Sanitary tie-in

[FJD3]

Basement bathroom shower/toilet/vanity (DIY). I was having problems with occasional sewer back-ups. I installed AAV's for the toilet and shower, and a separate AAV for the vanity. I also replaced the previously installed FERNCO tie in to the 3" sewer main with a 3" sweeping 90. I realize this is probably not up to code, but is it acceptable?

 

[1911smith]

Welcome to the Forum FJD3,

I understand these types of repairs, up to code no! , but yes will get you by until a later date. I see the repair is below concrete. Not knowing how you are going to fill the void? If it were me, I would seal it up with a water resistant spray foam VS concrete. So much easier for the next person to dig it up and change it. Best of luck

 

[MicEd69]

The 3" Fernco Sanitary tee on its side was WAY wrong. The 3" PVC combo fitting is correct. However, the Fernco couplings need to be the shielded ones for underground installations.

 

[FJD3]

Welcome to the Forum FJD3,

I understand these types of repairs, up to code no! , but yes will get you by until a later date. I see the repair is below concrete. Not knowing how you are going to fill the void? If it were me, I would seal it up with a water resistant spray foam VS concrete. So much easier for the next person to dig it up and change it. Best of luck

Great advice. Thank you!

 

[FJD3]

The 3" Fernco Sanitary tee on its side was WAY wrong. The 3" PVC combo fitting is correct. However, the Fernco couplings need to be the shielded ones for underground installations.
View attachment 47762

Ok. I never considered the shielded couplings. Good to know. Thanks!

 

[Twowaxhack]

Ok. I never considered the shielded couplings. Good to know. Thanks!

They’re expensive but they’re better.

At one time that’s all we had was the unshielded type. If the ground is stable then they’re fine. Pack the dirt under the pipe really well.

 

[MicEd69]

If the ground is stable then they’re fine.

As they are not per code today and against manufacturer's instructions, they are not really "fine". Will they work without major problems, probably. But should they fail from shifting ground or future snaking, the leak under the slab could cause major problems. They are a LOT cheaper than cutting out a concrete floor and replacing the failed non-shielded ones.

 

[Twowaxhack]

As they are not per code today and against manufacturer's instructions, they are not really "fine". Will they work without major problems, probably. But should they fail from shifting ground or future snaking, the leak under the slab could cause major problems. They are a LOT cheaper than cutting out a concrete floor and replacing the failed non-shielded ones.

You really don’t speak from experience and I’ve been doing this work for 40 yrs so I have no idea who you’re trying to convince but it’s not me

Read my post again.

 

[Twowaxhack]

The weight of the dirt on top of the coupling can cause pipe deflection if it’s not installed correctly.

Unstable ground ? Do you realize we have terracotta sewers still in service here from the F’n 1950’s ?

Do the unshielded couplings meet code ? They sure don’t. But like I’ve said….at one time that’s all we had and guess what ? I can’t ever recall having one fail because I know what the hell im going

If you wanted to get cute you could use a stainless hanger and some stainless threaded rod and extend the rod into the slab to support the pipe. The ground could wash away and the pipe would be held perfectly.

I did this many of times on the Gulf of Mexico under beach houses. The sand would wash away during hurricanes and of the pipe wasn’t suspended from the slab you’d have to break the slab up to replace the plumbing. Hanging it from the slab solved that issue.

Now I’ll say this again before pantys get pissed in……

The unshielded couplings do not meet code.
The shielded couplings are much better.

 

[MicEd69]

You really don’t speak from experience and I’ve been doing this work for 40 yrs so I have no idea who you’re trying to convince but it’s not me

Read my post again.

Twowaxhack, you said that unshielded couplings used underground are "fine". Read my post again. I said, "Will they work without major problems, probably." However, that doesn't make them "fine" in my book.

What my input was, was the best information for the DIY poster. My point to him was that the small increase in price for the correct couplings is a significantly cheaper than having to do the work again. Lots of DIYers don't have the vast experience that you have, nor the skills in plumbing.

 

[Twowaxhack]

Twowaxhack, you said that unshielded couplings used underground are "fine". Read my post again. I said, "Will they work without major problems, probably." However, that doesn't make them "fine" in my book.

What my input was, was the best information for the DIY poster. My point to him was that the small increase in price for the correct couplings is a significantly cheaper than having to do the work again. Lots of DIYers don't have the vast experience that you have, nor the skills in plumbing.

I said “ if the ground is stable then they’re fine “

That’s a true statement.

Now are they legal ? Maybe not. I’m not his inspector and I have no idea where he’s located. Its not like the plumbing code can’t be broken PERIOD and in some jurisdictions it’s not stringently enforced even if it is technically against code.
Especially if a man is in his own house doing his own work for himself.

If the OP was 8’ down in a hole and had over excavated then I’d be more concerned. From the pic it appears to be a couple feet deep and dug with a shovel. The couplings will work fine if the ground stable.

I wouldn’t be opposed if he decided to change them all out to shielded couplings. I’m not emotionally or financially attached to this man’s project. I’m not saying you gave bad advice at all. I’m not the boss on this job, I’m just giving my opinions and experiences.

Y’all have a good night I have to go to sleep so I can build a snowman tomorrow. Schools and work are closed here on the Gulf of America due to a mini blizzard.