What is a belly? What does it cause? How is it caused? Diagrams?

massplumber2008

PLUM it..I need you to be more specific here....

Belly what...? A BELLY in the pipe...?

If you are referring to a Belly in a pipe, means that there are DIPS or SAGS in the pipe from pipe being improperly hung.

For example, pvc needs to be hung/supported every 4 feet. Let's say a person hung pvc every 8 feet...would expect to see a "belly" or sag in pipe between hangers...NOT ACCEPTABLE or professional workmanship.

If not belly in pipe..what else are you thinking....??

Thanks...Mark

plumit

I was referring to a belly in a pipe that is underground in a main hallway in a school. What causes a belly? Damage?

massplumber2008

A belly in underground pipe is most likely the result of poor backfill and compaction of soil under and around underground pipe prior to pouring the cement floor. Pipe/dirt settle differently if not compacted properly..leads to belly in pipe and finally failure of pipe.

massplumber2008

Sometimes the belly is a result of poor compaction UNDER PIPE...but PROPER compaction on TOP of pipe...can create a belly in pipe even before ever get started...

ballengerb1

So Plumit, your schools has a sewer drain problem and the maintainence guy says maybe there is a belly in the pipe, am I close at all?? 35 years in a school and 38 years repairs homes and plumbing talking.