Forum
« Finding Old House Plans Foundation contractor »
May 26, 2005
Major plumbing repair needed: Advice sought
I have a major plumbing problem that needs to be addressed and I'm looking for advice about how to get it fixed. I'm not sure if I should contact a plumber, engineer, or even a general contractor. Any advice on how to go about this project would be appreciated.
The problem: During periods of heavy rain, water from the combination sewer line under my Clinton Hill street backs up into the basement of my townhouse. The water comes up through the utility room drain, then the basement toilet, then the drain at the bottom of the outdoor basement stairwell at the rear of the house. This has happened about a dozen times during June through September over the past 2 years. This happens when it's really pouring; those 15 minute summer showers that drop inches of rain. I can get anywhere from a trace of water to 6 inches across the entire basement (1200 sq ft). As soon as the rain lets up, the water drains out quickly through the utility room drain; the lowest drain in the house.
I know I could "simply" have a check-valve installed between the trap and the sewer-main connection. I've had a couple of plumbers recommend that, but they acknowledge that it's not a total solution. There is still the problem of the water coming from the roof, from the outdoor stairwell drain, and from interior plumbing fixtures. That water needs a place to go when the valve is closed, or else it will backup into the basement. I can't seem to find any professionals to look at the whole problem and come up with some creative solutions. For example, maybe after installing a check valve, I could install an awning over the rear stairwell to prevent water from entering the drain. But what to do about the roof and interior water? Maybe I could install a holding tank to handle the roof and interior water while the valve is closed? Or maybe I can dig up the sewer-main under the street and lower it a few feet ;) I'm will to look at all possibilities!
Anyway, I'm not sure how to go about solving this problem. All the professionals I've dealt with so far have only come up with half-solutions. Where are Brooklyn's plumbing visionaries? I'd be much obliged for any advice you can offer.
Comments
1st of all, this advice is coming from a homeowner - not a professional - but a brownstoner who's had lots of plumbing work done. It sounds like one of the key problems is that the drains and appliances in your basement are near or below the level of the sewer main. The check valve should help that issue - however what you probably need is to have your roof and backyard rainwater drains and captures run off into an entirely separate waste line. This is actually modern building code (you are no doubt grandfathered). I know, because I spent about $7000 having a second waste line installed in my basement for code reasons. I suspect the code is what it is to avoid the problem you are having - basically an overload of your system during severe weather.
Don't despair too much. Many a brownstoner has discovered that basements that used to be bone dry have been looking like lakes over these past couple of seasons of torrential downpours the likes we have not seen since the last hurricane.
Also, before you go to all this expense, make sure you get a thorough clean-out of your trap in your basement's main waste line. This could be a major source of back-up during storms. If you've had any recent construction done, you'll be shocked to see what the plumber will pull out of there. I dunno why construction guys figure you can throw or pour just about anything down a drain.
Posted by: Sloper at May 26, 2005 2:35 PM
You sure you don't have a problem with your sewer? Try Bedford Sewer & Drain..for $60 they'll check for blockages. (maybe tree trunk?)
Posted by: Anonymous at May 26, 2005 8:16 PM
I did have the line rooted once just for the fun of it, but the problem continues. I don't think there is a blockage because as soon as the rain lets up, the water easily flows back down the drain.
Posted by: Anonymous at May 26, 2005 10:43 PM
I had a 2nd waste line installed.. it was needed because of the size of the job, to bring it up to code. I was told it was because "some day" the city may have seperate sewer system for rain, which will avoid the problem of raw sewage spilling into the ocean during large rain storms.
Posted by: OE at May 27, 2005 2:16 PM
I don’t think you are describing the problem correctly. It sounds like the water from your roof is not able to enter the sewer quick enough – it’s not really coming back from the combined sewer. We had a similar problem on our block at the bottom of the slope (4th Ave). We sent letters to the community board, called 311, city council member, and finally got the city to clean out the sewer so that our water could enter it quickly. Problem solved….for now. Talk to your neighbors, and good luck.
Posted by: JC at June 3, 2005 9:39 AM
Any fixture below the waste line can and will back up. Check valves and pumps should be on ALL fixtures below the waste line. Water will always seek the lowest level.
I too had drain backup in the back yard during heavy rain. The problem was the trap in the back of the house for the water from the roof and yard was old and full of junk. Yes my water would flood then a few minutes later drain. Clean or replace that trap! That is the KEY! I nice clean trap will allow the water to gush through the system. I replaced my traps front and back and no longer have the floods.
The fixtures in the basement though...not cool... should be above that waste line. Get check valves and pumps for the fixtures
Posted by: Tom at June 3, 2005 1:40 PM
We have the same problem on a smaller level. First I had the sewer cleaned out for $50 and now this weekend we will be rerouting the roof drain (we also only get this problem after severe rains) over our extension and out into the yard (away from the house so it doesn't affect our foundation) and into a rain barrel to use the water for gardening. Our plumber suggested all of the above (except the rain barrel) before we go further and make a second entry into the sewer for the roof drain. If this works we won't have to spend that extra money. I'd try the rerouting and snaking of the sewer first.
Posted by: bedstoner at June 17, 2005 3:15 PM
I haven't been up to much these days. Today was a loss. Nothing seems important. I've just been letting everything happen without me these days.
Posted by: Sten24128 at January 8, 2007 7:59 PM
Post a comment
Please be patient while your comment is published. It may take a moment.