03-01-2016, 12:03 PM
I'm finishing an old basement. The original septic tank was only a couple feet below ground, and the original pipe out the basement wall into it is at about waist height on the basement wall. The whole septic system was redone several years ago, with a new concrete tank at the right depth, new drains into it; it all works fine.
The old tank is partly fallen in on itself, partly removed, generally a mess. The hole where it used to be has been filled and graded. Unfortunately the steel pipe that used to drain into it still sticks into the basement wall. Occasionally ground water wicks its way into the pipe and leaks into the basement.
The proper solution is to completely excavate the old site, cut the pipe out, and patch and seal the concrete. Unfortunately that is not going to happen, at least not this winter. I need to cap the pipe and make it completely watertight long-term.
I am thinking of cutting a tight-fitting piece of styrofoam to use as a backer, and siliconing it in place a couple inches inside the pipe. Once that is set, I am thinking fill the end of the pipe completely with gel two-part epoxy, the type used for patching concrete cracks. It is about the consistency of peanut butter when working and sets up like rock in 24 hours. Then install a PVC pipe cap over the end of the pipe, sealing it on either with more epoxy or silicone or RTV.
Anyone have a better idea? Thanks in advance for all input.
The old tank is partly fallen in on itself, partly removed, generally a mess. The hole where it used to be has been filled and graded. Unfortunately the steel pipe that used to drain into it still sticks into the basement wall. Occasionally ground water wicks its way into the pipe and leaks into the basement.
The proper solution is to completely excavate the old site, cut the pipe out, and patch and seal the concrete. Unfortunately that is not going to happen, at least not this winter. I need to cap the pipe and make it completely watertight long-term.
I am thinking of cutting a tight-fitting piece of styrofoam to use as a backer, and siliconing it in place a couple inches inside the pipe. Once that is set, I am thinking fill the end of the pipe completely with gel two-part epoxy, the type used for patching concrete cracks. It is about the consistency of peanut butter when working and sets up like rock in 24 hours. Then install a PVC pipe cap over the end of the pipe, sealing it on either with more epoxy or silicone or RTV.
Anyone have a better idea? Thanks in advance for all input.
-DC
"I have morons on my team."
-Megatron, 1986
"I have morons on my team."
-Megatron, 1986
