Taylor
New Member
Can't get plumbers to call back with estimates, and I need to get concrete down soon to give it time to cure while I'm on hoiiday. So I'm on to the next project, replacing clay waste line (which started out as: move drain lines in basement to make room for footings for new beam).
I'd appreciate any advice on some aspects of this:
Thanks for any help. Doing this out of necessity, not out of choice.
I'd appreciate any advice on some aspects of this:
- Concrete base: The inspector (who is economical with words and hard to get ahold of) mentioned setting the pipe in concrete. Is this SOP? Since all concrete is supposed to be 2" thick, I don't see what good this does. Perhaps he is referring to the part where the CI stack gets some of its support from the waste line? But I can't imagine a PVC waste line faring very well in a sandwich between concrete and a CI stack.
- Stack: I plan to support the CI stack with riser clamps in the attic and first and second floors. When I tighten these, should I worry about over-tightening and cracking the CI? I tightened until I heard a groan, but under-tightening obviously has its down side. BTW this whole project started because the framing is under-supported, so I will have to do what I can with temporary support, but can't do much with half the laundry room floor dug up.
- Sand fill: I presume I refill the trench with the waste line with sand. Tamping is out of the question, I couldn't lift one of those things in, and the fumes from the motor would fill the house. Are there lighter weight alternatives? Keep the trench filled with water for a few days? Fill it up with concrete? The ground is clay with some rocks. I plan to tile (eventually). I will put rebar anchors into the 2" concrete to key the new and old concrete together (well, I'll try).
- Under support: The trickiest part of this is that the waste line goes almost under a 4x4, one of two holding the kitchen over the laundry room. No footing! I've done everything I can to spread the load elsewhere, but I will be digging at least some of the waste pipe out of a tunnel under the 4x4 plate and 2" of concrete. Does this seem feasible? Again, not ideal, but I don't see an alternative.
- Water test: The house plumbing needs to be brought back on line ASAP after replacing the waste line. Can I do a water test for the inspector after the system has been operational for a few days? Obviously I'd do my own water test before going back on line.
Thanks for any help. Doing this out of necessity, not out of choice.