Hi,

This is my first post.

I am adding new bathroom in the basement. I gave the work to a contractor. The new bathroom pipes needs to be connected to the sewer line. After digging the foundation, the contractor notified that there is a crack in sewer line (cast iron) on the upper side of the pipe. I can see the crack but there is no visible leakage. He is asking for additional $4000 to replace the sewer pipe which is 30 to 40 feet long under the foundation.

I live in NJ.

What is the best approach? Is the amount reasonable. Are there better options

Any advise will be helpful.

Thank you

 

Contact other plumbers for quotes if you are not satisfied with this plumber or their price.

 

With a big project like that, I'd definitely recommend a second opinion. But it's not a totally out-of-control price. Just confirm what it includes. Most plumbers will break up the concrete, dig, replace the pipe with PVC, and backfill the hole; but won't re-cement the floor. Also make sure you understand whether they will (or won't) dispose of the old cement. Also, just plan for what happens if the piping is cracked/degrading once it leaves the house. Hopefully it won't have similar cracks - though since it's likely the same age, it probably doesn't have a huge lifespan left.

There are options for lining the existing piping where an epoxy-like coating is injected into the piping. I've never used it, so can't recommend one way or the other. It's also likely not all that much cheaper, but might be worthwhile to look into.

Lastly, you may want to camera the line. Chances are, if there's a crack in one spot, other splits are not far behind - so this may be not even worth it. But if the pipe is less than 60-70 years old, it might be worth it to see if the rest of the pipe is fine for now.

 

You do not have a choice; the pipe has to be replaced. Most of the time it won't be leaking. But if you have an unusually large flow such as emptying two bathtubs and/or a clog should form downstream and/or the sewer should become abnormally full during a rainstorm then the crack could overflow into the surrounding soil, Then it would be like having a cesspool under your house. Come to think of it, there is and will be continuous bacteria laden vapors and (or aka) sewer gas escaping the crack and persisting in the soil under your house 24/7.

 

Thanks. I got the sewer line replaced under the foundation.