Crack in sewer pipe

Hi. There is a long crack in what I think is my sewer pipe. It is the largest

Pipe in the basement, cast iron, and leads

To the outside of my home. It isn’t leaking nor does it smell. Just wondering if others have had this happen and how long do you think I have before I need to fix

It. Also I call a plumber for this, correct?  Thanks!


Yes, the big one is the main sewer drain. If you don't smell the malodorous vapors yet, you will eventually when it cracks all the way through (or worse, -you'll have a seepage problem). Depending on the present extent of the problem you might be able to do a temporary patch with construction sealer or adhesive but you should certainly have it looked at by a plumber who is going to want to replace a good length of it with PVC. The labor will be some $$$.


any idea what this will cost?


no way to predict that.  Too many variables.


Indeed, too many variables.

I can certainly say that it will cost more than you want to pay (or anyone would) and less than if you wait too long.

PS: if it does crack all the way through you won't be able to use the shower, flush the toilet or anything else. All routes lead to the main.


They’ll have to remove the concrete around the pipe and excavate some of the dirt from below it.  Then they have to remove the cracked section, put fittings on the two exposed ends and connect it with a piece of heavy PVC pipe.

Depending on how long your sewer line is, it might be an opportunity to put in a liner.  It’s a sheath of plastic that lines the inside of your existing sewer line, reinforcing it and preventing future leaks.  

Finally they’ll have to fill in the earth and pour new concrete around it.

Like steel says this is a crucial piece of your house’s infrastructure.  


I’d suggest calling the Hoff Brothers for this. The sooner it’s repaired, the less expensive it will be.

Good luck.


mrincredible said:
They’ll have to remove the concrete around the pipe and excavate some of the dirt from below it.  Then they have to remove the cracked section, put fittings on the two exposed ends and connect it with a piece of heavy PVC pipe.
Depending on how long your sewer line is, it might be an opportunity to put in a liner.  It’s a sheath of plastic that lines the inside of your existing sewer line, reinforcing it and preventing future leaks.  
Finally they’ll have to fill in the earth and pour new concrete around it.
Like steel says this is a crucial piece of your house’s infrastructure.  

I may be wrong, but the way I read the OP, this pipe doesn’t sound like it is under the slab, but rather travels at a minor slope around a portion of the perimeter of the basement. How else would you see the crack?


This would mitigate the cost somewhat. 


Heck, I’d consider DIYing it...


Is the section of pipe that is cracked running vertically or horizonally?  Is it near or part of the clean out leaving the house?  If it is, and the pipe is running vertically you may be able to just slip a fernco over it.  


thank you so much for all of your comments. Unfortunately I don’t understand a lot if them!  So this pipe is in my basement above the slop sink. It runs horizontally downwards at an angle towards the basement toilet.   Not sure what a cleaniut is...


has this happened to anyone?  Aside

From the Hoff brothers any Rex’s?  Thanks!


It does happen.  Weakness in one area warrants a good checking over of other parts of the line.  No sense replacing 6' of line every two years.


Regarding plumber recommendation: I've heard good things about Anthony Masi 973-444-2122.

It's good that the cracked pipe is easily accessible. Cast Iron will last forever unless there is stress on it (house settling etc) and then it will crack because it is also brittle.


thanks so much for your help!


We have used Anthony Masi many times over the past few years, picked him based on word of mouth referrals from neighbors.  Found him to be very responsive and did all work as promised.



Did you got the problem fixed?



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