Question:
Repairing Leaking Sewer Line?
dlc3007
2007-11-21 17:02:09 UTC
Long story, I'll try to make it simple.

There is a hole in our basement wall where we can see out under the yard. We were planning on filling this cavity with dirt or concrete when we noticed a leak. That leak is coming from a stoneware sewer line.

The line isn't damaged -- the leak is coming from a joint between two pipes. What is my best course of action? I've called a couple plumbers to have them take a look at it. I'd be happiest if there was some kind of sealant I could put on the pipe since I can see and reach it (but I'm probably not going to be that lucky).
Six answers:
paigespirate
2007-11-21 17:53:01 UTC
It sounds like the other posts missed the point that it is at a joint. the smooth, stoneware looking sewer line was common until cast iron and then pvc. In your situation, u have a bell type fitting on one pipe and the other pipe joint slides into it. there were a couple of ways of sealing these, during original installation and they fell into two general catagories, rigid and flexible. It would LOT of digging to seperate the joint, so I would try patching. it probably has an asbestos type of gasket that has worn. Be sure the pipe doesn't flex at the joint, as the cause for wear and be sure to stabilize the joint, after the repair, (just create a hard, flat surface in the dirt and then stack brick or block up to the joint, finishing off with treated wood or whatever u need to "fit" the gap between ur homemade pier and the joint).

u can get any number of products, tar types, caulking tubes or pails. I would try maybe a combination. with the joint stable and cleaned, remove any loose joint material or dirt, grease or sewer residue. Use an underwater cement type of "puddy" and pack it in all of the way around the joint. small containers are available at big or small hardware stores. then, once it has cured according to label directions, go over that with a tar type of sealer.. as stated above, u can use a caulking guy type or a small bucket of it.

either way, use a putty knife to pack it into the edges between the pipe and the first sealer.

the underwater concrete will not be bothered by the existing leak, it will adhere to a damp surface and there is not enough pressure on a drain line to bother it.

after u have applied a good amount of the tar sealer/adhesive, wrap the whole area w/ tar paper. this will protect it from dirt and sharp rocks, for years and years, especially if u r filling the hole into the yard. watch it for afew days before u fill the big hole in and u should be fine.
anonymous
2007-11-22 01:33:28 UTC
Obviously you don't have much room to work, which precludes putting a fitting on. I have sealed many broken sewer lines with fiberglass repair kit, two part with resin and bandage, but it must be done properly. Completely clean and dry, not used for several hours, resin coat, bandage wrap, repeat; protect yourself from fumes. Long gloves and goggles.
Ranger
2007-11-22 01:13:20 UTC
If the tile is smooth and has smooth joints, you can purchase a "band aid" at the local plumbing store. It is made of rubber and fits around the tile pipe joint and is held tight by two large clamps.



What ever you do, make sure it is fixed tight. Hepatitis and other diseases are the result of sewage contamination.
anonymous
2007-11-22 01:42:11 UTC
hydraulic cement it the easiest solution about 8 dollars at lowes if you can get to the pipe joint
Parercut Faint
2007-11-22 01:23:46 UTC
I'm not a plumber but a state licensed contractor and have seen many fixes for this type problem. As one of the answers stated you can first clamp the leaky joint with a rubber coupling. If you want mix up some concrete and fill the area around the fix. This will support the pipe. In the future you will probably need to run a new sewer line. You may want to have a plumbing company use a telescopic camera to investigate the sewer lines. Good luck!
mr.obvious
2007-11-22 01:17:11 UTC
Maybe you could use a foam sealer and a large expansion plug like a rubber freeze plug. But do yourself a favor and confirm that it is OK to plug it up. It may be a vent or something that is broken and may need to be fixed right, call plumbers electrical and structural guys until you get an answer, check with your local building inspector. Know now or Pay later.


This content was originally posted on Y! Answers, a Q&A website that shut down in 2021.
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