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We have a quote for $3000 to install sewer line cleanouts and that includes permit. The line is 40 years old and is a combination of cast iron (under the house) and clay, according to the technician who did a camera inspection today.
The line has some roots, which is pretty common in our neighborhood. I know most of my neighbors just do regular snaking of the line, but then I also know about quite a few who had to replace the lines for a lot of money. The neighborhood is on the expansive soils, and combined with age of the lines, I guess, the moving and shifting clay is pretty hard on them.
Anyway, some of the neighbors have sewer lines cleanouts, which basically are "openings" into the line just outside of the house. They help with regular line maintenance, since a bigger diameter snake can be inserted into the line and they don't have to put the equipment inside. (Or so they tell me).
Most of the cost of the install is hand dig of a 8 foot deep hole. I wish I could somehow minimize the cost, but I asked the company if we could at least dig the hole ourselves (I have a strong and able 15 year old son who doesn't charge a dime as long as I feed him ), but they told me they need to do it themselves if the work is to be in compliance with city permit.
What are the cons if I find someone to do this without a permit? I will have to sell this house one day, of course, and would rather have all the paperwork in a top shape, but if this means a thousand dollars difference in the price of work, I need to weigh different options, I guess. Also, they tell me that the line itself is in a decent shape and doesn't need replacement. However, I'm thinking if it will, eventually, need to be replaced, what's the point in spending $3000 for clean outs?
The line is 40 years old and is a combination of cast iron (under the house) and clay
...some of the neighbors have sewer lines cleanouts
Have you had any problems with back ups or poor draining?
Quote:
they tell me that the line itself is in a decent shape and doesn't need replacement (yet).
...if it will eventually need to be replaced what's the point in spending $3000 for clean outs?
Have you had any problems with back ups or poor draining?
Quote:
We have a quote for $3000 to install sewer line cleanouts and that includes permit.
but they told me they need to do it themselves if the work is to be in compliance with city permit.
What are the cons if I find someone to do this without a permit?
Many and varied... if/when you're found out.
Which still assumes the work was done correctly.
The main problem if you do it without permit (illegally) is that city inspectors may have you dig it all up for inspection and you'll have to get a permit for that.
If you sell in the future and the new buyers have a problem with the line and/or find out you did not get a permit then you could be in serious legal trouble.
If it's 8' down there's shoring requirements to meet OSHA safety standards. It would be better to let them be liable. I wouldn't go in unless I was replacing the entire line. There should be a cleanout outside the home somewhere.
The main problem if you do it without permit (illegally) is that city inspectors may have you dig it all up for inspection and you'll have to get a permit for that.
If you sell in the future and the new buyers have a problem with the line and/or find out you did not get a permit then you could be in serious legal trouble.
Thanks, that's the info I need.
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Originally Posted by rrtechno
How are you going to feel if that 8' deep hole collapses on someone (your son for example) working in it to save you a few bucks?
I appreciate answers that are to the point, and I guess I got one. I have no idea how to feel if it's collapsing or not.
No, we haven't any problems yet, but we only bought this house less than 1 year ago.
Check with your neighbors (houses of similar vintage) for how many have new waste pipes.
All houses should have at least one clean-out.
Inside... at the point where the several waste lines all come together then through the wall.
Outside... at some point between that inside point and street.
If it's 8' down there's shoring requirements to meet OSHA safety standards. It would be better to let them be liable. I wouldn't go in unless I was replacing the entire line. There should be a cleanout outside the home somewhere.
Thanks, MrWillys. It has to be at least 8' deep since it's going under the basement, and it has it is at least 8' deep. They suggest to install the clean outs right where the cast iron pipe transitions to the clay pipe.
I'm not sure what you mean by "There should be a cleanout outside the home somewhere", are you saying there is an access point into the pipe outside the house?
My neighborhood got together with the city and each homeowner is being charged $3,000 to replace the lateral with seamless pipe...
Some are down 14' or more and some are over 165' long.
The city is replacing the mains and since the crews are already working on the hard part, the cost is significantly less to replace the laterals.
The main in front of my home is 29' deep!!!
$4,000 sounds like a lot for a clean out.
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), but they told me they need to do it themselves if the work is to be in compliance with city permit. 
