leaking sewer pipe - at the seams

anjelita13 · 03-28-2010, 11:25 AM

My main sewer pipe is located in my basement. A few days ago I noticed a small puddle around the bottom of the pipe. The water seems to be coming out at all the seams of the pipe, slowly, and the water is dirty. I did a little test and noticed that it only leaks when water is being run in the house. Could this be something as simple as a clog or just some putty being needed where its leaking from? Or something more serious?

Alan · 03-28-2010, 01:10 PM

What kind of piping is it?

anjelita13 · 03-28-2010, 01:13 PM

Iron!

Alan · 03-28-2010, 03:42 PM

Are the joints caulked with oakum and lead or are they no-hub?

4just1don · 03-28-2010, 03:46 PM

threaded galvanized pipe rusts out first at the threads cause thats where it is thinnest

anjelita13 · 03-28-2010, 04:27 PM

the joints aren't cauked at all, the pipe is actually very rusy all over the outside... the house is from 1929, and I'm almost positive the plumbing has never been replaced.

Alan · 03-28-2010, 04:46 PM

What do you mean they aren't caulked?

**oh'mike** · 03-28-2010, 06:43 PM

What Alan wanted to know,an me ,too--is this--exactly where is the leak?

Is the leak happening where two pipes join?( on iron pipe that is known as a hub)

or is the pipe it self leaking along the side?

If the hub is leaking--that can be fixed--

If the pipe itself is rusted through or cracked you have to get that replaced.

Your 1929 house is over due for a drain repipe job--don't be surprised if the old iron is rusted or cracked.
--Mike--

anjelita13 · 03-28-2010, 06:48 PM

thank you so much for explaining that to me! the leak is coming from where the pipes join, it's a very slow trickle whenever someone showers or flushes... I am not sure if it is cauked etc, the whole pipe is the same color (except for the lid - I'm not sure if it's called that - It has blue sealing around it, I had to have it snaked a few years ago)

**oh'mike** · 03-28-2010, 07:19 PM

I think you may be lucky---If you can figure out how to post a picture--(i never have)

That would let us give you a real good answer--Mike--

Alan · 03-28-2010, 09:26 PM

I am confused. I thought at first when she said 'seams' she meant 'joint'. Then after mike's post I wasn't so sure. Now i'm leaning back to my original assumption.

Please post a picture to try and indicate where the water is coming from.

Alan · 03-28-2010, 09:29 PM

I guess regardless of the type of piping (I was going to make a suggestion on the fix) your problem is most likely not a clog. clogged or not, the joints should hold 5 PSI or 10 feet of head pressure. It isn't something that should be fixed with 'putty' 'leak ender 2000' or any products like that. Those are just bandaids waiting to fail yet again, and possibly worse the next time.

Depending on the piping and where it's leaking exactly, this could possibly be a DIY project, and on the other hand depending on how many joints and fittings are leaking, it may be a repipe job for a plumber.

**oh'mike** · 03-28-2010, 11:14 PM

Alan--It sounds like she has either a leaking hub(maybe repacked with something blue)

or the clean-out cover is leaking.

That is an old drain system---must be fragile---Mike--