A few years ago I started a big project of finishing my basement. I decided that I wanted an additional bathroom for my house. I called a local plumber to install plumbing for a sink, toilet and installed a tub for my new bathroom.

Recently we had a large rainstorm and found our basement flooding. I was able to to track the water to the source which was underneath the tub. After cleaning up the water I found out that the local plumber cut 1' by 2' hole into the floor to install the plumbing for the tub which they filled the hole back in with just dirt, not concrete. When the water table raised due to the storm, the water seeped up through the dirt.

When I contacted the plumber, he stated that this was standard practice so that the pipe can be accessible for service. My question, Is this really the case or is he blowing smoke to cover a big screw up?

We are required to cement the hole back up in Michigan. In our code it is referred to as "rodent proofing".

I don't see why anyone would not re-cement it back up.

I'm guessing you did not have it permitted and inspected? The inspector may have caught it if it is required in your code.

in MA we are not required to cement up a hole under a tub or shower.
even if the plumber had poured cement in the hole i think the water would have found a place to come up. around the toilet pipe would be one place.

I only seal the hole if there's a radon system under the slab. I normally just fill the hole with sand.

Building codes vary from State to State and County to County. Was the work done by your plumber inspected by the community inspector? Was a permit required ? Mother Nature is still the best test of any finished project.

Best Wishes

Not that im aware of. I just called the plumber regarding the project and as far as I know he came over did the install and was on his way. I was not aware of needing permits or an inspector that you speak of.

The pipe coming out of the ground is a black pipe that looks more heavy duty that the basic white pvc pipe. It "T's" off just above the concrete floor level, which I assume goes to the main drain, and the top of the main line connects to the overflow. From the dirt surface to the surface of the concrete there is a 6 to 8" height difference.

With that, My next question is can I fill in the hole without new concrete without causing any problems to the plumbing?

at most, the dirt is covered with a thin layer of mortar, but none of the 'normal practices" would keep the rising water table from flooding the room.

Probably, but it will NOT "Waterproof" your floor.

YOU elected to puncture YOUR watertight slab.

You did so without the REQUIRED BUILDING PERMIT or design plans.

YOU, as the owner, are the builder.

The contracting plumber is merely YOUR subcontractor.

NOW, you either:

Install a water management system, ie. sump pump and 'catch well'

or

Remove the offending work and PROPERLY repour/patch the hole in YOUR floor

or

Hire a licensed, bonded, PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER to draw up plans for the remediation.

Either choice: bring a bucket of $$$$$.




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"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638