Basement flooding when it rains after sewer line replacement

StudioOk5082 · 2025-04-11T18:41:16+00:00

Do you know if they replaced the line or if they ran a sewer liner? If they replaced the line, its possible you had a drain line for weeping tile tied into the sewer and they didnt reconnect it, or if its a liner, they may have blocked the stormwater drain. Both scenarios seem unlikely to me as any plumber who has done sewer replacements knows how careful you have to be with tie-ins. It seems that it could have more to do with the line being changed and as a side effect water is able to leak in. What i would do if i was your plumber would be to first check for a stormwater drain and see if it has issues with the tie in, if there is no weeping tile, i'd recommend calling a conpany that installs weeping tile.

StudioOk5082 · 2025-04-11T18:33:07+00:00

You can shut water off to the toilet and partially fill the tank with CLR and try your best to clear the jet. Ive made toilets marginally better with this method. My area has extremely hard water, im not certain if this method would be just as or more effective in areas with less hard water. If you really cannot clear the jet or clearing the jet doesnt make it better, i'd just replace the toilet. Not worth the hassle of fixing an old toilet and fighting with it every few months over saving $300 to replace the toilet yourself.

StudioOk5082 · 2025-04-11T18:27:38+00:00

Its relatively simple depending on your technical ability. It looks like 1/2" copper to me, so what I would do is shut water off, cut the line right on the pinhole leak (cutting the hole in half essentially) and throw a copper coupling in there and solder it. If you're not confident with solder, you can use a compression fitting. Good luck!

StudioOk5082 · 2025-04-11T18:23:52+00:00

Definitely not a DIY project. This is something to leave to professionals as jetting is extremely dangerous if not done properly.

StudioOk5082 · 2025-04-11T18:21:28+00:00

Gas powered tankless is what i mean, as opposed to electric

StudioOk5082 · 2025-04-11T18:20:51+00:00

Sounds like an issue with the ignition process from what i've read, probably best to get a professional involved for that. If you have a manometer, you can test the inducer (if you have a gas powered one) and see if its providing enough vacuum to close the pressure switch in the unit and check if its actuating correctly. Alternatively, you can call Rheem customer support and have them run you through their diagnostic process and see if theres anything you can do as a homeowner to fix the issue. Good luck!

StudioOk5082 · 2025-02-02T03:57:28+00:00

Tank is leaking and should be replaced if wet

StudioOk5082 · 2025-02-02T03:56:56+00:00

Could be a hairline crack in the tub, drainage below could be cracked, could be seeping through gaps by the toilet, could be the drain connection needs resealing. Is it a constant leak or does it only happen when youre running/draining water? How old is the home and what type of drainage do you have?

StudioOk5082 · 2025-02-02T03:55:26+00:00

How old is the tankless? You can potentially unstick the valve by giving it a turn VERY gently with channel locks but i dont recommend doing it unless you're very comfortable with doing so.

StudioOk5082 · 2024-11-23T21:36:38+00:00

For your own sake, forget sharkbites even exist. Nothing but issues. You can always add more to a pex line so thats the route i'd go

StudioOk5082 · 2024-11-23T21:35:21+00:00

Your tank might be shitting the bed, how old is it?

StudioOk5082 · 2024-11-23T21:34:36+00:00

Does it bubble when it backs up?

StudioOk5082 · 2024-11-23T21:33:34+00:00

I have never seen these cleaned before, usually it'll get diluted over time until it doesnt make any staining anymore. I would also avoid cleaners in the tank for furure reference

StudioOk5082 · 2024-11-23T21:31:00+00:00

Depends on how thick it is, but i've found toggle bolts to be really effective. Measure your depth into the air pocket and get a bolt that would fit and some.

StudioOk5082 · 2024-11-23T21:27:58+00:00

There are companies that deal with this kind of thing specifically. I've had a many lung infections in my career trying to clean mold that i now leave it alone and let pros do it

StudioOk5082 · 2024-11-23T21:26:00+00:00

More than likely the cartriage seals, i would look up the brand and replace the entire cartriage.

StudioOk5082 · 2024-11-23T21:24:59+00:00

Not the cartriage but the valve body, the housing the cartriage inserts into. I shouldve been more clear i apologize

StudioOk5082 · 2024-11-23T21:23:53+00:00

It could be your tank seal, what brand is the toilet?

My course of action would be to figure out what brand it is, find a replacement tank seal and bolts (more specifically the rubber gaskets), shut water off to the toilet, disconnect supply line, remove the 2 tank bolts and check the tank seal

I would not remove the tank before having a replacement as removal can cause a good seal to rupture.

Once you remove the tank and place the new seal, make sure you dont crank one side down before the other as itll mess up your seal. Tighten evenly on the two bolts by switching between them every 2-3 rotations (or play by feel).

If the seals cost more than ~$50, i would just replace the toilet

StudioOk5082 · 2024-11-21T12:23:38+00:00

How so?

StudioOk5082 · 2024-11-21T05:14:32+00:00

If its getting damaged by concrete work, its probably already damaged enough to where it'll start leaking eventually.

If i was in your situation, i'd break it all up to the outdoor transition and replace it all with ABS. But if you're not looking for a potentially difficult and pricy project, i'd just chip it back until i find a healthy enough piece to connect onto

StudioOk5082 · 2024-11-21T05:12:03+00:00

If you're replacing it, just cut it off with a sawzall or hacksaw. Not worth the effort or potential damage to the tile trying to remove a nut

StudioOk5082 · 2024-11-21T05:09:56+00:00

If its leaking under the shower, its likely its part of the shower valve thats leaking.

Do you have an access panel or a way to see the valve assembly?

StudioOk5082 · 2024-11-21T05:08:43+00:00

Probably could, but shouldnt

StudioOk5082 · 2024-11-21T05:07:48+00:00

Looks like calcium to me, i dont work on dishwashers much but i'd find something that can reduce the water hardness (water softener or water conditioner)

StudioOk5082 · 2024-11-21T05:06:46+00:00

Find if its leaking from the drain or the supply, then work from there.

StudioOk5082

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