Do it Yourself: RE: [DIY] OUTSIDE SEWER LINE PROBLEMS

16 May 2016

RE: [DIY] OUTSIDE SEWER LINE PROBLEMS

I agree with Douglas, it could be something else. It is possible that the street pipe itself is having problems. If the main line down the street is having problems, your neighbors might be having the same problem. You can call the city to see it they can check the sewer line and run a snake down the line.

The other thing you can do is treat the level areas (hopefully not backgraded - that's another problem) as little septic tanks and toss some Rid-ex down the toilet before you go to bed. Or work. It should clear the line enough to allow the stuff to run free.

To: DoIt_Yourself@yahoogroups.com
From: DoIt_Yourself@yahoogroups.com
Date: Sun, 15 May 2016 22:11:50 -0700
Subject: [DIY] OUTSIDE SEWER LINE PROBLEMS

I won't go into the details behind my purchase of a remodeled home from a bunch of CROOKS. I was totally assured (among other things) that the sewer line running from the street into my home would "last for several years to come". I had a plumbing service run a camera inside the piping. He mentioned there were a "couple of flat spots" that shouldn't cause any problems. Everyone else, including my own realtor, assured me the sewer looked good and should last several years. I guess their interpretation of "several years" is anything over one. I will have been here 2 years in June.

As of January 2016, I began having problems with backups from the sewer line. I thought it was inside the house. I had a plumber come over and he cleared the outside lines (one going to the curb and one coming from the house). He didn't seem to get a lot of anything out from the line but it seemed to do the trick. My friends told me to start putting Liquid Plumber in the shower trap every couple of weeks, which I did. Within a month, I had another backup. That is after the Liquid Plumber and flushing the 3 separate toilets every day. (One toilet in the finished basement area.) I even purchased "septic system safe" toilet paper.

Now I am being told the flat areas are collecting "stuff" and the only remedy would be to REPLACE the sewer line!! It is buried approximately 9 feet down. The "snake" the plumber used is 60' long so I have at least that to replace.

IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO TO AVOID HAVING TO REPLACE THE SEWER LINE?? It had been replaced a few years ago and is mostly the PVC type of line. I can't see paying a plumber every month to come and clear a clog. Maybe I should buy my own "snake" and clear it myself every couple of weeks.

The plumber did tell me to fill a bathtub once a month and let it drain out. He said it MIGHT help wash away whatever could start clogging the line. It is a 4" pipeline.

ANY SUGGESTIONS??? Thanks. Darci

PS: A lesson I learned from this house is to always contact whatever building department the city has to ensure the proper permits have been taken out on any remodeled home before purchasing. If you discover nothing was done legitimately in the remodel, the building department will fine YOU if you are the owner at that time.