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bchamm · Oct 12, 2009, 11:48 AM

Hello:

I have a house that was built in the 1800's. There is an easement on my property that allows an abutting property to have their sewer line run through my basement. (dirt floor).

A few years ago, I was experiencing rats in the basement. Upon inspection, it appeared their source was the location where my house's sewer pipe enters my neighbor's. When they added plumbing to my house, it is apparent that they simply broke into the pipe and the neighbor's pipe is deteriorating at that point - along with a couple of others north and south of the break in.

I patched it up the best I could, but the more I worked with it, the more the pipe deteriorated.

The pipe appears to be clay based and is approx 8" in diameter. My thinking is I can cut the existing pipe at the bad point north of my house's system and at the bad point further down. Then install a Wye fitting for my house.

The problem is I cannot find a plumbing supply house willing to sell me the larger diameter pipe.

To be frank, I cannot afford to hire a plumber, but really do need to seal this up. I am pretty handy and have no problem putting piping together...

1. Any suggestions as to where I can purchase the pipe and fittings?
2. Do you think my neighbor should bear some of the cost?

One last bit of info. The neighbors pipe runs under an cistern in the corner of my cellar - just to make it interesting... No easy job to replace the whole thing!

Thanks for any help!

Brian

Milo Dolezal · Oct 12, 2009, 02:59 PM

First, make sure it is 8" pipe. Keep in mind it is not the Outside measurement that tells you what size of pipe you have - but it is the Inside measurement. For instance: 4" Clay pipe will measure about 6" on the outside.... So measure again...

You don't have to use Clay again to replace small section of pipe or to attach to it with "Y". You can go with ABS or PVC which will be lot easier for you to install. Home Depot carries sewer pipes and fittings up to 4".

If you indeed have larger diameter pipe, like 6" I.D. Clay, than go to Ferguson Enterprises. Google them for the closest store to your address. They are all over US. If you are in California, you can also go to Hirsh Pipe and Supply, Indiana Plumbing Supply, Pyramid Plumbing Supply, Western States Industries, or Leif Ball Plumbing Supply to purchase needed pipe and fittings.

Can you snap a picture of it and post it here ? Thanks...

speedball1 · Oct 12, 2009, 04:11 PM

Sounds like you have Terrea-Cotta clay pipe down there. Most house drainage is 4" but it sounds like you may have 6" if you measured the outside. . Measure again, send ua a picture and we'll assist you bin replacing with plastic. Good luck, Tom

bchamm · Oct 13, 2009, 09:42 AM

Hey guys...

First, THANK YOU! I am impressed there are good people out there willing to help!

Here is a link to the pics I just took:

Untitled

I'll look into buying the larger pipe, again.

Brian

Milo Dolezal · Oct 13, 2009, 09:50 AM

Thanks for the photos. It helps a lot... Yes, it appears you have PVC pipe. That's the best material to work with. I cannot read its schedule or size from the pics, but if you slide your tape measure down the hole in the pipe, you should be able to read Inside Diameter. If it measures more than 4" than go to more professional plumbing supply store or even to Irrigation Supply Store. They will carry it. ( ...they will probably make you to buy 20' of it...)You will also need 2 Fernco couplings to connect new and old.

To repair old pipe: You will cut out about 24" section of old pipe. Cut 23" from new pipe, insert coupling one on each side, put new pipe in where the cut out is, slide coupling over onto old pipe, and tighten up. You are done. If you wanna cut in Y than same procedure applies: Take the Y, glue two short pieces from new pipe, one on each end totaling 23" including the Y.

bchamm · Oct 13, 2009, 09:54 AM

Thanks Milo:
Actually, the white "pipe" you see is really a very thin plasitic I formed as a liner so the sewer wouldn't be open.

I still need to cut the old pipe and create or use a union to insert PVC.

I just hope the old pipe doesn't keep deteriorating as I do!

Brian

Milo Dolezal · Oct 13, 2009, 09:59 AM

Ah... now I see it in pic #2. It is kind of buried in dirt. It looks like Clay to me. No problem. Just cut the jagged edges on the Clay pipe nice and straight and insert plastic. Same procedure. Plastic does not go inside the Clay pipe. It ends at the cut. When you buy the couplings, get the once that go from Clay to PVC. ( they will be larger on Clay side and bit smaller on PVC side - even thought both ends are let's say 4" )

I am enclosing example to give you better visual. It is all in ABS - but installation procedure is the same...