Sewerage in crawl space and other drains

If your sewer system is made of PVC/PE, both are materials also used in new-build homes.

• A sewer system is always partially visible, and not all sides can be seen. This also applies to a passage through a floor or foundation, or parts partially buried in sand, and/or parts of the sewer system in other unseen or inaccessible compartments.
• Inquiring about the overall functioning of the sewerage system from current owners or users is therefore an important part of assessing it.
• Checking a home's sewer system? Read our blog here.
• Checking drains: 5 points to consider
• 4 causes of a clogged drain
• In the building report you receive after Homekeur has carried out a building inspection, extensive attention is paid to the sewerage system.

If a stoneware or similar stone sewer has been found: stoneware or similar sewers were often used in the past to construct sewer systems. There's nothing wrong with such a material, but nowadays, synthetic sewers are often chosen. If the sewer is functioning, there's no reason to replace it.

If a cast iron sewer is present: cast iron (metal) sewers were often used in the past for sewer systems. There's nothing wrong with this material, but nowadays, plastic sewers are the most popular choice. If the sewer is functioning, there's no reason to replace it. However, almost all cast iron sewers are now reaching the end of their lifespan. Cast iron has been discontinued since the 1970s. If you have a cast iron sewer with problems, the cast iron will need to be replaced (in the near future). Even if you don't have any sewer problems, you can consider having the sewer replaced preventatively with a modern material like PVC.

• Although cast iron is a strong material, it has a number of drawbacks when used for sewer systems. The biggest problem with cast iron sewers is that it rusts. The material is constantly exposed to water and oxygen (the two factors that quickly cause rust formation in cast iron).
• Rust formation creates an uneven surface in the cast iron drain. Toilet paper easily sticks to this, causing blockages.
• In addition, the connections between cast iron sewer pipes deteriorate over time, and leaks can develop. Furthermore, cast iron wears out faster than modern materials after years of use.

A common application of asbestos is in sewers . These are usually no longer actively used. Remnants or the entire defunct sewer system are often not removed and left behind in the crawl space. If the asbestos sewer is still in use, you should keep in mind that it will need to be completely replaced within at least five years. Asbestos is dangerous and must be remediated (removed) at some point. Removing asbestos is expensive. To be sure, an asbestos inventory can be performed!

In very rare cases, a sewer (or part of it) may still be made of lead . This is so old that it must be taken into account that the sewer will need to be replaced immediately or in the not too distant future.

• If the suspension on the foundation or underside of the floor is inadequate, or if defects have been noted, or the distance between the suspension points is too great, subsidence of the sewer system could occur or is already present. This will, in turn, cause problems with the functioning of the sewer system. The suspension must be improved.
• If the sewer is loose at the bottom of the crawl space, this is unusual! While the sewer may still function properly, a change in the soil structure, for example, will cause the slope to malfunction. It's better to install the sewer with a slope at the foundation or underside of the floor. In that case, the sewer will need to be replaced from the penetrations through the floor.
• A sewer system is connected to the sewer system outside the house at the boundary of the house. If the sewer system outside the house has sunk deeper over the years, the connection will be pulled along with the house and will be under high tension, or it will already be disconnected from the outside connection. Such an inside/outside connection is best fitted with a sliding coupling . This allows the sewer system outside the house to sink further without immediately causing problems in the crawl space of the house.
• The sewer system must be completely replaced if it contains asbestos; in that case, it usually cannot be maintained. The costs of remediation can be enormous! First, an asbestos inventory is necessary. Without an inventory report, it's impossible to estimate the cost of this remediation. Removing the asbestos yourself can potentially save money. Therefore, the current sewer system must be removed (remediated) and a new PVC sewer system installed.

It's possible that water from the house is discharged into the rainwater drain . This can work perfectly well, but it's not intended; a drain should be connected to the sewer system . Or, water from the house is discharged into a well in the garden, which is often connected to the sewer system. This can work perfectly well, but it's also not intended; a drain should be connected directly to the sewer system. The current situation can cause some odor nuisance near the well, as it's considered an "open sewer."

Lead is often used in older homes for water drainage systems. If it functions properly, it can remain that way; replacement isn't necessary. Problems can arise if parts need to be replaced or repaired, and/or PVC drains need to be connected to them. There are no real good solutions for this!

• Repairs need to be soldered, which is also not easy on old lead.
• In case of defects or leakage, it is therefore wise to replace lead with PVC.
• Common problems with rainwater drainage.
• Checking drains: 5 points to consider