Can I safely reroute my plumbing under the slab using only a saw and jackhammer without causing structural damage?
Asked by Eduardo Castillo 
5 months ago
Last Updated: July 26, 2024
I have to dig out my plumbing under the slab, but all I have are a saw and a jackhammer. Do you think it will cause any problems if I change the route to follow the blue line?
It all comes down to how you replace the concrete.
Flaherty utilizing pea gravel and a combination of river rock since I don’t have sufficient pea gravel, then filling up with dirt and pouring in the concrete.
When it comes to residential basement floor slabs, they are typically not considered a structural component. You can easily cut into it to install any necessary plumbing.
That brick wall ought to include a footer. Therefore, the doorway underneath it should be nearly 16” thick. You could still drill a 1/4” test hole.
As long as there is sufficient slope for the run.
You should be all set, just keep an eye out for any movement near the footer by the doorway. Can you check if the wall is resting on the slab?
It’s placed on the slab
You shouldn’t have any issues.
Thank you
You’ll probably be okay. You might encounter a footer below that door, but you should be fine. Just double-check your pitch.
For the block wall, it’s necessary for the footer to run the full length, not just under the door. It’s not required to be under the door since the load is supported on the sides. However, for simplicity and potential plan modifications, a full footer should have been laid.
No
No, you have the option to remove the entire floor since the house is built on footings that are several feet below the floor level. In reality, the floor is poured after the supporting walls are erected.
If there is a footing located in the middle of the floor to support a post, it will be noticeably thick and reinforced with rebar. My father completed a similar job 45 years ago.
The problem might involve the slope.
Thanks everyone, I really appreciate all your help 🙏