A leak no more

[shylanel4]

I had sewage (liquid only) seeping into my basement at about a gallon a day. Everything flushes and drains so it's not a blockage. A plumber said it is most likely a crack in a connection within or just outside the wall due to settling or what not. He said the only (best) way to get at is by digging from outside. The estimate was for $3K mostly for the digging (6-7 feet). I decided to dig it myself to save the cash. I'm at the pipe now only there isn't any leakage in the hole and I don't have any seepage into the basement anymore. I don't know how to tell where the problem was, how to fix it and or prevent it from happening again. Advice?

[DUNBAR PLUMBER]

First of all, how did you know this was sewage and not groundwater?


You should of dye tested one of the toilets to see if the water infiltration was sewage or not. If the leakage has stopped, dig that ditch daylight to grade and backfill with grillage.


A camera inspection of the piping would of been a huge work saver.


If you know for sure that it was sewage beforehand, then a future camera inspection will tell you where the possible leak is.

[shylanel4]

Thanks for your quick reply and help.

There was a definite sewage odor to the liquid coming in from the wall. We also went on vacation for 4-5 days and there was no seapage during this time telling us there had to be water usage for there to be seepage.

The ditch is 6' X 6' X 2' with steps. Forgive my ignorance. Can you explain in more detail "daylight to grade and backfill with grillage"?

Am I understanding you correctly that you think a camera inspection now will find the leak? Also, there isn't a clean out. Is it worth my time to install one why the ditch is dug?

[mdshunk]

Also, there isn't a clean out. Is it worth my time to install one why the ditch is dug?
That idea gets two thumbs way up from me. Use a Kelly fitting if you can find one, or a two way cleanout if you can't.