Wall leaking where sewage line leaves the house
#1
04-30-18, 04:43 PM
Wall leaking where sewage line leaves the house
Hello all. We have a slight problem that seems to be getting worse. Our sewage line, exits through the basement wall and leads to the septic tank. Before it hits the wall, it transitions from PVC to cast iron. It's then a cast iron pipe from there, to the tank.
My question is, based on the images below, do you guys think that somewhere the pipe has a leak or is it possible that ground water is just seeping in around the pipe?
In either case, what sorts of solutions do I have? Sorry for the quality of the picture looking into the pipe.
The wall makes it look like water is just flowing out but it really isn't. Today is probably the worst I have seen it and right now it's damp on the concrete floor. Luckily, this slopes slightly to the sump pit.
My question is, based on the images below, do you guys think that somewhere the pipe has a leak or is it possible that ground water is just seeping in around the pipe?
In either case, what sorts of solutions do I have? Sorry for the quality of the picture looking into the pipe.
The wall makes it look like water is just flowing out but it really isn't. Today is probably the worst I have seen it and right now it's damp on the concrete floor. Luckily, this slopes slightly to the sump pit.
#2
05-01-18, 04:08 AM
leak
I think the best way to answer your question would be to start with some detective work. Is the leak water "smelly", like a sewer smell? Does it leak more when lots of water is used? Like emptying a bath tub, or doing a large load of wash. Do you have any problems with drain line back-ups? Any of these would point toward a leak in the sewer line. OTOH, does the leak happen when there's lots of rain? What's outside in that area? Roof gutter drainage (or leaky gutter)? Ground sloping away from foundation as it should? Answers to these questions will point you in the right direction. As far as repair, once you find and fix the source of water, sealing around the pipe could be done with a concrete patching product or waterproof caulking. Good luck! Steve
#3
05-01-18, 08:41 AM
Member
I had a similar leak in a house, septic line, it was just ground water, dug down on outside and sealed with tar, eventually we had another crack repaired and they injected epoxy into the joint.
#4
05-01-18, 10:06 AM
I have a pipe exit almost identical to yours, they messed up the seal outside when they switched from septic to city sewer. On my list for this summer. But as stated above, mine leaks when it rains so I know the source. When you dig down to investigate don't skimp on the sealing effort. If it is from the sewer then you have two areas to patch, the sewer line and the foundation, maybe at the tank.
Bud
Bud
#5
05-01-18, 06:46 PM
Thanks for the good info! To answer some questions:
1. The water doesn't smell bad. In fact, I accidentally touched some on the wall yesterday and then smelled and it just smelt like dirt. So that's a good sign.
2. My wife took a bath last night and after draining the tub I checked the wall and found nothing new. No new water was coming through at all.
3. Can I get tar at like home depot or somewhere like that? I plan to dig the pipe up at the wall and check things out.
Thanks guys!
1. The water doesn't smell bad. In fact, I accidentally touched some on the wall yesterday and then smelled and it just smelt like dirt. So that's a good sign.
2. My wife took a bath last night and after draining the tub I checked the wall and found nothing new. No new water was coming through at all.
3. Can I get tar at like home depot or somewhere like that? I plan to dig the pipe up at the wall and check things out.
Thanks guys!
#6
05-01-18, 06:55 PM
Just my similar experience, but just tar gives way over time. I used the tar and covered it with a piece of ice and water rubber membrane. The roofing tar sealed it to the foundation. It worked fine until the switch to city sewer. I'll find out this summer what they did.
Pros will be along with real advice.
Bud
Pros will be along with real advice.
Bud
#7
05-04-18, 04:47 PM
Alright guys. Got outside this evening to dig up the pipe where it meets the house and immediately hit a bump in the road. This concrete barrier surrounds the house from what I can tell. What is its purpose? There is about a 3/4 inch gap between the concrete and the foundation wall. I dont want to break that up unless I have to. It was completely covered by dirt until i uncovered it. Pictures below.
#8
05-04-18, 10:42 PM
I can't identify what you are describing from the pictures. Maybe sweep the debris off?
Is it a wall or just slag from building the foundation?
Maybe dig farther out to see how far down that obstruction goes.
How old is the house?
Bud
Is it a wall or just slag from building the foundation?
Maybe dig farther out to see how far down that obstruction goes.
How old is the house?
Bud
#9
05-05-18, 05:14 PM
Bud,
maybe slag? Its separate from the foundation. It has a straight edge which is what you see furthest from the house but then just sort of piled looking concrete on top. It sits away from the foundation about half an inch, maybe 3/4 od an inch. It's probably a good 3 inches or better thick and 8 inches or so wide. Wasn't sure if this had something to do with preventing water getting to the house or if it's something else.
maybe slag? Its separate from the foundation. It has a straight edge which is what you see furthest from the house but then just sort of piled looking concrete on top. It sits away from the foundation about half an inch, maybe 3/4 od an inch. It's probably a good 3 inches or better thick and 8 inches or so wide. Wasn't sure if this had something to do with preventing water getting to the house or if it's something else.
