FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

City sewer line too shallow – now what?

5brown1 | Posted in General Discussion on July 12, 2005 07:32am

The plumbers arrived today to install the new sewer and water line to the house I am building. They had to cut into the street and when they found the sewer line it was only 3’7″ from the top of the asphalt. the house is about 135′ away. My sewer line would have to be about 2′ below ground where it goes under the curb. The city (small city) crew and city engineer spent several hours looking it over and later in the evening they were back to run a camara through the sewer. The mayor also showed up but wasn’t very talkative when I attempted to make some conversation. The city engineer has told me he personally would like to have the city sewer replaced which would solve the problem but some of the commissioners apparently don’t agree with him and some do. They will hold a city council meeting Monday and discuss what to do. The code here in South Dakota says the sewer lines must be 42″ below grade – I assume to prevent freezing.
I now have to have the 50′ trench in the street filled and wait until Monday to see what they decide to do. I will take pictures before refilling the trench.
Any suggestions on how to deal with this?
There is only one other property (on the other side of the street) which might be impacted by the sewer situation in the future.

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. RalphWicklund | Jul 12, 2005 07:57am | #1

    I can hear he city's reasoning now: "We are 43" below grade", grade being where ever they call it. You will have to get your line under the 42" mark. Put in a grinder and a pump.

    1. 5brown1 | Jul 12, 2005 04:10pm | #6

      Yes, I have already heard the city engineer utter those very words.
      I don't know how that could work though as the line would still have to be only 2' below the curb in order to have any flow.

  2. User avater
    IMERC | Jul 12, 2005 08:07am | #2

    yur fondation just got taller...

     

  3. User avater
    IMERC | Jul 12, 2005 08:08am | #3

    not to mention new elevated landscaping..

     

    1. Gumshoe | Jul 12, 2005 04:36pm | #7

      ...the front walkway just got shorter?

  4. junkhound | Jul 12, 2005 03:56pm | #4

    Your 'plumber' cut the trench BEFORE finding the sewer in the street???.  The city probably provided him/her with a map of where, but not how deep. 

    SOP is to find the sewer BEFORE planning the routing.  Most people find the ends they are aiming for before digging.

    1. 5brown1 | Jul 12, 2005 04:07pm | #5

      He did attempt to get the information but this is in the old original part of the town (so no information on depth) and this apparently was installed when sewage was allowed to just flow into the Missouri River about 300' away.
      The city checked the elevations at the manhole upstream (7') and downstream (9') and the street drops about 5' in that distance so we assumed it would be about 8' deep.

      1. User avater
        BossHog | Jul 12, 2005 05:13pm | #9

        "The city checked the elevations at the manhole upstream (7') and downstream (9') "

        Would the fix be as simple as extending your sewer to one of those points?

        If you head to the lowest point you know of, you might be able to get more slope in your pipe. It might cost more money, but it would be better than having a grinder pump IMHO.
        It's lonely at the top, but you eat better.

        1. 5brown1 | Jul 12, 2005 08:43pm | #10

          I could go downstream but it would be about another 75-100' of cutting the street which would make this a very expensive project. I'm still hoping the city will replace their line, putting it down where it should be.

          1. User avater
            BossHog | Jul 12, 2005 09:36pm | #12

            Trenching in 75 to 100' of sewer might not be more expensive than putting in a pump. And it sure would be easier to live with.
            Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value. [Einstein]

  5. DanH | Jul 12, 2005 04:59pm | #8

    Yeah, I'd start making provisions for a pump. Plan it so that if/when they fix the sewer you can drop the pump from the plan or remove it if it's already installed (keeping in mind that they may fix this next week or ten years from now). Among other things, this may mean planning so that the sewer trench can be reopened easily without trashing sidewalks, plantings, etc.

    1. 5brown1 | Jul 12, 2005 08:55pm | #11

      How will a pump solve the problem of the my sewer line at some point
      having to be within 2' of the surface of the ground exposing it to freezing? We have real winters here in SD and the ground can freeze over 3' down. Pumping would seem an option if it somehow allowed me to avoid the freezing problem.Does the city have any responsiblity to provide sewer access for adjacent property owners? When the main sewer line is not meeting code and it is only 2' below adjacent lots shouldn't they have the responsiblity to make it right? I need some ammo for that upcoming city council meeting.

      1. DanH | Jul 12, 2005 09:39pm | #13

        Well, you can always add a storage lagoon for winter. :)The pipe's not apt to freeze up unless water sits in it for an extended period. You basically have two options:1) Run the pipe below 48" out to just shy of the sewer connection, then have it run uphill.2) Run the pipe high so it slopes down to the sewer connection, but include an air vent so it can drain down. Insulation can be added above the pipe to minimize the chance of freeze-up.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Tools and Gear for the Moms Who Get it Done

From work boots to power tools, these favorite picks make perfect gifts for moms and women who build.

Featured Video

A Modern California Home Wrapped in Rockwool Insulation for Energy Efficiency and Fire Resistance

The designer and builder of the 2018 Fine Homebuilding House detail why they chose mineral-wool batts and high-density boards for all of their insulation needs.

Related Stories

  • Tools and Gear for the Moms Who Get it Done
  • An Easier Method for Mitered Head Casings
  • Beat the Heat: Cool Innovations
  • A Practical Approach to Exterior Insulation

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 81%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data