DeSotoSteve
Member
My home's concrete slab foundation is showning signs of movement. A structural engineer has recommended some very costly repairs that involve drilling holes in my slab and pumping pressurized grout into the fill dirt beneath the slab to stabilize it. Before we start this process, he strongly recommends a static drain test.
I'm told the process involves inserting an inflatable drain plug into the clean-out to block the main sewer line. Then, the drain system is filled with water and the level is marked. This can be done either in a shower stall or in a toilet drain (obviously have to remove the toilet and add water). You wait a couple of hours and check to see if the water level has dropped, indicating a leak.
The process seems very straightforward. I was surprised that most of the plumbers I called said they don't perform this service. The few that do, charge anywhere from $500-800!
I am fairly handy and have replaced toilets before. Is there any reason why I can't perform this test myself? I have found online sources for the inflatable plugs. However, I haven't been able to find any instructions on the web for how to conduct this specific test.
I assume I would remove the cover from the outside cleanout, insert the inflatable plug, and inflate it. Then, replace the cover (so the water can't escape) and begin the test. I know you can attach a rope or chain to the plug so it can be pulled out, but then how can you replace the clean-out cover so it is in place while testing?
I'm looking at $35,000 to repair my foundation so I'm trying to save money where I can. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Steve
I'm told the process involves inserting an inflatable drain plug into the clean-out to block the main sewer line. Then, the drain system is filled with water and the level is marked. This can be done either in a shower stall or in a toilet drain (obviously have to remove the toilet and add water). You wait a couple of hours and check to see if the water level has dropped, indicating a leak.
The process seems very straightforward. I was surprised that most of the plumbers I called said they don't perform this service. The few that do, charge anywhere from $500-800!
I am fairly handy and have replaced toilets before. Is there any reason why I can't perform this test myself? I have found online sources for the inflatable plugs. However, I haven't been able to find any instructions on the web for how to conduct this specific test.
I assume I would remove the cover from the outside cleanout, insert the inflatable plug, and inflate it. Then, replace the cover (so the water can't escape) and begin the test. I know you can attach a rope or chain to the plug so it can be pulled out, but then how can you replace the clean-out cover so it is in place while testing?
I'm looking at $35,000 to repair my foundation so I'm trying to save money where I can. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Steve