Plumbing Problems

[AmyJ of Ca]

It seems we are having some major plumbing problems in our pipes under our bathroom. Two plumbers have snaked different drains in the bathroom (in the sink and under the tub) and have come to the conclusion that the pipes under the bathroom have disintegrated in our 40 year old home. While snaking they hit mud under the bathroom pipes. My question is if anyone know of any solution that doesn't involve jackhammering our concrete slab to expose the pipes and replacing them. I heard once that you can (with a snake camera) put in pipes(Plastic of some sort) in the problem areas to keep the mud out and the drains clear. We need something that will help for about 5 years, when my Dh has finished law shool and we can afford to properly fix the problem. Right now it isn't causing major problems and snaking it every 6 months to a year has kept them clear. Any ideas?? My plumber suggested that we just move and not disclose the problem to the new buyer but that is not an option for us financially or morally!! Thanks for your input. Amy

 

[golfgal]

The snake camera is to check for problems in the line. I don't think you can actually install new plumbing that way. You may have to take out a loan to take care of the problem. Did you ask the plumbers if you could wait to fix the problem or is it something that has to be taken care of right away? Sometimes you can wait a bit but you are going to end up having OTHER problems because of the leak in the plumbing lines. Eventually it will back up or burst and then you may be facing replacing all kinds of stuff in your house.

 

[AmyJ of Ca]

I know the snake cam is for looking but I thought I had heard about something that they could pinpoint the problem areas with the camera and then fix it someway that didn't involve heavy machinery digging up half my house. The last plumber said that if we didn't fix it then it could possible erode the foundation and separate that part from the rest of the house. Possibly a scare tactic but it worked. I write this as I just got estimates for the new roof. Does it ever end!! Maybe if we're lucky "the big one" will hit and just finish the job. LOL (Just kidding, native Californian and experienced many earthquakes) I wonder how much we have left available on that home equity loan!!