My broken underground corrugated sump pump pipe and how I fixed it

So I discovered that my sump pump underground pipe had failed a few weeks ago.  I had been noticing that my sump pump was running about every 5 minutes every time it rained and would continue this for several days after even.  I heard some gurgling sounds coming from the ground about 5 yards from the corner of my house.  I looked down and saw a small hole and watched water rise up then go back down the hole.  I knew right away that the corrugated underground pipe was busted and the sump pump water wasn't making it to the storm ditch.  What it was doing was making it's way back into my french drainage around the house and into the sump well.  It just kept pumping the same water!

After a few weeks of putting it off (I'm so good at this), I started digging.  After about 1.5 feet down I discovered the pipe and the problem.  Picture goodness below.

Actually what I found was two nice slices in the pipe.  I have no idea how this could have happened, but just went ahead and cut out the broken part.  After removing some more dirt - I mean mud - I found another broken spot to the right (closer to my house).

I went to the hardware store and bought a couple of furnco's to match the size of the pipe.  I also grabbed about 3' of 2" pvc pipe to use inplace of the broken section.



I measured out the section needing to be replaced and cut my pvc pipe to size.  Added the furnco's on each end and left it for a couple of days to make sure it would hold.  I ran some extra water into the sump well to keep it pumping to check for leaks.

The above picture was taken right after I installed.  The next day the water was gone and the soil was starting to dry even with the extra water I was running through the sump well to test.  Mission accomplished!

My Greatest Cincinnati Style Chili Recipe Ever!

In honor of it being Bengals vs Steelers weekend - I thought I would share the best Cincy Style Chili recipe with you. Lets hope the Bengals rip off Big Ben's head while we enjoy this tasty dish!

What you will need:

1 qt. water
2 med. onions, finely chopped
2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce
5 whole allspice or 1/2 tsp. ground
1 1/2 tsp. red pepper
1 tsp. ground cumin
3-4 tbsp. chili powder
1/2 oz. unsweetened chocolate (about 1/4 of a Hersey bar works)
2 lbs. browned ground beef
4 garlic cloves
2 tbsp. vinegar
1 whole bay leaf
5 whole cloves
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon

- Add ground beef and ingredients to water in 4 quart pot. Stir until beef separates to a fine texture.

- Boil slowly for 30 minutes. Add all other ingredients.

- Stir to blend, bringing to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 3 hours.

- Pot may be covered the last hour after desired consistency is reached.

- Chili should be refrigerated overnight, so that the fat can be lifted from top before reheating. Serve over spaghetti. Serve with oyster crackers.

- I like to use Angel Hair pasta - although they do serve it with the normal sized pasta in Cincy...

And for all of you that are not up on the chili lingo:

3-way: spaghetti, sauce, finely grated Cheddar cheese

4-way: spaghetti, sauce, cheese, onions

5-way: spaghetti, sauce, cheese, onions, beans.

Cheese Coney(Picture above): Hotdog on Bun with Chili, Mustard, Onions, Cheese

Coney Island: Hotdog on Bun with Chili, Mustard, Onions.

Coney Sandwich: Bun, Chili, Mustard, Onions, Cheese.

Feel free to share this with your friends.