sewer line replacement, sound okay?

[clint0423]

Considering a DIY sewer lateral line replacement, currently have clay tile with serious tree root issues. My line runs out the front of the basement from about 4ft above the basement floor, straight to the street about 50ft. Will dig up old line replace with PVC bedded in sand at a slope not less then 1/4 in per foot. Figure I should run new line through current hole in basement wall and hook to existing cast iron with adaptor, Fernco? At the street will hook to main tap with like adapter?

Am I on the right track here?

Also, the main runs down the middle of the street, would it be normal for the tap to extend over to the edge of the street? About 6-8ft in my case.

Thanks

[Furd]

Side sewer replacement is rarely a DIY job. If all you do is replace the piping up to your property line you might get away with it but when you tap into the municipal sewer you MUST get all the appropriate permits and generally the sewer utility requires you to have a license to make side sewer connections. The street utility WILL require their own permit and they may also require a license for opening and subsequently closing the street.

It's the license requirement that will stop you cold as licenses require specific training and usually a contractor's license also with the requisite performance bond. You might be able to find a side sewer contractor that will allow you to do some of the work in exchange for a lower price. Even if all you do is replace the piping on your own property you most likely still have a legal requirement of first obtaining a permit and having the work inspected by the municipality.

[BunkyX]

Check with your local code inforcement or building dept. I am sure a permit will be required but you may be able to DIY if you do not replace the sewer tap. I was able to get away with it by stopping several feet short of the sewer main and using an adapter to go from pvc to existing pipe. Just left the trenchopen for the inspector to see and all was good.

B

[plumbingods]

Hello,

Playing in the sewer line is highly UN-recommended. It is not a DIY job, and requires permits and multiple inspections throughout the job. You must also either have a plumbers or drain layers license approved by the city.

The Sewer dept or Highway dept in my city or surrounding cities are responsible for the proper installation of all sewer lines from the sewer main into the home, where the plumbing dept takes over.
They check to make sure there is proper pitch, proper trenching and safety. They also check the back-fill material used and they materials used for the piping. We use SDR-35, a green plastic hub type pipe.
Once you open the trench, you are committed to completion of the job, and if you find that you need to go into the street for any reason, you will need an approved and bonded excavator by the governing authorities.
It is kind of hard to hide a big excavator in your yard digging a ditch, so if an inspector drives by, he/she will check on your permits and you will get a hefty fine I'm sure.

[clint0423]

I have already checked into the permit and was told the following.

"A homeowner can take out a permit to replace his private line, with the approval of the Plumbing Inspector. Owner must demonstrate he is knowledgeable enough to perform such work, by submitting a work plan to the plumbing inspector. All work must be inspected and approved by the plumbing inspector. Work on any City sewer main must be by the City's sewer department staff."

I'm in the process of clarifying the last line, i.e., does this mean I can hook up to the tap or do they want to do it themselves.

I understand fully the magnitude of what we are talking about here.

I do appreciate the concern and efforts to keep me safe/legal, and from getting in over my head.

Would it be normal for the tap to reach to the side of the street when the main runs down the middle of the street?

[plumbingods]

Hi

As I stated, this is how it is in my state. I cannot know every states rules/codes

If they will allow you do do your own work, that is great. Do not forget to call dig safe 72 hrs before digging even if only digging on your property to prevent any accidents and to cover your butt. I know in NH and MASS it is state law. They will come out and mark out any utilities in the area you are expected to dig.

As far as the tapping to the city sewer, that is usually done by them, as it is their pipes.

But if you are just replacing your existing sewer line, as long as you do not go into the street, I guess you can do it yourself.

[Speedwrench]

Hi

As I stated, this is how it is in my state. I cannot know every states rules/codes

If they will allow you do do your own work, that is great. Do not forget to call dig safe 72 hrs before digging even if only digging on your property to prevent any accidents and to cover your butt. I know in NH and MASS it is state law. They will come out and mark out any utilities in the area you are expected to dig.

As far as the tapping to the city sewer, that is usually done by them, as it is their pipes.

But if you are just replacing your existing sewer line, as long as you do not go into the street, I guess you can do it yourself.

pluminggods the feds are in the process of instituting a nationwide one call system if i remember it will be 811, and all excavations will be required to be called in.

life begins when the kids leave home and the dog dies.