Issue with ancient 6" Clay sewer pipe

GripnDeWALT · 09-13-2010, 04:33 PM

First off, thanks for any help you may provide. Been lurking for a bit, butnow could use some help.

Basically I have a 1913 home with a basement and sub basement.
Under the upper basement floor there is 6" clay sewer pipe.
After installing all new plumbing I ran some water, and it came out of the concrete wall that separates the upper and lower basement...if that makes sense.

I cut a 3' square around the leak in the concrete wall were it was leaking.
I discovered what looks like a huge 6" Clay P trap....in which has an open end that came to the wall and was brick and mortared closed. I dug all the way around the pipe and it was completely loose. I pull it out and now have a fresh end of the 6" Clay sewer. I cant re use the old pipe as its now cracked and broken.

I cant seem to find a 6" ID compression plug.
I have been told by 2 guys to use a trash bag, put it in the pipe and fill with mortar thus making a solid plug. Is this something that is proper? (realizing its an old home, and there is plenty of unproper stuff

)

Thanks again for any help!

steveel · 09-13-2010, 05:00 PM

Not sure I understand. Why do you think it started leaking in the first place? Did your new plumbing disturb this area somehow?

GripnDeWALT · 09-13-2010, 05:12 PM

Ultimately it looks like the "p trap" looking piece had seperated from the rest of the pipe over time. Judging how the last owners left the house, they probably just let it leak.

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braindead · 09-13-2010, 06:38 PM

If I understand this right it sounds like the new pipe WAS connected to this line, what is the new plumbing connected to now?

GripnDeWALT · 09-13-2010, 06:44 PM

The question is: how do I plug a 6" clay sewer pipe. Everyone says a 6" compression plug is out there but I can't find one anywhere. Is there another method?

braindead · 09-13-2010, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GripnDeWALT

The question is: how do I plug a 6" clay sewer pipe. Everyone says a 6" compression plug is out there but I can't find one anywhere. Is there another method?

I was trying to confirm that you were not plugging a line that was still in service, if you are sure the idea of using mortar is fine, just use something like a mortar bag, or a paper trash bag before you seal it up.

the_man · 09-13-2010, 08:13 PM

I would get a 6"clayx4"plastic fernco, insert a small piece of 4" plastic pipe, and glue a cap to the plastic. The lowes in my area sells the fernco, or go to just about any plumbing supply house to get it

LateralConcepts · 09-13-2010, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GripnDeWALT

Ultimately it looks like the "p trap" looking piece had seperated from the rest of the pipe over time. Judging how the last owners left the house, they probably just let it leak.

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I'm still a bit confused yet interested in what you're talking about. Did you try to post a picture?

the_man · 09-13-2010, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LateralConcepts

I'm still a bit confused yet interested in what you're talking about. Did you try to post a picture?

Sounds like an abandoned building trap. I'm betting that the line is backing up, since it shouldn't have any water in it

LateralConcepts · 09-13-2010, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the_man

Sounds like an abandoned building trap. I'm betting that the line is backing up, since it shouldn't have any water in it

If it's abandoned why is all the plumbing tied to it?

the_man · 09-13-2010, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LateralConcepts

If it's abandoned why is all the plumbing tied to it?

dunno, but if the building drain ran to it I don't think he'd be asking about a cap I think he'd be asking how to connect em

maybe he's got a new/different sewer that ties in with that one somewhere. I'd be curious to see some pics too

LateralConcepts · 09-13-2010, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the_man

dunno, but if the building drain ran to it I don't think he'd be asking about a cap I think he'd be asking how to connect em

maybe he's got a new/different sewer that ties in with that one somewhere. I'd be curious to see some pics too

Hmm well grab the popcorn

the_man · 09-13-2010, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LateralConcepts

Hmm well grab the popcorn

i'll grab a beer too

GripnDeWALT · 09-13-2010, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the_man

I would get a 6"clayx4"plastic fernco, insert a small piece of 4" plastic pipe, and glue a cap to the plastic. The lowes in my area sells the fernco, or go to just about any plumbing supply house to get it

This sounds like a viable option. Wasn't aware of such an adaptor. Just unsure of how it would slip over the clay pipe because it has a "lip" around it.

Others: no abandoned house here.
New plumbig refers to water: not the drain under the concrete. Guess I should have been more specific.
Ill get pics tomorrow, as I do not reside there yet to get the remodel done.

the_man · 09-13-2010, 09:35 PM

The bell would have to come off. There is a tool to do this, called chain cutters. Rental yards have em, or you can use a diamond blade on an angle grinder. When I said abandoned, I meant the sewer line, not the building. Was it hooked up to anything before? Better hurry, or I'll be too drunk to answer