What is the PVC pipe coming out of my foundation wall?

Question

I live in a townhouse built in 1989 in Virginia. I noticed some moisture on the floor of my basement up against the wall. I've tracked it to a PVC pipe that is coming out of my foundation wall. I believe the water main is coming out of the pipe. But there is water and dirt coming in thru the pipe too. If there anything I can do to fix this DIY? Or if not, who is the appropriate person to call for this? Thanks!

Answer 1

your maintenance manager of your townhouses should know.

Answer 2

If it's a sleeve for the water main then I would call a plumber and have him come out and seal it

Answer 3

If you own the townhouse, call a plumber.  You describe a leak in the water main line area, and water seeping back into your basement.  It may also be the city's problem if you're close to the street.  If you rent, call the management company to deal with it.

Answer 4

This is likely a rough in that was built when the townhouse was built.  It was probably put in so if down the road somebody wanted to put in a sink, there would already be a pipe to hook into to save the owner a lot of time and energy and you wouldn't have to hook into the main line yourself.  There should be a cap (usually it is florescent orange in color) on the end of this pipe so that no water or gases come up through your main line.  If this is the problem, don't call a plumber.  The fix is easy.  All you need to do is go to your local hardware store and get a 1-1/2 inch (should be if it's the pipe I think it is) cap and put it on the end of the pipe.  If it's not tight, you may need to buy some glue as well to hold it on there.  Just ask the guy at the hardware store and he'll find it for you.  It's special glue and you only need a small amount if you need it at all.  Hope that helps.

Answer 5

May be a sump pump pipe.  I have one coming from my house to the road in front.