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    SirVinCigars's Avatar
    SirVinCigars Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Nov 18, 2011, 11:16 AM
    How do you temporarily plug a toilet drain pipe?
    I have a sewer back-up issue in my basement because the sump pump drains into the house sewer line then connects unfortunately to the town rain run-off lines. Every time heavy rains occur my entire finished basement floods. 8 times in 5 years.Money is tight so I would like to remove toilet bowl (no problem) and put a temp. cap of some sort that would withstand back water pressure. Can't find any temp caps. Any help?
    Vinny
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
    Uber Member
    		  
    #2

    Nov 18, 2011, 03:24 PM
    You can buy an assortment of teas plugs at HD, Lowe's and others. Rubber plug with a wing nut to tighten. What is the drain made of?
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #3

    Nov 18, 2011, 07:01 PM
    You are asking how to plug the toilet but all of your desciption is about a sump pump connected to the city line. Can you clear this up a bit?
    mudslinger's Avatar
    mudslinger Posts: 7, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #4

    Dec 14, 2011, 07:51 PM
    Seems to me, you should consider how you can redirect the flow when the sump needs to run. In other words, cut and the pipe going to the city storm drain and run another line... onto your lawn for instance. That would resolve one aspect of the problem. For this reason, I was told the sump should not be connected to the municipal storm drain system. However, I know for convenience some make this connection after the relevant inspection.

    The other point is it sounds to me like you do not have a 'back flow preventer' built into the main sewer line. I've been told in many jurisdictions local code requires one on new construction and when remodelling affects the plumbing. Part of the code (I'm told) is that it is required within 3 ft or 1m from the foundation wall where the sewer enters the house. As the term is self descriptive, you can imagine how it works... to prevent the back flow of fluid in the sewer line that is on the other side of the mechanism.

    If these applying these ideas are in the budget, I would be surprised if you continued to have issues with flooding in the basement.

    Of course... I'm just a bricklayer so what do I know?

    Cheerio!
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
    		  
    #5

    Dec 15, 2011, 05:59 AM
    every time heavy rains occur my entire finished basement floods. 8 times in 5 years.
    Well! That oughta tell you something! In my area you would be cited and taken to court for dumping anything but sewage or gray water into the city sewer.
    I agree with the other experts.
    Capping the toilet isn't the answer.
    There arer two ways to do this.
    1. Install a house check valve/ backflow preventer,(see image) just after the house clean out.**OR**
    2. Build a dry well, (see image) and divert to rainwater to it.
    Capping the toilet is simply a band aid. Fix the problem at the source and your basement flood go bye-bye. Good luck, Tom
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    Milo Dolezal's Avatar
    Milo Dolezal Posts: 7,192, Reputation: 523
    Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #6

    Dec 15, 2011, 07:04 PM
    My 2 cents...

    1. Just be careful: by plugging toilet you will transfer point of sewer entry to your basement into tub/shower or sink drains. You will have to plug them all...

    2. As far as check valve goes - I would not recommend installing one. In case you need to snake main sewer pipe, cable will get stuck on check valve and you have real problem on your hands

    Let us know how you solved your back up problem. Milo
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
    		  
    #7

    Dec 16, 2011, 05:46 AM
    Milo's correct. Plugging off the toilet will simply divert the backup to another fixture. Install a check valve/ backflow preventer AFTER the clean out would still protect your home and still allow you to snake the sewer line. Capping 5the toilet isn't the solution to your problem. Regards, Tom
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