an unexpected project

Tyler decided to insulate the water pipes under our house this year so we could still have running water (UNlike last year), if it stays below freezing for a few days. When he came back inside after only 10 minutes or so and gave me a look, I knew the news wasn't good. He came across a sewer leak under the house. . . yuck. Let me emphasize that any waste, including potty, garbage disposal, sinks, washing machine. . . all of it exits via this sewer line! I was optimistic that it would be a quick fix- something must have just disconnected.

I was wrong.

Turns out it was those darned tree roots back to haunt us, breaking into our ancient clay pipes in a search for water. This image is of a clay pipe broken open, showing the tree roots inside. (This pipe was, surprisingly, nowhere near a tree.) "How was ANYTHING getting through that pipe?", you might wonder. It wasn't. Hence, the sewage pooling under the house.
To save two to three THOUSAND dollars that we estimate based on a plumbing consult we had done a few months back, we decided Tyler would try to fix it himself. My awesome husband took a couple days off of work, hired a day laborer, and did it! It took a day of digging (sewer lines are underground), and another day to fit and install all of the new sewer pipe. With some help from his dad, we only had to be out of the house for 1 night. I'm so proud and happy he was able to get everything working again for a whole lot less money than if we hired someone. What a handyman!Above: along the back of the house. Below: around the corner into the driveway.

Since the sewer pipe install, it has rained a few times and delayed the filling back up of the hole with the dirt that he excavated. Over the weekend, Palmer and I went outside to help! The trenches are now filled and the project is complete.


Oh, honey, what about insulating those water pipes? :)