Broken Sewer Under Driveway

[Daniel K.]

2 issues here with a clay sewer line.

1.  This is a very common problem in Parma: homes built in the 40's and 50's with downspouts and a driveway drain all running into a broken or clogged clay pipe that is flooding the basement.  Is there a way to bypass this system?  I already know that I can divert the downspouts but the driveway drain is a greater problem.  Sometimes a temporary solution would help.

2.  I am having this problem because an electrician probably pounded 2 grounding rods into the sewer pipe.  I had the property for 3 months, inspected and watched over heavy sustained rains, but only a few days ago I had water pooling near the spot in the basement.  The only thing I can think of that caused this sudden water is the grounding rods.  I can see that the driveway drain is directly in line with where the rods are (the driveway curves a bit and leaves a path of soil over the sewer pipe path).  But I cannot locate the sewer pipe at the rod in order to file a damage claim against the electrician.  I hired a plumber locate the pipes and run a camera but he said he cannot see because they are full of muddy water and he cannot locate the pipes because of water in them.  So I am pretty sure the rods hit the sewer but how can I prove it?