Sand pushing up from basement floor drain wtf

[Denly]

There is a pile of stuff in my basement, so I decided to clear it out today. I found a floor drain that I had forgotten about, to my surprise it was covered with sand. I scooped out the sand off the floor, and removed the drain cover and it was still clogged with sand.

Any clue what might have caused that?

This is a 70s build suburb house up here in Toronto.

Update: scooped up as much as I could and the fking pipe is clay, the clay pipe that runs sideways collapse couple of inches in. Not sure why there are clay pipes as it should be either PCV or metal, guess it is going to be big bills if I want to have it replaced.

Update again: First foundation company comes to check, $2500CAD($1800USD) starting point to repair the 6ft from floor drain to wall. He said at the time my house was built the practice was weeping tiles to floor drain to main drain, he is sure about the clay pipe damaged within the 6ft and $2500cad is the price to do that repair. if they found the clay weeping tiles outside the wall also need repair then sky is the limit.

 

[bbhaag]

Sounds like the drain is clogged and sediment is backflowing up though the floor drain. Mitigation could be as simple as having a service like Roto-Rooter or a licensed plumber come out and clear the line. If the line is broken it could get more complicated and more expensive torepair.

If you have the ability to post pictures they might be helpful in diagnosing the problem.

 

[Denly]

Sounds like the drain is clogged and sediment is backflowing up though the floor drain. Mitigation could be as simple as having a service like Roto-Rooter or a licensed plumber come out and clear the line. If the line is broken it could get more complicated and more expensive torepair.

If you have the ability to post pictures they might be helpful in diagnosing the problem.

Picture here, I scooped up about 3 trays of sand off the floor and from the drain. Are fine sand.

 

[bbhaag]

Yeah so I'm not a pro by any means but to me it looks like it might be time to call in a professional. I'm sure a lot of guys are going to chime in after me saying you can do this on your own at half the cost but that's not me......

 

[Greenman]

You need to find the other end of that drain and clear it.

 

[Denly]

You need to find the other end of that drain and clear it.

See OG post with updated findings.

 

[bbhaag]

So how long has it been since you have used this drain? The only reason I ask is because it might be cheaper just to let it go. I just noticed you're from Toronto I am almost certain that putting boxes back over the drain and forgetting about is the best option for you.

 

[Greenman]

Abandon the old clay pipe, put in a sump and pump if necessary.

 

[Denly]

So how long has it been since you have used this drain? The only reason I ask is because it might be cheaper just to let it go. I just noticed you're from Toronto I am almost certain that putting boxes back over the drain and forgetting about is the best option for you.

It was there when I moved in a few years ago, the AC unit connected to it. As far as I know, there are no other floor drain in the basement.

 

[iRONic]

Condensate drain for your AC. How often do you use AC in Toronto?

 

[Denly]

Condensate drain for your AC. How often do you use AC in Toronto?

My household uses about .... 7-14 days a year, likely less than 10.

 

[iRONic]

If that's the only thing connected to that drain I’d just make sure the area around it stays uncluttered and keep an eye on it.

 

[Denly]

If that's the only thing connected to that drain I’d just make sure the area around it stays uncluttered and keep an eye on it.

the only concern would be if flooding then water has nowhere to go.

 

[iRONic]

The AC condenser drain should never generate that much water. Just make sure it's the ONLY thing connected to that drain!

 

[herm0016]

the other issue, with a broken pipe under a foundation is if your ground water comes up that high at any point its able to pour in. otherwise just get a condensate pump on your furnace drain. cheap and easy.

https://www.supplyhouse.com/DiversiTech-PROCP-16-Asurity-Pro-Condensate-Pump-120V-16-Lift?utm_source=google_ad&utm_medium=Shopping_withoutdata&utm_campaign=Shopping_Without_PLTV_data&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA-P-rBhBEEiwAQEXhHwHuVnGibAU0JOJ0vdr5o2Qc_O7eFM4Fo78pOz2eayA6wFUS9XRzJRoCOWAQAvD_BwE

 

[Denly]

the other issue, with a broken pipe under a foundation is if your ground water comes up that high at any point its able to pour in. otherwise just get a condensate pump on your furnace drain. cheap and easy.

https://www.supplyhouse.com/DiversiTech-PROCP-16-Asurity-Pro-Condensate-Pump-120V-16-Lift?utm_source=google_ad&utm_medium=Shopping_withoutdata&utm_campaign=Shopping_Without_PLTV_data&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA-P-rBhBEEiwAQEXhHwHuVnGibAU0JOJ0vdr5o2Qc_O7eFM4Fo78pOz2eayA6wFUS9XRzJRoCOWAQAvD_BwE

That's my concern if water pipe burst I am fk'ed or like u said ground water.

 

[bbhaag]

That's my concern if water pipe burst I am fk'ed or like u said ground water.

If a water pipe bursts in your home even if repaired it is unlikely the drain you took a picture of could handle the amount of flow to sufficiently remediate the problem. Like wise the GTA is not exactly known for flooding or high ground water.

Out of curiosity how long have you lived in the home?

 

[highland145]

If you're going to replace it, might be worth looking into having a sleeve pilled through instead of tearing up the floor. Water hose might clear it enough to get the cable through. Bro does #3...

5 Types Of Sewer Liners For Damaged Pipes

Get expert advice on improvements to your home, including design tips, how much you'd expect to pay for a pro and what to ask when hiring experts.

www.forbes.com

 

[Denly]

If a water pipe bursts in your home it is unlikely the drain you took a picture of could handle the amount of flow to sufficiently remediate the problem. Like wise the GTA is not exactly known for flooding or high ground water.

Out of curiosity how long have you lived in the home?

About 5yrs

 

[bbhaag]

About 5yrs

So yeah this one is going to be up to you as to whether or not you want to fix the problem or more importantly how much you are willing to spend.
Lots of good advice in this thread with a lot of different ways of tackling the problem whether that be a DIY solution or hiring a pro.

 

[BoomerD]

Seems like that's one of those "you don't need it...until you do" things. As costly as it might be, I think I'd have it fixed...or at the very least, have it cleaned out and scoped to see the extent of the damage.

 

[Denly]

see update 1 in OG post.

 

[bbhaag]

Damn....2,500 bucks to repair 6 foot(1.8m)of broken pipe and the cost could go even higher if more of the pipe needs replacing. Did I read that right?

After living in the home for 5 years have you noticed any water damage issues? Issues like mold, dampness, odors, efflorescence deposits, ect?

 

[Denly]

Seems like that's one of those "you don't need it...until you do" things. As costly as it might be, I think I'd have it fixed...or at the very least, have it cleaned out and scoped to see the extent of the damage.

Damn....2,500 bucks to repair 6 foot(1.8m)of broken pipe and the cost could go even higher if more of the pipe needs replacing. Did I read that right?

After living in the home for 5 years have you noticed any water damage issues? Issues like mold, dampness, odors, efflorescence deposits, ect?

You read it right, I think most is labour to open up the floor then patch it up. Still $2.5k is a lot of money for a day(maybe 2) of work with material cost next to nothing.

looks, smell just like any unfinished basement, I won't want to live in it but nothing abnormal. No water damage and not draining issue.

 

[Greenman]

If the ground water level rises your basement will flood, and it appears from the silt filled pipe that that has happened. So why would spend any time or money repairing a system that has a fundamental flaw? Cut a hole in the slab and install a sump pump. It might end up costing the same as repairing the drain, but you'll have a system that's serviceable and works.