DIY Network

Fixing Regurgitating Pipes Home inspector Tim Hockenberry comes to the rescue of a townhouse with problematic pipes. From "Finders Fixers" episode DFFX-209

Tim and Eulonda Lea have lived less than a year in their Washington, D.C., townhouse, but already the pipes are causing problems — and are in need of a fix.

Tim Hockenberry, one of DIY's home inspectors featured on Finders Fixers, finds that the contents of the upstairs garbage disposal are regurgitating up through the bathtub drain downstairs — not good!

Solution: Finders Fixers replaces a pipe under the concrete floor in the basement, remount and reseal the basement toilet and add an air vent to the kitchen sink.

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Replacing a Sagging Pipe Under the Floor

When dealing with extensive plumbing problems in your home, always consult a professional to ensure proper repairs and safety measures. Here are some tips to consider:

• Once you've determined where the pipe dips and water has accumulated, mark and clear the surrounding area. The floor will be jack-hammered through in order to gain access to the underground pipe. Make sure any major appliances like laundry units or water heaters are out of the way.

• Utilize professional help to assist with breaking through the floor. With the faulty pipe exposed, consult a professional plumber and reassess the problem. To replace the sagging pipe, the old existing pipe is removed.

• New PVC pipe is properly connected in its place- with the standard minimum of 1/4" slope per foot toward the street. Make sure that all pipes are properly sealed and connected.

• Backfill the hole and cover with quick setting cement. Finish up the floor with new tiling.

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Adding an Air Vent to the Sink

Materials:

studor vent (air admittance vent)
wrench
Teflon tape

1. Remove the surrounding cabinet around the sink to gain better access to the pipes.

2. Detach the drain (figure A).

3. Prepare the vent by first wrapping the threaded end of the vent with plumbing Teflon tape. Wrap the edge three times in the direction that the vent will be threaded (figure B).

4. Once it's wrapped, fasten it to the sink drainage pipe.

5. Reattach the drain and plunger.

6. Replace the cabinet and test your work (figure C).

	Figure D
	Figure E

Remount and Reseal Toilet

Materials:

bees wax ring
wrench
washers
China caps

1. Disconnect the water supply line and drain the tank.

2. Remove the bolts and un-mount the toilet.

3. Remove the old wax ring from the base.

4. Place a new wax ring at the drain base (figure D).

5. Remount the toilet and place washers under the lip of the toilet to act as shims. These will help stabilize it and to prevent the wax seal from being crushed.

6. Bolt down the toilet. Gently snug this down and trim any excess.

7. Cover the exposed bolts with china caps (figure E).

8. Reattach the water supply line and test for any leaks.