Hey Guys. I’m here to report to you on the not-so-fun side of homeownership. That’s right – it’s not all paint and decorating, although I’m sure most of you know that. For the last four days I have been dealing with a leaking, backed up main-drain-pipe that was buried under a built in bench and 18″ of dirt.
Okay, I might be sounding a bit dramatic but this is real life! I know dealing with stuff like this is never fun, and never happens at the right time – but happening on the 45th day of sub-zero temperatures was not cool of this pipe. I’m over it.
When the basement bathroom toilet started backing up Thursday morning I knew that our main drain was clogged. The same thing happened this previous fall, and when the plumber came that time, he reported to me that he couldn’t find the main access drain – it was most likely hiding below dirt or concrete underneath a built-in-bench at the bottom of the basement stairs. In the fall he was able to go ahead and clean out the drain by removing the basement toilet and accessing a smaller drain that connected to the main drain, but this wouldn’t be a permanent solution. To really do the job properly he’d need to get access to the main drain.
So last Thursday morning, when my 5 year old slipped on the basement floor because it was covered in standing water, I knew what was happening, and what had to be done. Oh and did I mention, my husband got the flu and was in bed for the entire weekend, so I was all alone in this. Lucky for me, I have good friends. My guy Aaron (aka Ripplechip) was here to help me through the process of tearing up the built in bench, and digging through waste soaked dirt to get at my main drain.
Yesterday, the plumber came and complimented my ability to listen to his wise plumbery instructions. He was able to snake out the drain within an hour, and nearly $400 bucks later the Allen house is back in business. Just in time to wash all the flu ridden bedding. Not to be dramatic, but this is real life here! Things were highly un-tyte around here this weekend.
Honestly, I hope to be seeing you guys with a more positive post in the very near future. At least it’s the last day of this polar vortex business, right?
Yikes. Sounds like you could use a Rusty Iceberg.
I am so, so sorry to hear this. I totally hear your frustration and it is completely warranted. Go fix yourself a cocktail. You’ve earned it.
I agree!
You and my sister! Her basement sink clogged, and she learned the main sewage pipe between her house and the street is cracked. Fortunately, there’s only 3′ of sidewalk that has to be jackhammered to find said crack. Or maybe she’s super-lucky and the crack is on the city’s side of things, either way….it’s sucky for the both of you.
Cocktail time! It is Mardi Gras, after all!
Oh no! That is so horrible. That is the first thing that entered my mind when I saw the standing water. Main line pipes have been cracking and bursting all over the place because of the cold. I am so thankful that it wasn’t anything more than just a clean out. I’m sure your sister is thankful that city will be responsible for her pipe too – does she have to replace the sidewalk?
I can’t believe it cost only $400. “Main pipe” just sounds like thousands for some reason. Glad it was a somewhat easy fix but I can totally relate. It’s been soooo cold- I’ve had enough mother nature!
Hey Caroline! I know! I am so thankful it didn’t cost any more than that, but it’s still one of those things where you immediately start thinking about what you could’ve bought yourself for $400. Still, very thankful it wasn’t anything more major.
Waste laden dirt! Scoops, you’re a hero! This post made me sad for all of the Allens.