Sewer catch basin information 414 904 4843
Somewhere close to the main sewer connection under the street, my clay tile sewer line has collapsed. I found this out because my catch basin was reverse flowing and hired a local plumber to clear the tree roots. I have a long connection about 100'+ which runs under my driveway for most of the run. In my city, I'm told we are responsible to fix it unless it is at the connection or the first sewer tile from the connection (3'). I have no backup in my basement.
The plumbing contractor was able to clear the clog and flow is now normal again.
Through the whole ordeal, they put a camera down the line and about 115' according the the camera machine they used and they were unable to exactly locate the breakage.
From what I can see, suddenly, a complete tile is missing and a large underground sink hole has developed and it appears if the sewer line or main sewer is still accessible. I'm guessing the sewer flow from the house has washed away the earth. The sewer line was installed with the house in 1918.
So, Not siging up with the plumber whom quoted me over 10K to fix it on the spot, I'm shopping it around and am trying to convince the city to fix it which is going no where fast.
What do I fix? Should I just fix the problem? Replace a majority of the line? Install a cleanout location in the front yard?
Could it be possible it has been this way for a long time? Is this a time-bomb waiting to explode?
If you don't get it fixed ASAP, you may receive a visit from the local Health Department as well as Codes Enforcement who will revoke your Certificate of Occupancy and you can be forced to move out until the problem is rectified. A lived in dwelling is required to have a functional waste disposal system. Discharging enough waste into the ground that it creates a sinkhole is an emergency, not a wait and see issue. It's probably also subject to a lot of fines in most states. That 10K sounds like a bargain to completely replace 100 feet of sewer line in a difficult install situation. You'd better jump on the guy before he gets another job or changes his mind about the cost. And yes, if you don't replace the entire run to the street, you're just looking at a similar problem somewhere down the road. Get it all done at once and minimize the pain.