Discovery of sewer clean-out pipe
To-day I used most of the bricks from the pathway which I removed to make way for the driveway. They were put on the serpentine between the tetherball court and the window well.
I suspected, but now confirmed, that the corner of the base for the heat exchanger was about 18 inches too far to the west, cutting into my 3 foot wide path.
So, for that one area, my path will narrow to 2 feet.
Can I move the heat exchange 18 inches to the east? No, for at least one reason: the sewer access pipe is in the way!
For 18 years I wondered how to access the sewer. As I dug around I discovered a metal object. Thought at first it was a buried brick (I have found and excavated several to-day). Then I realized it was metal and tried to lift the metal object up, but there was no easily found bottom.
Turns out it was a 10 inch iron pipe that went down probably four feet, maybe farther. The best explanation is that this is the sewer clean-up pipe.
What is interesting is that someone shortened it by cutting and folding in the top part of the pipe, then put the cap on it. The cap is rusted on top.
Presuming this is an active sewer pipe, I need to replace the cap, fix the top part of the pipe, maybe even replace the whole thing. Expensive! These PVC replacements, while long lasting, cost $200 just for a cap or a joint with clean-out access. So I think for now I will keep it protected and accessible (not cover it up, keep the plants away). When the driveway is finished, I will call someone who can recommend the correct action and then do the work to get it in shape.
Anyway, about the path: I will look into shifting the tetherball court. It will be tight if I leave my drain pipe where it is. However, I can always shorten the French drain. I already reduced it from the other end, so I can do it here. I will have to fill in on the west end, but that won't be too difficult.
The good news is that it looks really nice. The serpentine is very attractive.
To-day I also cleaned out the window well. Next weekend I will line it with landscape fabric and then add river rock from the excess I created when I shortened the French drain.
Right now the tetherball court area has a mound of dirt and grass! If I shift the court I will have plenty of fill dirt.
I did not get to reslopeing on the west side, which is just as well. I need to fix the path width issue first.
Another thing I discovered to-day: I can lever the heat exchanger platform. Right now it has settled at an angle, I want to lower it a bit on the north side so that it is level. It will be possible to do this, although cleaning under it will be uncomfortable.
I suspected, but now confirmed, that the corner of the base for the heat exchanger was about 18 inches too far to the west, cutting into my 3 foot wide path.
So, for that one area, my path will narrow to 2 feet.
Can I move the heat exchange 18 inches to the east? No, for at least one reason: the sewer access pipe is in the way!
For 18 years I wondered how to access the sewer. As I dug around I discovered a metal object. Thought at first it was a buried brick (I have found and excavated several to-day). Then I realized it was metal and tried to lift the metal object up, but there was no easily found bottom.
Turns out it was a 10 inch iron pipe that went down probably four feet, maybe farther. The best explanation is that this is the sewer clean-up pipe.
What is interesting is that someone shortened it by cutting and folding in the top part of the pipe, then put the cap on it. The cap is rusted on top.
Presuming this is an active sewer pipe, I need to replace the cap, fix the top part of the pipe, maybe even replace the whole thing. Expensive! These PVC replacements, while long lasting, cost $200 just for a cap or a joint with clean-out access. So I think for now I will keep it protected and accessible (not cover it up, keep the plants away). When the driveway is finished, I will call someone who can recommend the correct action and then do the work to get it in shape.
Anyway, about the path: I will look into shifting the tetherball court. It will be tight if I leave my drain pipe where it is. However, I can always shorten the French drain. I already reduced it from the other end, so I can do it here. I will have to fill in on the west end, but that won't be too difficult.
The good news is that it looks really nice. The serpentine is very attractive.
To-day I also cleaned out the window well. Next weekend I will line it with landscape fabric and then add river rock from the excess I created when I shortened the French drain.
Right now the tetherball court area has a mound of dirt and grass! If I shift the court I will have plenty of fill dirt.
I did not get to reslopeing on the west side, which is just as well. I need to fix the path width issue first.
Another thing I discovered to-day: I can lever the heat exchanger platform. Right now it has settled at an angle, I want to lower it a bit on the north side so that it is level. It will be possible to do this, although cleaning under it will be uncomfortable.