Mysterious cast iron pipe in the basement

[bostar2k]

Our house was originally built in the 1950s and has a cast iron pipe with a rusted cap in the basement, covered by a board. Initially, we assumed it was just some abandoned relic from the past.

However, after heavy rains, we discovered water accumulating in the small pit around this mysterious pipe. What raised our concern was that the water level was very close to the basement floor as shown in the picture. We have a sump pump installed about 20ft away in another corner, and the water level there remains significantly lower.

At first, we thought this pipe might be a drain cleanout, but we located our actual cleanout nearby, fitted with a PVC cap. We really have no idea what this pipe is and where the water is from (It must be caused by the high water table after the rains, but can't understand why the water level is much higher than that in the sump pit). We've had two plumbers come to inspect the situation, and neither could provide a clear explanation. One of them suggested installing another sump pump next to this enigmatic pipe.

If anyone has encountered something similar or has any insights into what this pipe might be and where the water is coming from, your help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[bostar2k]

Anyone has clues?

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Work2do]

Did you have the plumber actually open the clean-out cap and run a camera in it ? That would go a long way in determining its purpose. Also, regarding your waste stack with the clean-out, is it also cast iron ? How close is it to the pit shown in the photo and does it run in the same direction ? My guess is its part of a cesspool or septic system that may have been in use prior to having a municipal sewer available to tap in the area (?)

 

[Sylvan]

IT IS A CLEAN OUT and the Plug is a lead fits all and it is possibly for a storm line.

Your plumber should have opened in on a dry day and did a video inspection to confirm.

 

[MisterRogers43]

That looks exactly like my grandmothers house in the Scranton area (built 1913). It has two or three of those boxes which have drain lines shaped into the cement under the floor (not actual pipes) and the one closest to the main sewer has an open cast iron pipe. They collect water from various drain holes spread about the floor in the basement. Oddly enough, this system is only present on her side of the half double home!