Check out this gem - InspectionNews

mathew stouffer · #1 (**permalink**) 09-24-2009, 05:36 PM

Just when you thought you have seen it all. I had to do a double take at the waste line running under the "footing".

Wayne Carlisle · #2 (**permalink**) 09-25-2009, 08:02 AM

Ummmm....I think I may be blind. I don't see a waste line running under the footing. Please point me in the right direction!

mathew stouffer · #3 (**permalink**) 09-25-2009, 08:38 AM

Last photo, look to the lower left.

Gunnar Alquist · #4 (**permalink**) 09-25-2009, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne Carlisle

Ummmm....I think I may be blind. I don't see a waste line running under the footing. Please point me in the right direction!

Wayne,

Last photo. Under the pier/footing.

A.D. Miller · #5 (**permalink**) 09-25-2009, 08:41 AM

Wayne Carlisle · #6 (**permalink**) 09-25-2009, 08:41 AM

Ohhhhhh thanks, I was looking for a white pipe..... Don't see any black (ABS??) sewer pipes in our area.

mathew stouffer · #7 (**permalink**) 09-25-2009, 09:18 AM

I have a better photo but forgot to put it in.

James Foy · #8 (**permalink**) 09-25-2009, 10:39 AM

Were they bracing an overspan? Just wondering if this was done after initial construction.

Reminds me of a house I inspected where the plumber wanted to run the drain for about 4' in the footing. I wrote the correction and he had changed it to about 16". Wrote a second correction. "But I thought you said I could run it for short distances". Sigh.

Dana Bostick · #9 (**permalink**) 09-25-2009, 11:54 AM

You can cross a footing perpendicular but it must be protected and sleeved.

James Foy · #10 (**permalink**) 09-25-2009, 01:08 PM

Yes, Dana you can cross a footing, but you can not run the pipe in the footing.

Jerry Peck · #11 (**permalink**) 09-25-2009, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James Foy

Yes, Dana you can cross a footing, but you can not run the pipe in the footing.

Actually, if is engineered properly, you can.

The whiz-bang of that engineer's stamp, signed and sealed, will do it.

The code specifically addresses going through foundation walls, and going under footings, thus, using the allowable 'going under footings' the engineer can design the footing to allow for the pipe to go through the footing - as long it the rational analysis of the engineering works out.

Not the brightest thing to do, but I would rather see it go through a footing than under the footing - either way, though, the footing must be designed so as to not put any pressure on that pipe and the pipe must have clear passage through/under the footing.

James Foy · #12 (**permalink**) 09-25-2009, 02:12 PM

Yes, the lovely magic of an engineer's stamp. I've even witnessed them approve an onsite water retention system in the 45 degree footprint of footing without the manufacturer's recommended moisture barrier or approval to be used in that area.
Maybe I should post all statements with the caveat: "without an engineer's stamp of approval".
I also got to witness an electrical engineer's approval of a plan that neglected a common lockout device that nearly killed a man. The engineer told the plan checker (former commercial electrical installer) that he wasn't an engineer and it wasn't required. Little comfort to the guy who was nearly killed. Luckily it was a major commercial chain that is paying handsomely for his medical. Maybe they're sublimating it to the engineer's E&O, but I doubt that was enough to cover some truly horrific burns.
Sorry for the tangent.

Dana Bostick · #13 (**permalink**) 09-25-2009, 07:08 PM

I suppose I could have expanded on that a bit. Yes, it can be done if done properly with proper design to prevent the pipe from being crushed. I have done it. The specs are available should that issue come up in your universe.

But....in no case is it ever allowable to run it parallel in the surcharge area or actually IN and parallel to the footing itself.
DanaB (former plumbing contractor)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

Actually, if is engineered properly, you can.

The whiz-bang of that engineer's stamp, signed and sealed, will do it.

The code specifically addresses going through foundation walls, and going under footings, thus, using the allowable 'going under footings' the engineer can design the footing to allow for the pipe to go through the footing - as long it the rational analysis of the engineering works out.

Not the brightest thing to do, but I would rather see it go through a footing than under the footing - either way, though, the footing must be designed so as to not put any pressure on that pipe and the pipe must have clear passage through/under the footing.

Nick J. Alati · #14 (**permalink**) 09-25-2009, 07:22 PM

Sometimes you going to that next inspection thinking "Just another Home Inspection" and BAM! There's the prof that there are lot's of different types of people, that think in way different ways (than normal fokes) and why we have to charge so darn much! YES!

Randy Aldering · #15 (**permalink**) 09-27-2009, 11:16 AM

Yes, the highly-rated engineer's stamp. Funny how they will sign anything for the right amount of green. I once called out a garage wall that was so far off the foundation the anchor bolts were waving in the wind, bare as can be. They had substituted several Red Head anchor plates and driven fasteners. Not a single notation on the blueprint at the code office. The voice-mail from the builder offered to pay me "what ever your fee is" to write a letter to my client stating that it was "OK". I never returned the call. About three days later, my client showed me a letter from an engineer, stamped and signed on company letterhead, stating exactly what was "suggested" to me. The word from the code office: "why, they are one of this area's largest builders!" And so it goes.

Mike Schulz · #16 (**permalink**) 09-27-2009, 01:33 PM

It's plastic pipe and appears to be a long run. Looks to be easy fix with a couple of fittings at the start point. The section left after re-routing can be used as a subway for mice.

Jerry McCarthy · #17 (**permalink**) 09-30-2009, 05:41 PM

What are you guys seeing as a defect with that ABS waste line in that photo?
Leaving the pier-post wood forms in place will make the PCO day as soon as he/she makes their inspection.