Sewer Repair

Dwellonroof · Apr 19, 2020

I have a problem with sewer backup/running slow so I tried to auger it but hit a dead end @ about 45' from clean-out so I purchased a 1/4" jetter hose with nozzle for my 3700 psi power washer which went through but
with a lot of giggling in and out. When I removed the hose it had clay marks on it telling me I have a bigger problem so I called The Underground Detective Company and had them run a camera to view the problem but he could not get through the break/root/or??
to see what is going on so I'm at the point of digging and here is my thinking.
1. The plumber wants minimum $2000 to dig 8' down and repair maybe a break.
2. The grade goes uphill and sewer goes down so if we o further we go deeper which is more money $$$.
3. Should I stick with the plumber or rent/purchase a used backhoe and do it myself. BTW it crosses a gas line and a water main.
4. It does flow but backs up a little at the floor drain in the basement so should I wait and see if it gets worse and maybe use the jetter again ?
Any other thoughts?

radios1 · Apr 19, 2020

a sewer is owned by a local jurisdiction, city, town, or county. it runs to the sewer pipe in the road. they should fix it for free.. it's theirs..

orezok · Apr 19, 2020

radios1 said:
a sewer is owned by a local jurisdiction, city, town, or county. it runs to the sewer pipe in the road. they should fix it for free.. it's theirs..

Typically the sewer on your side of the P/L is yours. Not sure where this problem is located.

orezok · Apr 19, 2020

radios1 said:
a sewer is owned by a local jurisdiction, city, town, or county. it runs to the sewer pipe in the road. they should fix it for free.. it's theirs..

Typically the sewer on your side of the P/L is yours. Not sure where this problem is located.

dennis103 · Apr 19, 2020

Sounds to me like the plumber is the best choice. He will get dig safe to mark it for him. The responsibility of a punctured water or gas main doesn't seem worth it to me. I'm not sure if a punctured gas main would just leak or if it might BOOM.

MossRoad · Apr 19, 2020

orezok said:
Typically the sewer on your side of the P/L is yours. Not sure where this problem is located.

Same thing here. If the clog is on your side of the property line, it's your problem and your cost.

MossRoad · Apr 19, 2020

Dwellonroof said:
I have a problem with sewer backup/running slow so I tried to auger it but hit a dead end @ about 45' from clean-out so I purchased a 1/4" jetter hose with nozzle for my 3700 psi power washer which went through but
with a lot of giggling in and out. When I removed the hose it had clay marks on it telling me I have a bigger problem so I called The Underground Detective Company and had them run a camera to view the problem but he could not get through the break/root/or??
to see what is going on so I'm at the point of digging and here is my thinking.
1. The plumber wants minimum $2000 to dig 8' down and repair maybe a break.
2. The grade goes uphill and sewer goes down so if we o further we go deeper which is more money $$$.
3. Should I stick with the plumber or rent/purchase a used backhoe and do it myself. BTW it crosses a gas line and a water main.
4. It does flow but backs up a little at the floor drain in the basement so should I wait and see if it gets worse and maybe use the jetter again ?
Any other thoughts?

First, check and see if it's legal to do your own work in your area. Here, you have to be a licensed plumber to do any work like that.

Next, anything over something like 4-5' deep should require shoring. 8' down is "die in a trench" territory.

Third, gas lines and water mains will be the responsibility of the plumber.

I'd let them do it.

Dwellonroof · Apr 19, 2020

My responsibility starts where the lateral ends right next to the road, the sewer main is across the street.

3Ts · Apr 19, 2020

MossRoad said:
First, check and see if it's legal to do your own work in your area. Here, you have to be a licensed plumber to do any work like that.

Next, anything over something like 4-5' deep should require shoring. 8' down is "die in a trench" territory.

Third, gas lines and water mains will be the responsibility of the plumber.

I'd let them do it.

My uncle was a plumber and he had a trench collapse on him. He survived. I won't work in a trench that puts my waist below ground level. If you've never worked in a trench deeper than 4' to 5' I suggest you work with someone else first to see what it is like before deciding to do it yourself.

Myself, with the gas and water lines and the depth you're talking about, I'd pay what your plumber is asking. Actually, I'd pay twice what he's asking for what you've described.