Question: We have lived in Sun City since 2006 and each year the sewer clean-out pipe in front of the house has risen a little out of the ground. It is now 14 inches above ground level. Is there any way to get it back down to where it belongs?
Answer: This is not an uncommon problem in Sun City. Apparently, Del Webb did not glue the vertical pipe into the “T” fitting in the sewer line. They just placed a rubber ring around the joint. We have heard of several ways people have tried to fix this problem that didn’t work. The proper way to make this repair is to do a video camera inspection inside the joint at the bottom of the vertical pipe. You will probably find a 14-inch gap between the vertical pipe and the “T” fitting it should be connected to.
The next step is to dig down around the vertical pipe and expose the “T” fitting below it. There is more than one way to reconnect this piping. One way is to cut the “T” fitting out of the horizontal sewer pipe. Then prepare a new “T” fitting by gluing a new vertical pipe into this fitting. Clamp this “T” fitting assembly into the sewer pipe using stainless steel and rubber connectors made for this type of assembly.
For most homeowners, this is not a repair they can make. This description will help you to interview and hire a competent contractor.
Reminder: If you have a basement with a sump pump, you probably have a black plastic hose on the sump pump discharge pipe. This plastic hose needs to be removed before winter. If you forget, water may freeze in the hose preventing the sump pump discharge water from leaving the hose, which could cause the pump to continue to run and burn out the pump.
While you are out there, it is also time to remove your hoses, drain them, and store them away in an area where they won’t freeze
Normal maintenance:If you don’t use the second bedroom, it is a good idea to run the water into the tub and sink drains about twice a year. Under the sink and the tub is a “J” shaped drain tube that is a trap. This water in the trapcreates a seal that prevents sewer gas from passing from the drainpipes back into the occupied space of the house. When not used for many months the water evaporates letting sewer gasses escape into the house.
If you have suggestions for future tips or have questions about maintenance around your home submit them to ask.the.woodchucks@gmail.com
