Sewer Drain Issues. Any Advice [Photos Included]

Axytrix on 05/04/2020 - 12:43
Last edited 05/04/2020 - 12:48

Hi guys,

Ever since I bought my house 3 years ago, I have had ongoing drain issues. Every 6-12 months I am required to get a plumber out to clear the line.

Recently I endeavoured on a decking / verandah build, during this process we struck this notorious drain line. It's the old terracotta piping. Fixing this was relatively simple, see image here: https://imgur.com/zrweNOL

This week we have experienced another blockage, I believe the blockage to be somewhere between my repair and the easement access point (along back fence) see image here: https://imgur.com/LwnVOOh

I have concluded this is where the blockage is as I have successfully siphoned this: https://imgur.com/CTCInv3 To the easement access point.

I am hoping to lean on the community here for any advice. Has anybody undertaken a replacement of their sewer lines?

Should I consider replacing the whole line from the decking to the easement (approx 15 metres)? I could get a mini excavator out, I could run a new line and get a plumber to make the connections. I would assume this would be the most economical?

Appreciate all advises in advance!

Home & Garden

Comments

  • kerfuffle on 05/04/2020 - 12:47

    You made your links unclickable by bolding them. No one on a mobile is going to copy and paste all three links …

    • Axytrix on 05/04/2020 - 12:48

      Thanks, I'll fix this now..

  • bloom on 05/04/2020 - 12:48
    +1
    1. Images aren’t hyperlinks
    2. Is this sewer or stormwater?
    3. Welcome to my life, think I’ve got to do the same haha
    • Axytrix on 05/04/2020 - 12:49

      Haha, thanks for the reply.. Just fixed the hyperlinks. This is sewer line.. Would love to hear how you are considering tackling your issues.

      • bloom on 05/04/2020 - 12:55

        Mines stormwater so not as urgent, I’ve tried heaps of crap:
        - chemicals
        - drain hose
        - drain cutter

        Just keeps blocking up, currently got a hole in the backyard as overflow. Original owner has put dodgy pits all over the yard and buried them which doesn’t help.

        Dig it up and replace it, make sure you don’t use 90mm PVC.
        Can’t have sewer leaking over to the neighbours!

        • Axytrix on 05/04/2020 - 14:33

          I would assume your stormwater wouldn't be far below the surface and thus possibly easier to dig up? What's the total length?

          • bloom on 05/04/2020 - 14:39

            @Axytrix: Yeah about 400mm deep, roughly 30m in solid clay. Think I’ll need to suck it up and a digger in, be done in half a day

            • Axytrix on 05/04/2020 - 14:41

              @bloom: I've received the advice to dig along side the pipe, leave the old in and lay along side it.. Ensuring you get the right slope and saving you the trouble of digging it up.. Might save a little time :)

              • Musing Outloud on 05/04/2020 - 19:11
                +2

                @Axytrix: Think about your future backyard plans & use a different route so you don't need to dig it out again. Pergola, Garage, Pool, bigger deck, fire pit etc.

                • Axytrix on 05/04/2020 - 19:19

                  @Musing Outloud: You’re exactly right! I’m going to take my time and ensure I have considered all potential future plans! Cheers :)

  • jdf on 05/04/2020 - 13:29

    We had similar issues, drainage problem first surfaced during Cup weekend, got the plumber to run the snake and that seemed to have cleared it out.

    But, 6 months later we had a major drainage issue again. This time we chose to replace the problem part of the line. It cost a fair bit but best decision we ever made as a year later we extended the decking out. And I can’t even imagine fixing the line up with the decking there. Would need to hack the deck up as the sewer line was put in the back with so many joints and all over the backyard and didn’t match the drainage map we were given. So, it meant a lot of digging all over to check the line out.

    • Axytrix on 05/04/2020 - 14:27

      Yeah I am left with the dilemma of having the decking cover this line by about 3-4 meters. I've concluded the problem area is not under the deck however and if I replaced the line from the deck to the back fence, I will make an access point immediately where the decking ends 'unequal' (directional) T connection pointing towards the decking for future clearing. So no troubles with the line after a year later?

      • jdf on 05/04/2020 - 14:38

        3 years on and we are good, even cancelled RACV emergency home assistance last year.

        • Axytrix on 05/04/2020 - 14:39

          I have been thinking of signing up to RACV Home Assist.. Have they successfully cleared your drain without any dramas? Do they use a jet or a cutter?

  • Sinful on 05/04/2020 - 14:03

    Not having a go, but shouldn't the pipe be oversize, not a reducer?

    • Axytrix on 05/04/2020 - 14:18
      +1

      I agree, but from my research this is industry standard now to use 100mm PVC piping and common practice to use rubber coupling for repairs like this (I believe)

      • brendanm on 05/04/2020 - 14:25

        You've created a restriction.

        • dandosr on 05/04/2020 - 14:39
          +6

          Plumber supervisor here - Repair couplings are a standard repair… earthenware pipes have collars which will leak and which will have plant roots grow down them. The only permanent fix is to replace the entire line from the house to the sewer main with PVC.

          • Axytrix on 05/04/2020 - 15:03

            @dandosr: Thanks dandosr! Any recommendation with the 3-4m section under the decking? See phone here: https://imgur.com/yCWJEXc (Runs from the pit directly to house.)

            • dandosr on 05/04/2020 - 15:35
              +1

              @Axytrix: Could run above ground, depending on the height of the plumbing - if there is a sub floor - if not remove the decking and dig up.

          • brendanm on 05/04/2020 - 15:19

            @dandosr: So the large stepdown in cross section is completely fine? Genuine question.

            • dandosr on 05/04/2020 - 15:36

              @brendanm: ideally not, but given the age of the earthenware you would have some roots and broken collars throughout. Any obstructions are a bad idea with sewer, but if you are careful with what you flush it should be fine.

              • Islund on 05/04/2020 - 16:07

                @dandosr: Would you recommend those who are advertising relining the old earthenware pipes? Would that be a better option than relaying with PVC?

                • dandosr on 05/04/2020 - 16:18
                  +2

                  @Islund: Can't really help you with that one, never used it nor spoken with anyone who has. If you want the repair to last, unfortunately replacement of the line is the only true fix. Relining cant fix collapsed/broken sections… they would have to camera and jet the entire line to be be 100% sure of the fix… and doubt they would…

  • Davo1111 on 05/04/2020 - 17:36

    based on my unqualified opinion, you can either keep repairing it or replace the lot.

  • Ocker on 05/04/2020 - 17:37
    +1

    Whatever you do, do not call The Drain Man to sort out your problems. They charge $500 call out fee, which includes the first hour, and then about $200 per 30 minutes. If you call them and arrange booking they will immediately take a non-refundable deposit of $250

  • mr-regulator on 05/04/2020 - 17:58
    +2

    Plumber here also, you could reline that section of pipework under the deck but when you get a price to do you probably won't want to. Replacing to the government connection would be advised if you are getting that many blockages.

  • NigelPearson on 06/04/2020 - 08:04

    I haven't used them, but there are companies that insert new plastic lining (sealant/epoxy?) inside existing earthenware?

    • HeWhoKnows on 06/04/2020 - 16:21
      +2

      Horrendously expensive
      Only an option where pipes cannot be replaced.
      In OPs case replacement is a viable option

  • HeWhoKnows on 06/04/2020 - 16:20
    +1

    Sounds like OP already has all the answers.
    The person OP should be talking to is their plumber

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