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JimmyU · Jun 8, 2011, 04:58 AM

The problem started a little over a year ago, a few days before my wedding while my family was staying with us. Called a rooter to auger the line and again a couple days later. Finally broke down and had a camera run through after the third occurrence. Discovered a belly, approx 10' long, about 20' from entrance to city sewer. Looks as though ground has sunk and no signs of a break. Rooter suggested using a blow bag as a temporary fix and I've been using the heck out of it (think I'm on my 5th one now?)

Moving on to today, I'm about to sell and I know this will be a sticking point with a potential buyer. So the question is, can I dig up the line and "raise" the sunken portion to ensure at least 1/8" per ft of grade? Or is this not possible? I'm hoping it's as simple as digging it up, lifting and leveling the line, back-filling below with sand, and filling it in. Obviously if I discover a break, it's time to call in an expert, but either way, having the digging done should save me a bundle. Am I missing anything?

ballengerb1 · Jun 8, 2011, 07:33 AM

What is a "blow bag"? Yes you can dig down but raising an existing pipe to proper slope is tougher than you may be picturing. 1/8" per inch is fine for 4" pipe but anything smaller needs 1/4" per foot. Most plumbers would cut out the belly, fill and tamp and then install PVC with a Fernco shielded hubless coupler

Milo Dolezal · Jun 8, 2011, 04:24 PM

Agree with Ballengerb1. Do not try to level the belly. Cut out the sunken section of pipe and replace with fresh pipe. Old pipe may be permanently bent and it will be hard to straighten it out. Let us know how you did. Milo

JimmyU · Jun 9, 2011, 10:44 PM

Thank you, gentleman. That would be the part I was missing, but it makes sense. So any idea what it would cost to hire someone to repair if the digging portion were already done? From what I've read, digging is the biggest part of sewer line repair cost.

Milo Dolezal · Jun 9, 2011, 11:24 PM

Correct, excavation is 90% of the work. Rest is a snap. You can do it yourself and accomplish that in 1/2 hour.

As far as hiring licensed plumber goes - well, it depends where you are located. You could purchase all materials yourself in Home Depot. I think it would be fair to pay a plumber $300.00 - $500.00 to install it for you.

Let us know how it went... Good luck... Milo