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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Spring City/Surrounding Philadelphia area
    Posts
    3,509

    Default Potential for Clogs and Backups?

    I saw this yesterday. The PVC line is 4" pipe and the cast iron line it connects to does not have a stated diameter but appears smaller but it is hard to tell for sure because it is partially embedded in the wall. The brass cleanout cap on the cast iron setcion has 3 1/2" stamped on it.

    Is the 3 1/2" figure just the diameter of the cleanout opening or is this indicative of the actual diameter of the cast iron line too? I'm also wondering if the actual thicknesses of the different pipes may create or prevent a possible clog issue at the connection. There are stains on the wall beneath the connection but no moisture showed in the area by the end of the inspection so it is possible the stains relate back to the original reason the PVC was installed.

    Any thoughts?

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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Texas
    Posts
    745

    Default Re: Potential for Clogs and Backups?

    Is the pvc just a vent or does it go to a fixture above it (2nd floor)?

    If it's just a vent...no problem...if it is to another drain...may be a problem...that would make it a wet vent. But it still may not be a problem. Depends on what's upstairs if there is an upstairs.


  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Spring City/Surrounding Philadelphia area
    Posts
    3,509

    Default Re: Potential for Clogs and Backups?

    It's an active drain line for a 3rd floor bathroom.


  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    state of jefferson
    Posts
    522

    Default Re: Potential for Clogs and Backups?

    nick,
    looks acceptable to me. the 3 1/2" cleanout is standard for a four inch line. code prohibits reduction of pipe size except for a 4" to 3" water closet bend. jerry?


  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Philadelphia PA
    Posts
    3,177

    Default Re: Potential for Clogs and Backups?

    Just curious, Nick - Do you often recommend that the underground portion of the sewer pipe be scoped when the property is quite old and some or all of the accessible portions of the pipe have been replaced?

    "There is no exception to the rule that every rule has an exception." -James Thurber, writer and cartoonist (1894-1961)
    www.ArnoldHomeInspections.com

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Spring City/Surrounding Philadelphia area
    Posts
    3,509

    Default Re: Potential for Clogs and Backups?

    I do not John but considering what happens to cast iron over time and how bad some visible above ground sections look, I can only imagine what the underground lines look like. I may need to add that to my recommendations.


  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Plano, Texas
    Posts
    4,245

    Default Re: Potential for Clogs and Backups?

    Quote Originally Posted by John Arnold View Post
    Just curious, Nick - Do you often recommend that the underground portion of the sewer pipe be scoped when the property is quite old and some or all of the accessible portions of the pipe have been replaced?
    I recommend pressure testing lines anytime there is an apparent foundation problem (98% slabs here) or if the house is old enough to have cast iron drains. They say the life expectancy of cast iron is between 50 and 100 years but I have seen lots of it fail at 30-40 years.
    Scoping with hydrostatic testing would be even better.

    Jim Luttrall
    www.MrInspector.net
    Plano, Texas

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Chicago
    Posts
    548

    Default Re: Potential for Clogs and Backups?

    One thing that would not meet code here in Illinois is the fernco coupling they used is not sheileded, or also known as a no-shear coupling.

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