FAQ: How To Find Drain Pipe Under Concrete?

How do I find my drain pipe?

Since all your drains lead to one central pipe, find a pipe you know is a drain, like a toilet or sink line. Follow the pipe until it ties into a larger pipe. Follow the larger pipe until it exits your basement or crawlspace. That drain pipe leads to your sewer line.

How do you find a sewer pipe underground?

How to Find Underground Sewer Pipes

1. Contact a city maintenance person and ask. In small towns there is usually one man who can tell you where the sewer lines are located.
2. Ask at city hall if you live in a larger town or city.
3. Contact a plumber.
4. Witch or dowse for the sewer line.
5. Climb up to your roof sewer vent.

Where is the main line drain in a house?

In a Bathroom or Utility Area



In other homes with slab foundations, the main drain may be located in a bathroom, usually on the floor near the toilet, or in a garage or utility area, usually near a floor drain.

Where is my sewer line in my yard?

Go to the city office directly or call them to see if they can tell you where the sewer line is located. Usually, they can show you where the line goes from your home to the city’s main line. If you are unable to reach the city, see if there is an interactive underground utility map of your area online.

How do you find a stormwater pipe underground?

The most accurate way to locate underground pipes is with an EM locator (electromagnetic cable locator). EM locators transmit a signal along pipe, and you can find that signal with your receiver. See this article for more on how EM locators work.

What type of pipe is used for sewer lines?

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipes are the most common type of sewer line pipes today. Plastic pipework is lightweight, easy to use, and resilient. When installed properly, PVC pipe is long-lasting and impervious to root penetration.

How deep are sanitary sewer lines?

Minimum depth of sanitary sewer lines shall be six (6) feet measured from the top of pipe to finished grade.

Can I pour concrete over PVC pipe?

Pour the mixed concrete around the PVC pipe, using a large, metal funnel or a spade. Pack the concrete around the PVC pipe to prevent air gaps. Pack the layer directly underneath the PVC pipe; it should be packed tight to create a solid, firm foundation and to prevent cracking during temperature fluctuations.

Does homeowners insurance cover broken pipes under slab?

Homeowners insurance generally does not cover maintenance issues or wear and tear. So, if a slab leak results when tree roots damage your plumbing, or from plumbing lines that are simply past their prime, a typical homeowners insurance will not pay for repairs.

Can I see the drainage plans for my house?

If you want to get hold of your property’s existing drainage plans, it is possible to contact your local water authority. However, it is important to note that you usually have to pay for permission to access these plans.

Why are all my drains backing up?

Clogs, clogs, clogs: Recurring clogs can be one reason that sewer lines keep backing up. You’ll experience persistent clogs if things like oil, grease, hair, “flushable” wipes, or other items keep entering your drains and sewer line. The good news is that this is one of the easiest problems to fix.

What does a clean out drain look like?

A drain cleanout provides access to your main sewer line and is located outside of your home in the front or back yard. Cleanouts typically go unnoticed until there is a problem. They look like capped pipes sticking a few inches above the ground.