Posted by John Aldrich on November 01, 1999 at 02:57:26:

In Reply to: Busted drainfield pipe posted by Charlotte on October 29, 1999 at 07:03:55:

: While digging postholes with our trusty tractor we were lucky enough to bust through what appears to be a drainfield pipe buried about 3feet.The hole is about 10" wide and we were hoping to repair it ourselves.Any suggestions on what to do would be greatly appreciated.We are in a panic!Thanks,Charlotte

Charlotte, Always avoid PANIC! If the leach field distribution pipe is PVC plastic, just dig with a shovel the soil and gravel from around the broken perforated plastic pipe, cut off each broken end of the pipe so that the pipe cut is straight, cut a new piece of perforated plastic pipe to fit into the gap, and install two rubber couplings with stainless steel clamps to accomplish the repair. The rubber couplings are sometimes called "Fernco" or "Caulder" couplings. When the repair is complete, simply backfill the hole.

If the leach field distribution pipe consists of some other type of pipe, you can still use PVC plastic pipe for the repair section, but the size of the rubber couplings will have to be compatible with whatever pipe is in your leach field and the PVC pipe. Good luck on your repair project. lmajwa@aol.com

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