HomeMy WebLinkAboutSewer Back-Up Inspection/Investigation - 02/22/2001 Report on Inspection and Investigation of Damage Claimed
to be a result of a Sewer Back -up
For
Home Located at 1135 Powers Street
Submitted by
Brian Noe
City of Oshkosh
Building Systems Inspector
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On Thursday, February 22, 2001 myself, Bruce Luedtke, Richard Wood, and Paul
Spiegel conducted an inspection at the home located at 1135 Powers Street. This
inspection was made for the purpose of documenting on site conditions and investigating
conditions that have lead up to the event of the sewer back up that has resulted in a claim
for damages being filed against the City of Oshkosh. In addition to this we were directed
to make recommendations as to what needed to be done to correct the problems that have
resulted from the sewerage backing up in the crawlspace, and the damage that has
resulted. This was by no means a complete inspection of the structure, or it's mechanical
system, as this inspection was limited to the purpose outlined above.
Since I am not fully aware of the events leading up to this point I will not attempt to
outline what had taken place up to this point, as I assume the Water Department, and
insurance company has established a chronology of events. My understanding is at some
point in the recent past there was a sewer plug, that resulted from a collapsed sewer
lateral that has since been repaired in one location. At the time of inspection there was
evidence of another possible sewer lateral defect, and plugged floor drain in the
crawlspace. Prior to determining that the sewer lateral was indeed collapsed there had
been a number of attempts to open the sewer by a private drain cleaner who attempted to
clear what was believed to be an obstruction or plug in the sewer by snaking and jetting
the sewer line. It was only after these attempts failed that it was discovered the sewer
lateral had collapsed.
As a result of the sewer being damaged the sewerage had backed up into the crawlspace
by exiting the open drain in the crawlspace floor. The introduction of additional water in
an attempt to water jet through the sewer compounded the problem and may have
contributed to the scouring that led to the undermining of the footings in the areas where
the sewer intersects the footings. Since there is no clear water sump pit or pump, the only
point for any water to discharge from the crawlspace is either through the open drain or
by following the sewer lateral to a break in the pipe, at which point the water could drain
to the main sewer. Since the open drain appeared to be clogged at the time of inspection
it is our speculation that the water in the crawlspace drained by following the sewer
lateral to a portion of damaged lateral. This could explain where all the undermined soil
that has been washed from below the footings was deposited. Obviously the soil had to
go someplace, and since the soil was moved by the flowing (draining) water, and appears
to have been flowing toward the point at which the sewer exits the building, it would
need to have some void or opening to be deposited into. This is what leads us to believe
there is another fractured joint of damaged section of sewer lateral near the point that it
exits the foundation. This would be the most likely explanation for how the soil could be
washed away from under the footings, and exit under the footing leading to the exterior
of the foundation.
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conditions, the footings might need to be underpied, unless a beam could be installed
to bri dge the load around the affected area. In any nn
case the only way to accurately make
this determination would be through additional structural and soil analysis.
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Open drain that allowed sewerag to back up into crawlspace. The elevation of the drain
indicates the interior the crawlspace was not backfilled in this area an d the soil elevation
was near the bottom of the footing level, which contributed to the foo ting more easily
being undermined.
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The portion of the center bearing wall footing that was undermined to a lesser extent
appears to have been located in the area where interior drain tile had been laid that
crossed through the footing at that point. This would have been the only point of relief
from the West half of the crawlspace once the obstruction / collapse had bee repaired and
the water began to drain.
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Center bearing foundation wall looking toward the East (front of house). Interior drain
tile below beige flowerpot directed under footing. Minor loss of soil around footing.
The owners claimed that up until this point they had never had a water problem and the
crawlspace was dry. This seems unlikely since at the time of inspection there was
evidence of ground water infiltration in numerous areas, and in fact some of the floor
framing has been discolored due to moisture and water damage. Since the damage was at
a height much higher than the sewerage had backed up, and the extend of this damage is
such that it has taken a long period of time for this to occur, there was most certainly
ground water leaking into this crawl space prior to the sewer backing up
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North East corner of basement — efflorescence, and moisture on the block far above the
point at which sewerage had risen. In fact in talking to the homeowner he said the
sewerage never got that far,
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North West corner. Efflorescence on numerous blocks, moisture present in the blocks,
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West wall. Moisture and efflorescence on the wall and corrosion on ductwork above.
While the exterior landscape was covered with snow at the time of inspection, there
appeared to be little in the way of positive drainage away from the foundation. In some
places it was clear that there was a negative grade directing surface water toward the
crawlspace.
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North entrance — concrete sloped toward foundation.
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The fact of the matter is while there was a sewerage back up in this crawlspace this is
certainly not the only moisture problem that exists in this home, and in fact may be the
easiest to correct. Once the sewer lateral is cleared of all obstructions, and the open drain
is sealed, it would be highly unlikely that sewerage would backup in the future. Since
there is obviously groundwater and or surface water entering the crawlspace a clear water
sump pit and pump would need to be installed once the open drain that is required to be
removed is sealed. At that point it would not be that difficult to remove the concentrated
sewerage that remains on the crawlspace floor. After that the area could be sanitized and
as long as the crawlspace is kept dry any remaining odor would dissipate.
Unless steps are taken to remove excess moisture and ground water in the crawlspace
there will be much more sever problems, and the existing moisture damage from
infiltration, and groundwater will only get worse. While it is unfortunate that the owners
have had to deal with the added problems with sewerage backing up, this may in fact
alert them to these additional problems that need to be corrected before more severe
damage occurs.
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It would be my recommendation that after the required plumbing repairs are made and
any required structural foundation repairs are completed, and any remaining sewerage is
cleaned up the following items be addressed.
1. Existing wood structural damage be evaluated to determine extent of damage and
repairs that are required to prevent further problems
2. The crawlspace floor should be covered with a vapor barrier
3. Any exterior leaking in the brick work and exterior flashing details be repaired
4. Any opening between the living space and the crawlspace be sealed, this would
include proper sealing of mechanical systems
5. The missing floor and box sill insulation be replaced and properly installed
6. The crawl space be properly vented, which may require the insulation of
mechanical systems
7. The grade around the building be corrected so as to direct surface and roof water a
minimum of 10 feet away from the foundation.
Should the owners want additional information as to what steps could be taken to reduce
water infiltration and moisture entering the crawlspace our office would be willing to
assist them.
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