Hello,

We are trying to install a bathroom in our finished basement and will be getting a plumber to do the work. (after we find the pipe) However, we have been trying to find the drain pipe that we will need to connect to (or run off from I guess) and have had no luck. We have jackhammered the slab and looked in areas where we figured it might run, but nothing. The city has nothing for us to look at that helps and the previous owner also has nothing. We tried contacting the company that did the plumbing but they are no longer at the information we got. Looking for a pipe under the floor is not fun and feeling quite lost as to where to look.

I am writing here for ANY ideas anyone might have on how to find this pipe so we can continue on with this. I am writing this as my dad has got me doing this work and its quite physically tiring ripping the slab and stuff and I just want to know what we should do to find this pipe! Sorry for the lack of information as I do not know anything about plumbing and just looking for some hope!.

*Also how deep do you think we should be digging?

Many Thanks!
Ed

Attached is a simple drawing of how the basement looks and I don't know if it helps or not.

Hi Ed,

In your drawing you've shown me everything but what I need to know. Where does the main drain pipe come out of the first floor and drop to the basement and where is the house cleanout at the point the sewer leaves the house? Is the kitchen already installed? The pipes should be a foot or so under the cement depending on the slope of the system. All a plumber can do when he walks inro a new job is to look at where the fixtures are positioned and where the sewer leaves the house and then lay the job out in his minds eye. Give me the information I need and I'll give it a shot. Regards, Tom

If all else fails, I believe that you can hire a company that will send a small transmitter through the drain (attached to a sewer snake?). The receiver should be able to provide you with the path of the elusive drain. They may charge you a few bucks, but it should be cheaper than jack-hammering up your basement floor. Good luck.

Hey thanks guys I will look into both your answers and will post back as soon as I can a) provided more info and/or b) inquire about the transmitter route

Again thanks for replying!