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Dichelle · Mar 25, 2011, 02:55 AM

I've been researching how to solve my washing machine standpipe overflow problem. Sounds like a combination of old, small pipes and new hi-volume machine. I was thinking of also trying some RootX to keep the sewer lines as clean as possible.

We had some work done last year on the other waste line from the house (we have 2) which included industrial-strength snaking (augering?) and installation of a new cleanout (at the other end of the house from the laundry room). At that time we were told we had Orangeburg pipe and root damage. So my question is... if I use RootX to attack the root problem, will it damage the Orangeburg and make matters worse in the long run?

joypulv · Mar 25, 2011, 03:06 AM

You'll be throwing small money down the drain when you need to spend big money. The Orangeburg is falling apart by now. It's just pressed wood fibers soaked in pitch. I removed it around the house footing drains, clogged solid, flaking, and brittle after 43 years, just before they stopped making it.

Dichelle · Mar 27, 2011, 07:11 AM

Joypulv, I appreciate the feedback. Last march when we had the cleanout installed we investigated digging up all the old Orangeburg. At that time, though, the city couldn't identify where it was meeting the city sewer. Incredible, I know. They did the dye test in the toilet and everything. Street pipes were dry as a bone: no flow. I was afraid to go digging up the whole yard for nothing. Oh, and one more tidbit to make it even more interesting: both of our waste drains go out the back of the house. The plumber's opinion was that it must meet up in the backyard, continue to the corner of the house, do a 90-degree turn and head to the street (under the paved driveway no less).

We live in Richmond, VA. The house was built in 1956 when this was still county property, but our area was annexed by the City some 30-40 years ago. I'm told these homes were built with septic systems but then converted to city sewer. All of this makes it more complicated and brings up more questions... :(

joypulv · Mar 27, 2011, 08:21 AM

Interesting. Our house was also on septic and then put on city sewer. When I had part of our foundation excavated around last summer because of poor drainage and water in our slab level downstairs, I called town hall and found out that there are no records kept of where sewer lines are (since they aren't on the original building plans). Fortunately I can see the dent in the yard where the dirt sank. It too goes all around the house and then angles up to the road, but not under any pavement.

Our sewer pipes aren't Orangeburg, only footing and trench drains (now gone).

You might solve the washing machine problem with much wider PVC all the way to the stack, and the tallest and also widest standpipe you can reach with the drain hose. A cheap fix.