Strange 5" clay pipes 6 inches below surface

[400enzo]

I was doing so digging to make a concrete footing, but to my surprise, I hit on some clay pipes just 6 inches below the surface (see photos). I recall hitting some isolated clay pipes somewhere else in my backyard before, and I think they are the same. The clay pipes are about 5 inches in diameter.

My property (originally build in 1964) is in the bay area in California, and the property passed the Private Sewer Lateral (PSL) program. I want to break and get rid of the clay pipes, but I want to make sure that it is safe and I am not missing anything. My questions are:

• Seems weird that there are still clay pipes underground, what could it be?
• Also really weird that it is only 6 inches below the surface. If it is sewer drainage pipe, shouldn't it be deeper below the surface? Like at least 18 inches?
• Since the property passed the Private Sewer Lateral (PSL) program, can I assumed that clay pipes are no longer in use? My guess that it would have been replaced with other materials.
• Since property is built in 1964, I do not think clay pipes were in use then. Clay pipes are more common before 1950s, so can I assume the clay pipes are not used?

Summary: I have clay pipes 6 inches below surface, and I want to remove/break them. Can I assume the clay pipes are probably unused pipes?

 

[Dj2]

FYI, there are many clay pipes around.
Do a cam check.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Plumbs]

They might be drain tile. Do they run parallel to the exterior walls?

 

[Sylvan]

I would wait until a heavy rain then see if there is water flowing from the pipe

By the way my main sewer once it exists the foundation is 5" clay

Would be a shame to remove it and then say oops

 

[400enzo]

FYI, there are many clay pipes around.
Do a cam check.

cam check = snaking a camera to see what is inside the pipe? I cannot find the source/opening of the pipe yet.

 

[400enzo]

They might be drain tile. Do they run parallel to the exterior walls?

They do run parallel to exterior walls, also parallel to the concrete foundation slab. They run about 30 inches parallel from the foundation slab. The pipes are also right under bricks pavers.

There's also a gutter near by, that could be the opening for the clay pipes? Unfamiliar with drain tile. Does that mean the pipes could be for drainage?

 

[Reach4]

Also really weird that it is only 6 inches below the surface. If it is sewer drainage pipe, shouldn't it be deeper below the surface? Like at least 18 inches?

I would suspect those pipes were for carrying gutter or ground water.

 

[Jeff H Young]

Clay pipe still made today and installed on new work . so no 1964 it was very common . If they were abandoned then unless someone is energetic why remove them? PSL neverheard of it probebly a local thing so read up on that! Camera was a good suggestion

 

[Terry]

The family home I grew up in also had those clay sewer lines. They are still in good condition and in constant use.
250 feet of 4" ID clay sewer line out to the city sewer.
I would leave them alone.

Those lines were also installed in the 60's.
I did add an outside cleanout recently and they do make fittings for the clay lines still.