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    damadake's Avatar
    damadake Posts: 26, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Nov 6, 2010, 08:14 AM
    What is this copper pipe?
    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!
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
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    #2

    Nov 6, 2010, 08:22 AM

    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
    damadake's Avatar
    damadake Posts: 26, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Nov 6, 2010, 08:27 AM

    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!
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
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    #4

    Nov 6, 2010, 11:40 AM

    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
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
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    #5

    Nov 6, 2010, 01:58 PM

    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
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
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    #6

    Nov 6, 2010, 02:15 PM

    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
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #7

    Nov 6, 2010, 03:05 PM

    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...
    Milo Dolezal's Avatar
    Milo Dolezal Posts: 7,192, Reputation: 523
    Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #8

    Nov 6, 2010, 11:02 PM
    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.
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