[detroit_fan]

I live in a house built in 1977-78 in michigan and was wondering what material my sewer pipe is?

In my basement where the line enters, it is large diameter pvc, but does that mean it is pvc all the way to the street or could it change somewhere in between?

Thanks or any help

 

[Grampa Bud]

Yes it could. You could have clay tiles part way, then into a mission coupling, then into PVC or it could be cast iron into a mission coupling, then into the PVC.

 

[detroit_fan]

Thanks for the fast reply. I was asking because I was wanting to plant a small tree in my front yard, but it would be near the sewer line. I thought if it was pvc it would have less of a chance of getting roots into the line, but not sure I want to risk it if it's another material.

 

[Grampa Bud]

What kind of tree? Does the sewer line come through the basement floor of your home or somewhere up the wall on the street sideof the house? If through the floor you probably have at least 9-10 feet of earth over that sewer line. More than enough for smaller ornamental trees.

 

[detroit_fan]

What kind of tree? Does the sewer line come through the basement floor of your home or somewhere up the wall on the street sideof the house? If through the floor you probably have at least 9-10 feet of earth over that sewer line. More than enough for smaller ornamental trees.

Something like a crabapple, or smaller ornamental tree. The line comes through the foundation wall, front of the house(street side) about 18" off the floor. I have at least 5 1/2 feet of earth over it. Is that enough for a smaller tree?

 

[Grampa Bud]

I would think so. The trees that have large tap roots that go to great depths to steady the sky portion of themselves are the ones that may sense water inside a pipe and try to break into it. I have an ornamental crab tree just to the side of my sewer grinder pit and it seems like most of the roots are from 3-18 inches under grade. The 4" line from my house is down about 5' below grade, is PVC, and we haven't had any problems.

 

[detroit_fan]

Thank you for your help