I'm going through the same thing right now. Standing sewage in the toilets, can't flush, can't drain water. Have to go to the store to crap and pee outside. Now I have to spend my weekend digging. All because of this shit piping. I hope whoever invented orangeburg drowns to death in a sea of sewage.
Yep, the backhoe is at our house finishing up today to the tune of about $13K Granted we have a long driveway. So if you are considering buying a house built in the 50s/60s as part of the inspection get the sewer line scoped to see if it is orangeburg. If it is, I would negotiate the price of the house down since it is only a matter of time before it needs to be replaced.
We're dealing with this right now at my aunt's house -- it's 50 years old, almost exactly, and the tub won't drain, the toilets won't flush, and on and on.
OMG, I have to get this work done in a few weeks due to this type of pipe. Right now I am trying to get estimates. Did you do the work yourself or did you have a profession come in?
@crystalwoodi Well the toughest part is exposing the old pipe. I have replaced many mainlines. I have encounter massive roots, driveways, buried debris, unexpected depths, boulders, clay, hardpan, etc. continued...
@Seawolf071, After hearing complaints about Roto Rooter I have to say that so far I have been impressed with their assessment. This guy that I am working with is the same guy who provides me direct answers & explains things in a thorough manner. I've had three estimates so far. Out of the three, I like the sound of the pipe bursting b/c I've researched that this process doesn't destroy the ground that much. The guy that came yesterday was long winded and didn't provide much detail.
I did not make any reference to nor did I work for Roto Rooter. Plumbers get laid off, if you will, and hired by another company when work dictates. So we can have a collage of experience, including sales techniques. I do not want to defame a company, Roto Rooter is a respected firm. I only wanted to direct the attention to individuals unknown to me. To question the estimate offered.
I am not trying to argue. I am trying to educate a process that is a mystery to most. If you trust that you are getting the best deal.then make up you mind.if it was the best deal for me I would go for it. There are among us honest plumbers, too many to count if you found one like myself then go for it. Honest meaning not fudging, like a used car salesman.
In fact, he wanted to find out if I could get the cd (from Roto Rooter) so that he could do his work. The other plumber from Monday wanted me to do the same. I was not impressed with the latter two as you can tell.
Hopefully you were not charged for the service of a camera WITHOUT providing you with a copy. Doctors are able to get a second opinion with available x-rays or scans. When a customer agree to camera to inspect the line I charge the time involed and provided the footage with my estimates.
@crystalwoodi So what is it worth to you to move everything between the surface and the old pipe. I have had customers start and give up. So if it is a city sewer system and the depth starts at 3 to 4 and ends at 5 to 8 with width of 2 times the length needed. Now divided that by a shovel full. There are other ways too.
@crystalwoodi Before any digging call U.S.A..Underground Service Alert. May be different in other statesCalif here. With WHITE spray paint mark proposed trench. I saved my company at the time of a 1 million dollar fine per hour by not only asking for this but then recording the results. Long story and no raise, figures.
@crystalwoodi I am not a lawyer, I am a disabled plumber. I always took precautions for a fall into my trench. Sturdy plywood to cover it, barricades to block access, and plenty of warnings. These things can add up financially and does not release your liability. Ok I think I covered my Ass now for yours.
@crystalwoodi I have no idea from here where the mainline starts and endsIf you have Orangeburg I assume its in the city or county. Negotiate, negotiate, negotiate. Included in the contract should be contractor to stand and pass inspection per (city or county) code. Try to stay away from estimate may be adjusted for unforeseen circumstances. if they do the work INSIST on a pilot hole for estimate. Pay the labor per hour for finding the pipe at the house.
@crystalwoodi This gives both you and any contractor an advantage of seeing the pipe and what it may take to get to it. If you know where the pipe is exiting you house. Dig it upor hired labor to. For the means of Exploratory Purposes Do not exceed the depth in your area that requires trench plates for shoring the hole. This video does not exceed that code.
ABS pipe 3inch to 4inch is usually standard to replace the mainline. Ad cleanouts, in my area two-way cast iron clean out is required for replacement. Sometimes an ABS two way can be constructed. There is a mark up. That is all I am willing to say. CYOA.
. IF you are getting estimates, get a parts list plus labor needed list to pass code. You have to seem very interested in details maybe for offsprings class project. I dont know I am not there. Then do your homework. I would do this from the lesser likely winner of the bid. I am breaking taboos here.
@crystalwoodi If there are any other nightmarish plumbing problems I can help with or easier ones than this post. Post a video of the problem I might be able to help. Free of charge of course but you MUST double check my suggestions to the codes in your area. I assume no responsibility.
I'm going through the same thing right now. Standing sewage in the toilets, can't flush, can't drain water. Have to go to the store to crap and pee outside. Now I have to spend my weekend digging. All because of this shit piping. I hope whoever invented orangeburg drowns to death in a sea of sewage.
Mcegan69 1 month ago
Yep, the backhoe is at our house finishing up today to the tune of about $13K Granted we have a long driveway. So if you are considering buying a house built in the 50s/60s as part of the inspection get the sewer line scoped to see if it is orangeburg. If it is, I would negotiate the price of the house down since it is only a matter of time before it needs to be replaced.
USUExtension 3 months ago
Now that i see what your pipe looks like I now know I definitely have it under my yard and driveway.
highart2003 8 months ago
We're dealing with this right now at my aunt's house -- it's 50 years old, almost exactly, and the tub won't drain, the toilets won't flush, and on and on.
TheLogicJunkie 2 years ago
OMG, I have to get this work done in a few weeks due to this type of pipe. Right now I am trying to get estimates. Did you do the work yourself or did you have a profession come in?
crystalwoodi 2 years ago
@crystalwoodi Well the toughest part is exposing the old pipe. I have replaced many mainlines. I have encounter massive roots, driveways, buried debris, unexpected depths, boulders, clay, hardpan, etc. continued...
Seawolf071 2 years ago
@Seawolf071, After hearing complaints about Roto Rooter I have to say that so far I have been impressed with their assessment. This guy that I am working with is the same guy who provides me direct answers & explains things in a thorough manner. I've had three estimates so far. Out of the three, I like the sound of the pipe bursting b/c I've researched that this process doesn't destroy the ground that much. The guy that came yesterday was long winded and didn't provide much detail.
crystalwoodi 2 years ago
I did not make any reference to nor did I work for Roto Rooter. Plumbers get laid off, if you will, and hired by another company when work dictates. So we can have a collage of experience, including sales techniques. I do not want to defame a company, Roto Rooter is a respected firm. I only wanted to direct the attention to individuals unknown to me. To question the estimate offered.
Seawolf071 2 years ago
I am not trying to argue. I am trying to educate a process that is a mystery to most. If you trust that you are getting the best deal.then make up you mind.if it was the best deal for me I would go for it. There are among us honest plumbers, too many to count if you found one like myself then go for it. Honest meaning not fudging, like a used car salesman.
Seawolf071 2 years ago
In fact, he wanted to find out if I could get the cd (from Roto Rooter) so that he could do his work. The other plumber from Monday wanted me to do the same. I was not impressed with the latter two as you can tell.
crystalwoodi 2 years ago
Hopefully you were not charged for the service of a camera WITHOUT providing you with a copy. Doctors are able to get a second opinion with available x-rays or scans. When a customer agree to camera to inspect the line I charge the time involed and provided the footage with my estimates.
Seawolf071 2 years ago
@crystalwoodi So what is it worth to you to move everything between the surface and the old pipe. I have had customers start and give up. So if it is a city sewer system and the depth starts at 3 to 4 and ends at 5 to 8 with width of 2 times the length needed. Now divided that by a shovel full. There are other ways too.
Seawolf071 2 years ago
@crystalwoodi aggh it didn't show the symbol for feet...all numbers are in feet.
Seawolf071 2 years ago
@crystalwoodi Before any digging call U.S.A..Underground Service Alert. May be different in other statesCalif here. With WHITE spray paint mark proposed trench. I saved my company at the time of a 1 million dollar fine per hour by not only asking for this but then recording the results. Long story and no raise, figures.
Seawolf071 2 years ago
@crystalwoodi I am not a lawyer, I am a disabled plumber. I always took precautions for a fall into my trench. Sturdy plywood to cover it, barricades to block access, and plenty of warnings. These things can add up financially and does not release your liability. Ok I think I covered my Ass now for yours.
Seawolf071 2 years ago
@crystalwoodi I have no idea from here where the mainline starts and endsIf you have Orangeburg I assume its in the city or county. Negotiate, negotiate, negotiate. Included in the contract should be contractor to stand and pass inspection per (city or county) code. Try to stay away from estimate may be adjusted for unforeseen circumstances. if they do the work INSIST on a pilot hole for estimate. Pay the labor per hour for finding the pipe at the house.
Seawolf071 2 years ago
@crystalwoodi This gives both you and any contractor an advantage of seeing the pipe and what it may take to get to it. If you know where the pipe is exiting you house. Dig it upor hired labor to. For the means of Exploratory Purposes Do not exceed the depth in your area that requires trench plates for shoring the hole. This video does not exceed that code.
Seawolf071 2 years ago
ABS pipe 3inch to 4inch is usually standard to replace the mainline. Ad cleanouts, in my area two-way cast iron clean out is required for replacement. Sometimes an ABS two way can be constructed. There is a mark up. That is all I am willing to say. CYOA.
Seawolf071 2 years ago
. IF you are getting estimates, get a parts list plus labor needed list to pass code. You have to seem very interested in details maybe for offsprings class project. I dont know I am not there. Then do your homework. I would do this from the lesser likely winner of the bid. I am breaking taboos here.
Seawolf071 2 years ago
@crystalwoodi If there are any other nightmarish plumbing problems I can help with or easier ones than this post. Post a video of the problem I might be able to help. Free of charge of course but you MUST double check my suggestions to the codes in your area. I assume no responsibility.
Seawolf071 2 years ago