Not entirely a plumbing question, but here goes.

I just bought a home. It was listed as having town sewage. I have a drainage ditch in the back yard. I dug it up the other day because it was clogged. I discovered a PVC pipe coming from the yard. I assumed it was yard drainage. Now I'm not sure. I ran laundry last night. I was in the yard looking at my work and noticed an increased flow coming from the PVC pipe. I now think that it is hooked to my washing machine. Now I'm afraid to do laundry. I won't until I'm sure. I have a few questions. First, how old is PVC piping? If this is a laundry drain how illegal is this? Can I hold the previous homeowner liable? He lived there 30 years. I don't know if PVC was around then. I don't know if he did this. I assume he did but cannot prove it unless I am right about PVC. What if he claims ignorance?

 

quote:<HR>Originally posted by dpeak:
Not entirely a plumbing question, but here goes.

I just bought a home. It was listed as having town sewage. I have a drainage ditch in the back yard. I dug it up the other day because it was clogged. I discovered a PVC pipe coming from the yard. I assumed it was yard drainage. Now I'm not sure. I ran laundry last night. I was in the yard looking at my work and noticed an increased flow coming from the PVC pipe. I now think that it is hooked to my washing machine. Now I'm afraid to do laundry. I won't until I'm sure. I have a few questions. First, how old is PVC piping? If this is a laundry drain how illegal is this? Can I hold the previous homeowner liable? He lived there 30 years. I don't know if PVC was around then. I don't know if he did this. I assume he did but cannot prove it unless I am right about PVC. What if he claims ignorance?<HR>

PCV Pipe in not old at all, it is used in todays new homes all the time, it is not illegal to use pvc, where does this line go to do you know?

Best Regards Plumber2000
www.atozplumbing.com

 

Thanks.
I was not concerned about legality of PVC. I was concerned that my washing machine may not run through my Septic system. It is draining into a drainage ditch. I know this must be illegal. I was trying to establish if the previous owner installed this. I thought that PVC might be a newer application. He lived there 30 years. I am hoping to hold him liable. If PVC was not around 30 years ago I can say that he did it. I'm just not sure what to do.

 

quote:<HR>Originally posted by dpeak:
Thanks.
I was not concerned about legality of PVC. I was concerned that my washing machine may not run through my Septic system. It is draining into a drainage ditch. I know this must be illegal. I was trying to establish if the previous owner installed this. I thought that PVC might be a newer application. He lived there 30 years. I am hoping to hold him liable. If PVC was not around 30 years ago I can say that he did it. I'm just not sure what to do.<HR>

It should tie into the mainline and not go to a ditch, as far a legal help, this I can not give, I'm not a lawyer, I think there are sites that you can ask that question to weather or not the last owner can be held responsable.

Best Regards Plumber2000
www.atozplumbing.com

 

Hi,
I'm a real estate broker, not an attorney. It is illegal to discharge ANY waste water into a ditch. It should be discharged into your septic system. Many people do this, however, if their septic system won't handle the excess water, especially during raining times. Your septic system will have to be upgraded, perhaps with an additional drain line, to handle the waste water load. If you bought this house through a real estate broker, call them, and explain the problem. Call your local Health Department (they usually issue septic system permits)to see what is required, and then contact the seller or the seller's broker. The seller should be liable for correcting your problem. Good Luck! Edit: I forgot, you said that the property was advertised as being on public sewer service? If the broker did this, then they are also liable. You should not have to pay to correct this problem. The seller, actually, should. Contact the broker first, and work with them to correct the problem. It should not be at your expense at all. Good Luck!

[This message has been edited by OldGuy (edited June 02, 2000).]