Hello,

I think one or more of the cement sewer lines has broken, so I was digging a line where the sewer runs and ran into a small copper line looks to be 1/4". It's not loose and seems connected. Can someone tell me what this is? I don't think it is gas becase that line I believe is larger and goes into another part of the house.

I would appreciate any comments. Thanks!

I was digging a line where the sewer runs But where were you digging?
If in the basement the 1/4" line sounds like the supply for a floor drain trap primer.
If you were digging outside I haven't a clue. Regards, Tom

Sorry, I should give more information. Don't have a basement. I'm digging on the side of the house. I could take a picture if that might help. Thanks!

I can't think of any reason A small copper line should be in the same ditch as the sewer line unless it used to supply a bird bath or small water fall. Ya got me stumped. Cheers, Tom

Hi Damadake

Go over by the gas meter (or where gas enters the home)... is the same copper "pipe" found there? If so, someone may have used the copper tubing as a TRACER WIRE... here, code requires a copper tracer wire be laid on top of the gas mains underground outside a house so they can be traced out by DIGSAFE and people don't get hurt digging when digging for most anything... ;)

Far-fetched, for sure, but I wanted you to check by the gas meter for safety sake, huh?

Mark

Thanks Mark,
We don't too much pipe gas down here and I was mystified. Never too old to learn and I learn something from you guys every day. Cheers, Tom

Hi Tom...

Tracer wires are usually very very small wires so I'm doubting that this is a tracer wire, but I thought it was worth checking...

Thanks...

Tracer wire is usually #6 or #8 solid copper wire. I guess, it could be mistaken for 1/4" tubing...

Also, it could be ground from pool re-bar shell and / or pool deck mesh.