Septic Tank Outlet Pipe Repair

[Gary Bowling]

New property. We were wondering where the drain field for the septic tank was...

When digging a ditch to install a new water line, we found it. Turns out the septic tank has an outlet line, looks to be 4" that takes the outlet of the septic tank across the back yard to an appropriate lower area. That must be where the drain field is.

In the process of digging a ditch for a water line, we accidentally cracked this drain line. Had no idea the line was there, so hit it pretty hard with a shovel thinking it was a root.

So now I have to repair this line. Obviously isn't under pressure, but I don't want roots growing into it, so need to repair it.

What's the best method to do something like this?

 

[Reach4]

1. Measure the OD of the pipe.
2. How long is the damage?

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Gary Bowling]

1. Measure the OD of the pipe.
2. How long is the damage?

About 6 to 8 inches. About the width of a post hole digger as that's what I hit it with. Although I need to check, it might be cracked out a bit longer. Probably should go out 12 inches or so to be safe.

I'll check the OD tomorrow.

 

[Reach4]

The probable OD is 4.215 inches, but could be 4.500.

If measuring the circumference, we can divide that by pi.

 

[Gary Bowling]

The probable OD is 4.215 inches, but could be 4.500.

If measuring the circumference, we can divide that by pi.

Looks like it's probably the 4.215" you noted. Measuring looks like it's 4 1/4, but it's probably what you listed as it's hard to get that accurate.

Pipe isn't hard PVC like a water pipe. more of a thinner more flexible type pipe.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Reach4]

If you wrap a non-stretching string/cord around the pipe, you can mark the string. Open it up. Measure, divide by pi.

For the 4.215 you could use two Fernco 3009-44 connect to a section of schedule 40 to replace the broken space, although officially you are not supposed to use that underground.

https://www.menards.com/main/plumbing/pipe-fittings/flexible-fittings/fernco-4-tw-pvc-x-4-pvc-proflex-coupling/3009-44/p-1444430437924-c-1478181399646.htm

Officially, Fernco would like you to use their "HULK4" between two pieces of 4-inch almost anything, but that is very expensive.

https://www.supplyhouse.com/Fernco-HULK4-4-Universal-Sewer-and-Drain-Repair-Coupling?gQT=0

Another way is to glue adapters onto the SDR35 pipe to increase the diameter to 4.5 inches, and then use Fernco 1056-44.

 

[Gary Bowling]

If you wrap a non-stretching string/cord around the pipe, you can mark the string. Open it up. Measure, divide by pi.

For the 4.215 you could use two Fernco 3009-44 connect to a section of schedule 40 to replace the broken space, although officially you are not supposed to use that underground.

https://www.menards.com/main/plumbing/pipe-fittings/flexible-fittings/fernco-4-tw-pvc-x-4-pvc-proflex-coupling/3009-44/p-1444430437924-c-1478181399646.htm

Officially, Fernco would like you to use their "HULK4" between two pieces of 4-inch almost anything, but that is very expensive.

https://www.supplyhouse.com/Fernco-HULK4-4-Universal-Sewer-and-Drain-Repair-Coupling?gQT=0

Another way is to glue adapters onto the SDR35 pipe to increase the diameter to 4.5 inches, and then use Fernco 1056-44.

Yep, that's how I measured it. Still hard to get really accurate because it's down in a ditch about 2'.

Those couplings look like the way to go for this type of pipe. I'm not opposed to buying the hulk, but I would need two of them.

Here's another one that looks to be a bit more robust, but not as robust as the hulk. It's listed for above or below ground applications. What's your thought on this one.

https://www.menards.com/main/plumbing/pipe-fittings/flexible-fittings/fernco-cast-iron-plastic-shielded-flexible-coupling/1056-44rc/p-1444430427234-c-1478181399646.htm

Update: Ah, just realized that's the 1056 coupler you referenced. Looks like it does come in a 4"

 

[Reach4]

Here's another one that looks to be a bit more robust, but not as robust as the hulk. It's listed for above or below ground applications. What's your thought on this one.

https://www.menards.com/main/plumbi...1056-44rc/p-1444430427234-c-1478181399646.htm
Update: Ah, just realized that's the 1056 coupler you referenced. Looks like it does come in a 4"

I referenced the cheaper non-shielded non RC (non StrongBack) version, which is listed for underground only.

They would both need glue-on adapters to bring them up to 4.5 inch diameter.

1056-44RC | Fernco - US

www.fernco.com

Click Download for the dimensions.

HOWEVER https://www.fernco.com/dimensional-drawings/3009-44 the 3009-44RC exists, but I don't find who carries it.

I would go with the cheaper option probably.

glue-on adapters https://drainageproducts.us/4-pvc-dwv-x-4-sdr35-solvent-weld-reducer-bushing-sp-x-s/

https://www.zoro.com/charlotte-pipe-and-foundry-4-sewer-adap-bushing-pvc-00118-0800ha/i/G707940392/

Charlotte Pipe 4 in. PVC DWV Adapter Bushing PVC 00118 0800 - The Home Depot

PVC fittings are for drain, waste and vent purposes. They are used in gravity-fed waste elimination systems and are for Non-Pressure systems where temperatures will not exceed 140° F. PVC is lightweight

www.homedepot.com

Maybe also https://www.lowes.com/pd/PVC-4-in-x-4-in-dia-PVC-Adapter-Fitting/3455246 but less sure.

Do check the sizes before gluing in case there is some incompatibility.

Anyway, with the bushings, you connect in a length of common schedule 40 pipe with readily-available couplings.

See https://terrylove.com/forums/index.php?threads/how-do-i-connect-4-abs-to-4-sdr35.108831 for an earlier discussion.

 

[Gary Bowling]

I referenced the cheaper non-shielded non RC (non StrongBack) version, which is listed for underground only.

They would both need glue-on adapters to bring them up to 4.5 inch diameter.

1056-44RC | Fernco - US

www.fernco.com

Click Download for the dimensions.

HOWEVER https://www.fernco.com/dimensional-drawings/3009-44 the 3009-44RC exists, but I don't find who carries it.

I would go with the cheaper option probably.

I also don't find those glue-on adapters yet.

See https://terrylove.com/forums/index.php?threads/how-do-i-connect-4-abs-to-4-sdr35.108831 for an earlier discussion.

Ah, right. I didn't realize the actual size was 4.5" and not 4"...

Hmmm, for all that trouble it might be better to just use the hulk, wish they weren't quite so expensive since I'll need two of them.