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Author:
Zelli (NY)
I'm a real novice and a bit niave with plumbing issue and therefore looking for some help on the following situation.
I had a waste line backup of my house's waste water in my basement. Waste water backed up and overflowed from what I believe was the cleanout hole prior to the u trap. The best way I can describe it is the main wasteline travels out the front of the house where there are three "valves" in close proximity to one another. The first (closest upstream to the house) appears to be prior to the "u trap". For some reason this valve was open and I believe this is where the waste water backed up from. The second valve is on the other side of the "u trap". It also isn't closed. The third valve is a 45 degree valve and is closed.
The two valves that are open are threaded like screws.
The plumber I had come in and clean the issue told me the valves could be left open. My concern is first that I believe the flood happened in the first place because they are open. Second, whenever water runs I can smell odor from the waste line. I don't smell the odor when water doesn't run because the u trap keeps the sewer street odor out of the basement. The smell is only when water runs from the house (toilet or sink) and the water passes the two open valves.
I'm wondering if I can have the two valves permanently closed. Will closing them do someting to the pressure and put me at additional risk of another back up?
Thanks for any possible help.
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Author:
RWP (SD)
Do you mean plugs instead of valves? If this is what you mean then the plugs should definitely be in place to close up the sewer piping. Sewer piping should never be open to the inside of the house as this is a very unsanitary situation. It should always be closed up tight to keep the sewage and sewage gasses inside of the piping.
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Retired after 50 years of plumbing and heating.
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Author:
hj
It will not change the "backup situation" because the water will have to come out somewhere. But they should have plugs in them. A plumber can decide where the blockage is and how to cure it.
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Author:
LemonPlumber (FL)
First I imagine a whole house trap and the city side gas should always be capped.fouling gases are harmful to your home!!!second all co's should be capped!!! third you need to learn why you have had back up problems!!!They need not exist in your home.I would where code now!?allows remove the whole house trap and if need be install a back water type install.where unknown is de-valuating your system, please learn to beat the System and develop a problem free waste.It is the law.Your plumber was wrong to allow any co cap to remain removed.If you do not believe or under stand have the local plumbing inspector or health department explain the reasons.
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Author:
Zelli (NY)
I suppose I do mean plugs. The are similar to a "male" screw or bolt, but short. The plug is threaded - I tried to screw it into the trap but can't get it to align - perhaps rust. I'll have to call another plumber to fix the issue the first plumber obviously didn't rectify. The first one has not called me back. Thanks for your advice.
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