George Newman
New Member
We're in Arizona and live in an ordinary 3br/2ba ranch style home which is 25 years old. In the last six years, we've had three sewer backups which were easily cleared by plumber using a snake to push through the blockage into the main sewer. There were no tree roots reported.
After the last blockage about a month ago, we had a camera placed in the line and it was discovered that there exists a dip or low spot in the line about 15 feet beyond the cleanout in the front yard. There is always some standing water in the dip or low spot.
This dip appears to be beneath the sidewalk and the street. This defect is the result of carelessness on the part of the builder and the city inspector at the time. Now, 25 years later, we have no recourse and to correct this defect could cost as much as $5,000 and involves digging up the street, etc.
We are very careful now about what we put into the toilet and we flush twice for solids. Only small amounts of toilet paper are put into the toilet. We don't use the kitchen disposer at all. Although we've been okay since the last blockage, I feel we can do better if we have a more robust flush, all things considered.
The people who sold us the house had replaced the old toilets with new ones that use only 1.6 gallons per flush. The toilet carries the name of American Standard but we're told that it's one of those cheap models made exclusively for home depot. The toilets produced what I would call a lazy flush, even if I hold the handle down for several seconds.
I believe that if I could get a more robust flush that it would help pushing the outflow through the dip in the line better than it does now.
My first question is such possible?
If it is, what is the best replacement toilet(s)? I understand that the Toto Drake is a candidate?
Also, would I benefit from having one of the new adjustable flappers installed. Or any other parts or equipment that might help in this regard.
Whatever I might have to spend to improve this situation is chump change compared to the cost of digging up the sidewalk and street.
Any suggestions would be welcome and appreciated.
Thanks,
George in Arizona
After the last blockage about a month ago, we had a camera placed in the line and it was discovered that there exists a dip or low spot in the line about 15 feet beyond the cleanout in the front yard. There is always some standing water in the dip or low spot.
This dip appears to be beneath the sidewalk and the street. This defect is the result of carelessness on the part of the builder and the city inspector at the time. Now, 25 years later, we have no recourse and to correct this defect could cost as much as $5,000 and involves digging up the street, etc.
We are very careful now about what we put into the toilet and we flush twice for solids. Only small amounts of toilet paper are put into the toilet. We don't use the kitchen disposer at all. Although we've been okay since the last blockage, I feel we can do better if we have a more robust flush, all things considered.
The people who sold us the house had replaced the old toilets with new ones that use only 1.6 gallons per flush. The toilet carries the name of American Standard but we're told that it's one of those cheap models made exclusively for home depot. The toilets produced what I would call a lazy flush, even if I hold the handle down for several seconds.
I believe that if I could get a more robust flush that it would help pushing the outflow through the dip in the line better than it does now.
My first question is such possible?
If it is, what is the best replacement toilet(s)? I understand that the Toto Drake is a candidate?
Also, would I benefit from having one of the new adjustable flappers installed. Or any other parts or equipment that might help in this regard.
Whatever I might have to spend to improve this situation is chump change compared to the cost of digging up the sidewalk and street.
Any suggestions would be welcome and appreciated.
Thanks,
George in Arizona