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Author:
Gopetro (PA)
I own a home built in the 50s in Pittsburgh, PA. Each of the past 3 years, when the temperature reaches single digits or colder, the sewer backs up in my basement.
The first year, I called a plumber. After about 2 hours, he get it cleared out. But he could not tell me what was causing the backup.
The second year, after seeing what he did, I rented a motorized snake and tried to clear it. After about 15 feet I hit something that I later found out was my main trap. So I know that the pipe in the house was cleared. But I still could not get it cleared. So again I called the same plumber. Again he came out. This time it took almost 3 hours to clear it. And again he could not tell me what was causing the backup.
The next year again when temperatures got very cold, it happened again. I called him and he came out. This time he convinced me that he needed to bring in a machine to scope the line. This would be a significant increase in the hourly cost. So I agreed to pay it. After 3 hours, again it was cleared. And again he could not tell me what was backing up the line.
I am concerned that this guy is pulling one over on me. First, what does it sound like the problem is? Second, how can I correct this problem? Third, should I find a new plumber?
Peter
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Author:
packy (MA)
go out 15 feet and dig down to the trap in the ground. remove it and put a straight pipe in its place.
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Author:
jeff h (NJ)
i agree with packy get rid of that house trap nothing but problems
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Author:
Gopetro (PA)
I appreciate this idea. I have 1 problem with this idea. It is early December and I don't want to start this now. So what can I do this winter to prevent this line from freezing up? The last time the plumber came, he sent the scope down a terracotta pipe in the bushes in the front of my house. I assume this is the vent for my trap. Can this be covered in the winter to prevent the line freezing?
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Author:
packy (MA)
i had a customer who's sewer line was on the outside of a very old building. the pipe used to freeze right where it turned from vertical to horizontal as it entered the ground. well, across the street was a horse stable. she used to go get a wheelbarrow full of horse manure and cover the base of that pipe.
damndest thing, it would steam all winter and the heat it created kept the pipe from freezing.
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Author:
Wheelchair (IL)
Common grease flows nicely during warm weathers. In the cold weather, the grease gels and freezes Removing it from a distance, thru a house trap will take a lot more time than if a trap was there. I also agree with you on the timing. I'm surprised you did not do this yourself when the weather was much warmer. You know now that it must be done as soon as possible. Bite the bullet and have a licensed plumber do the job correctly... the 1st time.
Best Wishes
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Author:
PA_Plumber (PA)
How deep is the house trap? Here on the other side of the state, I have seen the house trap freeze with the cold weather when it is only 3' deep. As far as removing the trap, ask the local code office. Most places here in PA still require a trap to be installed, even on new construction.
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Author:
packy (MA)
what good is the trap if it freezes every winter?
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Author:
PA_Plumber (PA)
My customers ask the same thing. But code is code.
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Author:
Wheelchair (IL)
Is 3ft code or a plumbing option, in PA? That seems like the owner is asking for problems at just 3 ft. Thank You.
Best Wishes
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Author:
Gopetro (PA)
The sewer line runs just off the one side of my front walk. And with the basement and floor below that, I would guess my house trap is at least 10 feet down. I suspect that when it really cold, the cold air is going down the vent, and then down the line out to the road and into the street line. When it gets cold enough, it can freeze this line from the trap out to the street line.
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Author:
PA_Plumber (PA)
The vent should be only on the house side of the house trap. The other pipes should be capped with plugs.
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