All Forum Posts by: Ryan Watson

@Jon Holdman Thats got me wondering now too. One one hand you could say as long as the french drain has been around but on the other hand, it would have been after they stopped using hallowed out tree trunks for pipe.

Im glad you pointed it out like that. Very true.

John is right about clay tiles. Its been around so long that farmers used to use a candle at the starting point to keep grade, check alignment, and dig them by hand for farm drainage.

The county took it a step further and you can find clay tiles around 12" or bigger where there is alot of farm land. They are called "leagal drains". They were put in by the local govt for better field drainage. They run for miles and collect alot of groundwater. Imagine if you hit one of those while you are replacing the sewer? Part of that 5000 dollars has to go for pumping water 24/7. This kind of work is not cheap.

If the walls are crumbling and they cant get a cable ran for a bursting to happen, they would likely have to open it up to make that an intermediate point, set the bursting up for both directions right there. Or just open cut the entire thing. It still does happen.

Im not saying it doesnt happen but Its not common practice to use a directional boring machine on a gravity sewer. If it has a long run the grade has to be just right as to not let the water run off faster than the solids. Maybe a 1% grade or less (one foot of fall for every 100 lineal feet or less). If you hear someone say they did bore a sewer its more than likely a force main (effluent from a pumping station under pressure). Some houses do come equipped with these. I'd say any edge you can get on your homework is helpful.

Like others said, I'd start with the appliances. If you cant find anything, you might get lucky and find a part of your yard that stays soaked all the time, then thats a good indication you have a broken pipe underground.

On the other hand, you do have people that belive in taking 2, 3, or 4 showers a day. Like every time they do #2 in the bathroom. I'd hate to see a bill for people that do that.

You mentioned the renter likes to take care of the yard and plants. Im not sure how much of a well is for a viable option, but from what ive been reading i like the idea of the garden hose being ran from a well completely separate from city water. Hell with a 75 dollar a month jump, thats ridiculous. I'd be punching a well on the property.

Pipe bursting has been around for years. Here is a nice in depth video demonstrating its operation. I recommend using HDPE but if the space allows for it, you can use PVC, its just more work. Just look up Vermeer's Hammerhead Mole if you're curious to see more about it. This method is available in many sizes and types of pipes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiEeJ9fBHqc

Like stated above, you cant just go dig up the street at random. You must atleast have a right of way permit and to get that, you need to be licensed, insured, and bonded.

I'd say the only ground you have to challenge on is if they had been using a boring machine in the vicinity, and clipped the top of the pipe during a different, unrelated installation causing its failure, then its on them. Most new installations these days have laterals already put in and terminated at the edge or outside of the right of way for a plumber to take over later and finish once the house is constructed. So if its close enough to the main, it could be their problem. The thing is, the utility itself wouldnt do these repairs in a big city, they would sub them out. Of course both of these would be irrelevant in an existing utility situation.

Its cost depends on how deep the sewers are, they can be 5' or 35' deep. Before you buy, dont be afraid to go out in the street and open up a manhole or two and take a look in a safe manner. it might save you some $$.

Thanks everybody, this has been a big help.

Thank you for the speedy reply. I am meaning in general, how is it calculated?

I was wondering how is it that you figure the square footage of a home? Isnt it figured by the livable space (each floor if applicable) and not just by the houses footprint?

@Erin Weiss The tax amount for 1400, is that for the whole year or twice a year?

Congrats! 300 per bedroom? I like that way of looking at it. Not too shabby.