[Roger Cude]

Need to install a clean out on my main sewer line on an older house... the main runs under a patio so the closest I can get to the house is about 20' to 30'

[speedball1]

Need to install a clean out on my main sewer line on an older house.....the main runs under a patio so the closest I can get to the house is about 20' to 30'

I'm assuming that you have cast iron drainage in your older home. Dig down and expose the pipe. Rent a set of ratchet, (not snap) cutters,(see image) and purchase a 4" No-Hub cleanout tee, (you can use cast iron or convert to PVC, your choice) two 4" No-Hub Bands, (see image) enough pipe to reach the surface and a clean out,(see image).
Measure the tee and make your cut 3/8ths. Of a inch larger. Slide the metal bands over the pipe and roll the rubber gaskets back. Place the teein the opening and snap the rubber gaskets over the tee. Slide the metal bands over the joint and tighten down. You may now cut and installk the raiser and cleanout. Good luck and thank you for rating my answer. Tom

[gatewayrooterin]

My sewer line is broken in the street how to change it

[massplumber2008]

Hi Gateway:

You may need to dig that pipe up and then replace it from the street to the house... can be quite costly, but may be necessary depending on how the pipe is broken, how many times the pipe is broken and whether the pipe has bellies/dips, etc. that will require the pipe to be replaced in its entirety.

Possible, you may also be able to RELINE the pipe. This would require that the drain line be cleared and then videotaped. Then a determination could be made as to the benefits, if any, gained by reling. If you are a relining candidate, it could save thousands comparing it to diging up the old pipe.

Here is what the lead plumber around here had to say about relining pipes in his house (under concrete)...

"Let me explain a bit more about my drainage problem and how I repaired it. 54 year old house. The builder used sub standard cast iron in the drainage. The 4" house main was completely ate up on the bottom of the pipe , blocked with roots and welling up in my living room floor. I was sure that the main had broke in two and I would have to jack hammer up the floor and tunnel under the foundation to transition to PVC, pick up the back bath and move the main outside the house but I had to know what was going on under the slab so a friend suggested running a camera down there. There was no distinct break in the main, however,it was completely ate up on the bottom. That's when Rooter Man of Sarasota and Gulf Coast Florida suggested relining the main. It took a day to clear the roots and pressure jet clean the main. Next day they came back and relined the main with epoxy. I now have a sewer main that will out last me, (50 year guarantee) and the best part is that I didn't have to, tear up my house and the cost was under half of what I figured to take the main outside around the house. Another bonus was that it was done without tearing up or disturbing my house. When they were finished I kept a piece of the epoxy liner to check it out. It was white and had the same thickness of Schedule#40 PVC.
I was amazed at the equipment RooterMan had outside my place. The equipment he had cost upwards of $100,000.00. Hi tech stuff that took a technician to run it. There were 3 men and 2 trucks to do the job. And it was completed in two days. Lottsa difference from the old days when I went out on a sewer call with a Ridged K-60 Sewer Machine and a ladder to get to the roof vent. I just wanted to point out that there's another option besides replacing drainage that the years have ruined. If your pipes are a candidate for a reline job I strongly suggest you look into it before you decide to replace the drainage pipes. I did and saved a bundle in addition to keeping my home intact. Just thought I would share that with you . Regards, Tom"

Anyway, there is some information for you.

If you decide to explore this option let us know how you make out. If you plan on digging that pipe up and replacing it yourself then let us know and we will be glad to discuss with you in detail... ;)

MARK