowing. This camera will pinpoint the exact location of obstruction. Using a 1" diameter snake will Not clear tree roots from 4" pipe! They merely poked a hole through obstruction to allow water to drain. Re- routing sanitary sewer from within house above the concrete floor is not the answer if obstruction is outside of foundation wall. This also would eliminate any existing or future plumbing capabilities in the basement.The main 4" drain can be accessed or snaked by removing toilet and resetting it after work is performed. Get estimates from established licensed plumbing companies with permit prior to replacing sewer piping.
