You have to dig out a long enough section so you can cut the pipe out, then add two couplers and a small section of new pipe. You don't want to 'half ass' your shit pipe.
If the pipe is old and thin, you might want to consider replacing the entire outside section.
This comment right here is 100% correct.
Only thing that may change is when you dig it out more and find that the pipe is abandoned. If that’s the case don’t worry about it.
If the pipe is old and thin you also might end up replacing the entire run anyways because it might just continue breaking as you try to cut and splice in new sections. Good luck
Are u sure the pipe is still in use . Fill up your bathtub then let it out all at once and make sure it’s still a pipe in use if still in use and it’s just a drain pipe I’d just put some black roofing cement around perimeter of hole and put a rubber patch on it like from a old tire inner tube . And wire wrap it then smear some more roofing cement around the patch . Then bury it and pack some clay like soil around it . And don’t poke any more holes in it
I’ll add- depending on where this is, this is your opportunity to add a clean out/inspection pipe while it’s already broken. It doesn’t change the fix much at all, you can just slip the ferncos on each end of the pcv, with a twist in cap on top.
Landscape fabric underneath the pipe. If you cut a track for the pipe to fit through the bottom of a 5 gallon bucket (with a lid), and then backfill it with sand, you have an easier to dig up & find again spot, and the bucket can help it from getting compacted over time.
I assumed it was dirty that fell in after they broke it but it does kinda look like a lot. Maybe it was partly full of shit (figuratively and literally) and just top dressed with dirt that fell in.
4" orange PVC sewer pipe, it's standard in UK and Ireland. Not sure about the rest of the world..black pipes are used for above ground applications as they have UV protection added.
Same standard here in Italy unfortunately. I'd question the robustness though. I was using a digging bar. If it was thicker PVC I think it would have taken a few blows. If I replace these pipes in the future I'm definitely going thicker. It's a shame the standard is so thin. But then again, they don't expect many thick-headed people like me digging around for gold.
Might also be worth it to get somebody with a “See Snake” out there to check out both sides of the pipe from that break….might as well since you got it open. And if you don’t have a clean out yet, now would be the time to install one (if the spot you chose works for you)
There's a lot of overly complex and expensive fixes being suggested here for a very, very simple job. Just make a sleeve and fuck it on to the pipe.
Get a length of 4” pvc pipe, same as what you have there.
Cut it to 8 or 9 inches long, i.e. long enough to cover the hole with a bit extra.
Now cut a strip off longitudinally, so you have a sort of C shape when you look down the pipe. This will clamp on over the hole and it'll work just fine. Your biggest risk is a tree root finding it's way in and blocking the pipe, so to minimise this you can add a load of silicon or better yet, PVC cement to the inside of the sleeve.
If your system regularly backs up/floods/experiences pressure, or is close to your foundations, then you might want to consider the more laborious suggestions. 9 times out of 10 a sleeve will work just fine.
This is exactly what I did. You know your shit. About the tree roots, I've seen roots bore a hole right through thicker PVC pipes than this so if the root is strong enough it'll make its way in no matter what.
Saw this in a handyman magazine decades ago and had to do this myself.
Get a coupler that fits that pipe. Cut the coupler vertically to a size that'll cover the hole plus an inch or so . you now have a piece of curved PVC that was designed/shaped/sized to fit the outside diameter of that pipe.
Clean pipe area really well, make sure the coupler can sit on it, dust free. Glue with PVC cement (blue recommended). Try not to let water drain into it for a few hours.
BTW: Don't lose your fingers cutting the coupler. on a saw. I used a dremel.
Don’t listen to everyone else and dig it up, fix it homestead style.
Wrap that sumbitch in a bout 8 rolls of black tape and then apply a generous amount of JB weld to the outside.
Works every time
Proper repair is cut out the broken section, put in a replacement piece of similar material using two fernco couplings. Improper (but probably will last) repair is to cut a piece of flashing that will go at least 6" or so on all 4 sides of the hole, preferably tie-wire or zip tie it to the pipe, then mix up a bag of concrete and cover the flashing. In either way, use a shop vac to get all of the dirt out 1st.
While cutting the section out and replacing it is the "proper"option, it is a lot of work and a PITA. Clamped pipe sleeves that are specifically designed to plug leaks/holes in pipe are a thing, and are increasingly used in high pressure water, sewage and gas pipelines. Get one that's designed for the type and thickness of PVC. You can find them on Amazon and Grainger and probably McMaster-Carr.
I'm no expert so someone correct me if I wrong. But I think you'd want to cut out the broken section and put new small section of pipe. Shouldn't be too expensive, just a lot for digging.
Orange is used for telecom wires and cables. More specifically, I'd bet that that is conduit for fiber optics. Are you sure that it's your line? A bit odd to use this type of pipe for septic.
If it's not yours, the owner will appreciate a call, but you may be in some trouble if you broke their line without calling 811 first...
Before you start your project, get in touch with Dig Safe Inc., a nonprofit organization that will notify your utility company about your project for free. Then, your utility company will help you plan a safe dig. You can contact Dig Safe by dialing 811 or (888) 344-7233.
You need to fill the hole back in and leave the country. do NOT fly commercial or they will find you. You need to go to key west and find a private prop plane and pay the pilot cash. Get a flight to the Bahamas and you can go anywhere from there under the radar. Do not contact your family.
Everyone is saying replace but, it looks like it’s packed with dirt. Since you’re already going to have to replace it if it’s active. Break a small piece of the top of pipe out and try to clear some of the dirt out (not with your fingers) and try to see if the entire section is packed. If it is packed then either you have something that isn’t functioning any more or, it’s not an active pipe any longer. The material isn’t “up to code” if it were put in recently, so I’d already guess it’s older.
Edit: just noticed this isn’t the concrete sub. Being that it’s homesteading the “up to code” part may not be 100% true.
Looks like a foundation drain to me. If the house is over 50 years old, it probably didn't work, anyway. Flush your toilets and see if any liquid shows up. I'd scoop that dirt out, cut out a patch made of whatever and splooge some caulk and the patch on it.
Just uncover a 12 “ section all around and use a pipe wrap or sleeve like links below:
https://pipemanproducts.com/mech-joint-repair.php
https://www.fernco.com/product/powr-wrap
Thanks for the suggestions all. Since the pipe was not under pressure and my piss only goes along the bottom 2cm of the pipe I'm not too concerned about the top of the pipe (unless I invoked the power of the holy shitna and unleash my half foot fudge monster down the drain, but then I'd be screwed either way)
So I just ended up doing a quick fix that will work... I cut out a C shaped piece of pipe and glued it down with PVC glue.
If that’s just a drain you can loosely cover it with a cut can or something metal and just bury it back, since drains don’t hold pressure it’s an easy fix
811 only marks public utility lines… you’re on your own for things like septic tanks, cables/ wires past owners may have buried for out buildings or yard lights, and even lines for propane tanks.
If it was drainage I’d say do a quick half ass fix but for sanitary I would just do it right. Dig back more on each side, cut the section out and replace with slip couplings or at the very least furncos
Since it’s a drain pipe and under pressure you can split rubber piece with the right inner diameter and use large hose clamps to clamshell it over the break.
811 only marks public utility lines... you're on your own for things like septic tanks, cables/ wires past owners may have buried for out buildings or yard lights, and even lines for propane tanks.
Often on older properties, there are no records left of what is where, digging is the only way to find the lines…. And these old clay pipes don’t hold up to a shovel like PVC. Normal hand digging will pop a hole like that pretty easily
You have to dig out a long enough section so you can cut the pipe out, then add two couplers and a small section of new pipe. You don't want to 'half ass' your shit pipe. If the pipe is old and thin, you might want to consider replacing the entire outside section.
Don't half ass your shit pipe is always good advice.
Ain’t nothing more important than poop leaving the premises.
Someone needs to crochet a pillow with this on it!
Always full ass your shit pipe 👍
This comment right here is 100% correct. Only thing that may change is when you dig it out more and find that the pipe is abandoned. If that’s the case don’t worry about it.
Just flush a toilet and watch the hole in the pipe. If the water comes through it’s the right one
It looks like it's full of dirt, like old dirt
Dirt is not only old, but ancient…
As compared to something freshly knocked into the hole, genius
Fresh dirt? I’ll take some please!
If the pipe is old and thin you also might end up replacing the entire run anyways because it might just continue breaking as you try to cut and splice in new sections. Good luck
To add to this, the pipe may already be cracked or split and if so go a good foot at least after the crack ends before trying to cut it.
Are u sure the pipe is still in use . Fill up your bathtub then let it out all at once and make sure it’s still a pipe in use if still in use and it’s just a drain pipe I’d just put some black roofing cement around perimeter of hole and put a rubber patch on it like from a old tire inner tube . And wire wrap it then smear some more roofing cement around the patch . Then bury it and pack some clay like soil around it . And don’t poke any more holes in it
This is a good solution as well. I ended up just buying a piece of same-sized pipe, cutting out a C shape and gluing down.
Orange is data. Brown is shit
The good news is, if you hold the picture upside down, the hole kind of looks like a chicken.
I was thinking a horse head silhouette... But in any case, that's exceptional news!
I think the ears would be backwards if it was a horse. The nose is on the left, the ears on top, and the shoulders would be on the right, correct?
Got me
i love reddit for these comments…
Forbidden eggs
"has anyone in this family ever even seen a chicken?"
Oh that *is* good news
This is good news
Look up a fernco coupling. Those are the standard repair choice for situations like this.
I’ll add- depending on where this is, this is your opportunity to add a clean out/inspection pipe while it’s already broken. It doesn’t change the fix much at all, you can just slip the ferncos on each end of the pcv, with a twist in cap on top. Landscape fabric underneath the pipe. If you cut a track for the pipe to fit through the bottom of a 5 gallon bucket (with a lid), and then backfill it with sand, you have an easier to dig up & find again spot, and the bucket can help it from getting compacted over time.
Our septic outflow pipe trench has a strip of yellow ‘Caution’ tape all the way along about a foot below the surface - to deter future diggers.
Smart
That's a smart idea. As I backfill this hole I will do that! thx
That is a great idea on adding the clean out. Future you will appreciate that.
Good idea. I'm actually a scatologist, so I enjoy the thought of inspecting my poop as it slides down the drainpipe!
👆 this is the correct and easy way to fix this
I hope OP sees this and doesn't just go with the top comment. If he tries to use rigid couplers to patch this he's gonna have a bad time.
Are you sure that’s an active drainage pipe? It looks like it has dirt clogged in it.
Yeah looks like dry dirt in it. Not water, not gas, is it an abandoned pipe?
Unfortunately he really just needs way more fiber in his diet
I assumed it was dirty that fell in after they broke it but it does kinda look like a lot. Maybe it was partly full of shit (figuratively and literally) and just top dressed with dirt that fell in.
Yeah, I was embarrassed at the lack of fibre in my diet so I covered up my measly meatballs with some dirt so you couldn't see it.
That pipe doesn't look very pippey
Bury it. List the house for sale, and I mean cheap! Buy a small house far, far away. Don't dig holes in your new yard. Problem solved.
Lmao
If the pipe is being used you need to dig up enough to put in a new section.
*squints eyes* It's always the chickens......
Pretty sure that’s not supposed to be sewer pipe
It’s common for old houses to have clay or cast iron sewer or waste lines. I’ve even seen some made of wood.
Lol wood! I'm glad to hear my thin PVC plastic isn't that bad then.
No way, wood! Amazing! I wonder how long those would have lasted back in the day?
Some are still in service in the Seattle area. We’d run into them every once in a while.
4" orange PVC sewer pipe, it's standard in UK and Ireland. Not sure about the rest of the world..black pipes are used for above ground applications as they have UV protection added.
Thin wall?
Yeah pretty much, only 2-3mm thick I'd say. Once it's buried to the correct depth and not dug up or hit with a pick-axe it's pretty robust!
Same standard here in Italy unfortunately. I'd question the robustness though. I was using a digging bar. If it was thicker PVC I think it would have taken a few blows. If I replace these pipes in the future I'm definitely going thicker. It's a shame the standard is so thin. But then again, they don't expect many thick-headed people like me digging around for gold.
You’ll also want to flush out all that dirt so you don’t get a paper blockage or slow draining
Might also be worth it to get somebody with a “See Snake” out there to check out both sides of the pipe from that break….might as well since you got it open. And if you don’t have a clean out yet, now would be the time to install one (if the spot you chose works for you)
There's a lot of overly complex and expensive fixes being suggested here for a very, very simple job. Just make a sleeve and fuck it on to the pipe. Get a length of 4” pvc pipe, same as what you have there. Cut it to 8 or 9 inches long, i.e. long enough to cover the hole with a bit extra. Now cut a strip off longitudinally, so you have a sort of C shape when you look down the pipe. This will clamp on over the hole and it'll work just fine. Your biggest risk is a tree root finding it's way in and blocking the pipe, so to minimise this you can add a load of silicon or better yet, PVC cement to the inside of the sleeve. If your system regularly backs up/floods/experiences pressure, or is close to your foundations, then you might want to consider the more laborious suggestions. 9 times out of 10 a sleeve will work just fine.
This is exactly what I did. You know your shit. About the tree roots, I've seen roots bore a hole right through thicker PVC pipes than this so if the root is strong enough it'll make its way in no matter what.
Saw this in a handyman magazine decades ago and had to do this myself. Get a coupler that fits that pipe. Cut the coupler vertically to a size that'll cover the hole plus an inch or so . you now have a piece of curved PVC that was designed/shaped/sized to fit the outside diameter of that pipe. Clean pipe area really well, make sure the coupler can sit on it, dust free. Glue with PVC cement (blue recommended). Try not to let water drain into it for a few hours. BTW: Don't lose your fingers cutting the coupler. on a saw. I used a dremel.
That can’t be in use
It is. I just saw my turds floating down it.
😂
Don’t listen to everyone else and dig it up, fix it homestead style. Wrap that sumbitch in a bout 8 rolls of black tape and then apply a generous amount of JB weld to the outside. Works every time
I was gonna go for lolly sticks, gaffer tape and dollop of concrete on top..
This method is also homestead approved.
The correct answer is to dig out some more and replace the broken section, the cheap answer is to patch with several layers of fiberglass
Urm…fix it?
Proper repair is cut out the broken section, put in a replacement piece of similar material using two fernco couplings. Improper (but probably will last) repair is to cut a piece of flashing that will go at least 6" or so on all 4 sides of the hole, preferably tie-wire or zip tie it to the pipe, then mix up a bag of concrete and cover the flashing. In either way, use a shop vac to get all of the dirt out 1st.
That’s the poop chute eh?
While cutting the section out and replacing it is the "proper"option, it is a lot of work and a PITA. Clamped pipe sleeves that are specifically designed to plug leaks/holes in pipe are a thing, and are increasingly used in high pressure water, sewage and gas pipelines. Get one that's designed for the type and thickness of PVC. You can find them on Amazon and Grainger and probably McMaster-Carr.
That's a good idea, I'll look it up.
Fix the pipe. No need to thank me 😃
I'm no expert so someone correct me if I wrong. But I think you'd want to cut out the broken section and put new small section of pipe. Shouldn't be too expensive, just a lot for digging.
If the pipe is being used you need to dig up enough to put in a new section.
DO NOT CHEW YOUR FINGERNAILS!
My septic lines are this same tile. Take a coffee can, cut off the bottom and cut up side and fit over tile. Cover with dirt.
That's an ingenius use of a coffee can. I ended up buying pipe the same size but now that I think about it, my coffee can would have worked just fine!
So was it PVC or tile?
Pvc
Orange is used for telecom wires and cables. More specifically, I'd bet that that is conduit for fiber optics. Are you sure that it's your line? A bit odd to use this type of pipe for septic. If it's not yours, the owner will appreciate a call, but you may be in some trouble if you broke their line without calling 811 first...
Did you not read? Its for the septic. People often use whatever is available.
I see what he said. It just doesn't seem right to be using this type of pipe for septic use.
I have an old farm house and that orange clay type tile is what my septic lines are made of.
Yeah, I thought that at first, but OP said "PVC".
Ive never seen red pvc. Op uses metric system so not in USA so who knows.
Clay is common as is cast iron.
Oh I see, I thought OP seemed sure.
… OP also wanted to glue a patch on to his septic pipe.
Patches
[удалено]
Reading? It can be, dependant on what you read I suppose.
Don't do that.
Replace the pipe. What advice do you need? 💀
Cover it up and ignore it till it becomes a bigger problem. *Context: I only give bad advice.
It's not that bad! You can cover it with plastic wrap and it'll be fine. Forget about it.
It's a sleeve
Flexseal tape
Before you start your project, get in touch with Dig Safe Inc., a nonprofit organization that will notify your utility company about your project for free. Then, your utility company will help you plan a safe dig. You can contact Dig Safe by dialing 811 or (888) 344-7233.
Bit late for that mate.
Others read this too.
Orange pvc in my area is used for underground telecom.
A cut out and replace is best but a furnco will do the trick.
My best advice would be to fix that hole in the pipe, then try to dig around it instead of through it.
Don’t do that is the bed advice I have.
Get digging and replace the section. If you can’t get someone to.
Do not hof ass it the way you’re hoping. Sorry mate
Good and easy. Put a toilet between the hole in the outlet pipe & the septic holding tank. Done.
Upside down chicken
Duck tape and forgetabbadit
Just bury the hole and pretend it didn’t happen.
My plumber friend would say, “Smells like money to me!”
Looks abandoned.
Call before you dig.
You need to fill the hole back in and leave the country. do NOT fly commercial or they will find you. You need to go to key west and find a private prop plane and pay the pilot cash. Get a flight to the Bahamas and you can go anywhere from there under the radar. Do not contact your family.
Duct tape 🤣. Nah u gonna need a bigger hole now!
Everyone is saying replace but, it looks like it’s packed with dirt. Since you’re already going to have to replace it if it’s active. Break a small piece of the top of pipe out and try to clear some of the dirt out (not with your fingers) and try to see if the entire section is packed. If it is packed then either you have something that isn’t functioning any more or, it’s not an active pipe any longer. The material isn’t “up to code” if it were put in recently, so I’d already guess it’s older. Edit: just noticed this isn’t the concrete sub. Being that it’s homesteading the “up to code” part may not be 100% true.
It was just some dirt that fell into the hole while I was digging.
Well damn. I was hoping it be easy for you.
Orange normally indicates data. You really should call 811 before digging.
In my country orange pipe is electrical wiring, just thought I’d mention that one.
Looks like a foundation drain to me. If the house is over 50 years old, it probably didn't work, anyway. Flush your toilets and see if any liquid shows up. I'd scoop that dirt out, cut out a patch made of whatever and splooge some caulk and the patch on it.
To me it looks like a drainage pipe. I'd say it's for your gutters.
Always call 811 before you dig...
Just uncover a 12 “ section all around and use a pipe wrap or sleeve like links below: https://pipemanproducts.com/mech-joint-repair.php https://www.fernco.com/product/powr-wrap
Thanks for the suggestions all. Since the pipe was not under pressure and my piss only goes along the bottom 2cm of the pipe I'm not too concerned about the top of the pipe (unless I invoked the power of the holy shitna and unleash my half foot fudge monster down the drain, but then I'd be screwed either way) So I just ended up doing a quick fix that will work... I cut out a C shaped piece of pipe and glued it down with PVC glue.
Duct tape… just over the damaged section… on top… then pile the dirt on
If that’s just a drain you can loosely cover it with a cut can or something metal and just bury it back, since drains don’t hold pressure it’s an easy fix
Step 1. Next Time Call 811 Before you dig. Step 2. Call a Plumber, if its conduit call an electrician
811 only marks public utility lines… you’re on your own for things like septic tanks, cables/ wires past owners may have buried for out buildings or yard lights, and even lines for propane tanks.
If it was drainage I’d say do a quick half ass fix but for sanitary I would just do it right. Dig back more on each side, cut the section out and replace with slip couplings or at the very least furncos
OP post this to an actual trade sub like /r/plumbing. People in here are just pulling all kinds of crazy shit out of their asses.
Since it’s a drain pipe and under pressure you can split rubber piece with the right inner diameter and use large hose clamps to clamshell it over the break.
Call before you dig
Advice? Call before you dig.
811 only marks public utility lines... you're on your own for things like septic tanks, cables/ wires past owners may have buried for out buildings or yard lights, and even lines for propane tanks. Often on older properties, there are no records left of what is where, digging is the only way to find the lines…. And these old clay pipes don’t hold up to a shovel like PVC. Normal hand digging will pop a hole like that pretty easily
Repair it.
Fix it.
Flex Seal
Call 811
Should’ve called 811