DIY Dunce repairs!

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OldernDirt

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City of the Big Shooters - Chicago, Ill-ANNOY
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The green pipe is the main drain to the sewer system. The white PVC pipe is from the bathroom to the right on the other side of the wall, and the washing machine to the left and behind. This connection started leaking yesterday, Sunday, when the washer would discharge water. I could see the water leaking at the base of these pipes where they come together, but can't really tell which pipe it's coming from.
The house was built in the 30s and was "Remodeled" by the previous owner who remodeled by the "do it cheap" and don't bother to find out the "correct" way to do things. I've had to re-do, or had professionals re-do so many things I've lost count! I know my limitations on what I can do, but apparently this person didn't!
I have a plumber coming out next Tuesday to, hopefully, fix this. My question is this: Where the PVC connects to the main line, isn't/wasn't that the "clean out" should the line be blocked? Is this a "code" connection or just another bad DIY project from the previous owner(s)?
 
Best way is to use the upload file on the bottom right, then search out the pic you want from your computer. Double click, make it a full size pic rather than posting a thumbnail pic, them post reply.
 
Are you sure the water is not coming this leaded joint? In the picture it appears wet to me.
When you say the 2 pipes come together, that is a cast iron wye fitting that's conning the 2 pipes and then through the floor.
If that leaded joint I show(I forgot to attach the enlarged picture pointing at the leaded joint) is wet than it would appear to be the leak to the floor. If in doubt, wipe that entire wye fitting dry, right down to the slab. Then let the washing machine discharge and watch closely for the source of water.
If that's it, chances are you have some build up in the main drain causing some back pressure, and which would require to be snaked.

If the water is actually coming from the base of that wye fitting, start digging.
 
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Since it's not a really bad leak I've contacted a plumber but he won't be able to come out till next week. He's still swamped with "Polar Vortex" repairs, as are most others. Since I know about as much about plumbing as I do Nuclear Fission I'll wait till he can look at it and "maybe" give me the good news instead of "We gotta break open the floor! :eek::eek::eek:
 
looks to me like it is leaking where the white pvc is connected to the cast iron

try this.
dry everything up , use toilet paper or what ever

then have your partner turn the washer on as you look for a wet spot
use a flash light, get on your knees as close as you can for an inspection

if it is the pvc/cast joint it can be fixed by simply repacking the lead
 
OK, the plumber was out today and I was very happy at his fix and explanation.
He explained that at those joints they're packed with, I don't remember the name(!), then it's leaded over. He said he thinks the packing over the years was compressed, there was a temporary block in the line, it backed up, causing pressure that caused the leak. He chipped away at the concrete floor creating about a 1/4 inch gap around the pipe. We ran the washer and the basement sink to locate the leak. Today it wouldn't leak! Typical!? lol
He then told me the pipe going thru the floor was at the correct height for him to just be able fill in and repack the area around the pipe with hydraulic cement and not have to open up the floor. He felt that it was going to be a permanent fix and that it was guaranteed. If it should leak again, he'd come back.
 
They pack the joints to be leaded with OAKUM then pour about an inch of lead.

So he talked about why or what could cause the leaded joint to leak but patched the concrete around the fitting going into the floor. Hmmm!:confused:
Well if it leaks again call him back and he may have to repack those leaded joints.
 

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