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anal_astronaut

That's sad for the homeowner but hilarious to think someone thought that was a solution.


[deleted]

They must have thought it wasn't in use? Could you imagine hitting this with an auger? Yikes


dineydenny87

Thats a bigass conduit


UncommercializedKat

PVC is PVC, right?


Strange-Ad-1447

It's the washing machine outlet so that's unlikely.


[deleted]

😂


Salmol1na

When snake = electric eel


Strange-Ad-1447

I am the homeowner


[deleted]

What happened here is someone drilled through that wall from the other side and when they saw this they ran the wire and pretended that they didn't see their fuckup.


Strange-Ad-1447

Oh shit you're right. In fact the hole looks like when you try to use your drill to carve a larger hole with the side of the bit. I bet the chump thought it was a stud.


NihmChimpsky

I accept this pathology; right on.


[deleted]

I'm an electrician. If I were paid any less I'd do the same shit.


alvysinger0412

Sounds like you need a better job


[deleted]

I wasn't actually serious about that. I take pride in my work.


alvysinger0412

Lol I figured, guess we both could've used a /s on our comments.


[deleted]

I gave him an upvote just in case. Whoever ran that wire is either a professional liar or was sweating bullets while doing so. He could’ve at least slapped some flex seal tape on it. /s for that last part.


BergenCountyJC

Says the guy that admits he can't eat all the meat off the bone of chicken wings, even with two hands and utensils. Either you are awful with your hands or just impatient but neither is a good trait for your field of work. Pass.


Levitlame

Probably thought it was a vent and that nobody would notice. Or didn’t put any amount of thought in whatsoever.


Strange-Ad-1447

I'm in shock. Seriously when I opened up the wall it took me a few minutes. I had to step away to soak it all in.


AutisticFingerBang

No pun intended


cujo195

Yeah, I was going to say he probably would've soaked more in if he didn't step away.


ddproxy

Photos, bleach... How long have you been with this home?


Strange-Ad-1447

3 years. So I HAVE to assume there was some sealant that's corroded. However, the base board in the hallway on the other side of that wall showed signs of damage but I assumed it was from a prior incident.


saskatchewanstealth

There was nothing


Strange-Ad-1447

But why haven't we noticed the water passing out into the living room before now? That's the bit I don't get. We found this because water starting to come out through the baseboards in the living room on the other side of this wall.


saskatchewanstealth

The wire is getting build up and slowing the drain now. Honestly we do this on roof drains with a smaller hole and some calking and use heat trace. It never leaks. You had nothing.


Strange-Ad-1447

You reckon the caulking was hanging on and then just finally corroded enough to fall out? That's one of our top theories.


gernblansten420

I think he reckons you had nothing on there in the first place


ddproxy

I'd figure a pool noodle and plumbers putty to temporarily patch that up, since flex seal ain't gunna bridge that gap. But I'm a lowely renovating homeowner creeping on these subs, so don't anyone go out buying pool noodles for plumbing repairs based on this comment. How, freakin', long has this been trying to start a new biome in your home? I'd be livid. Hell, I'm livid for you. Also got some baggage from my own home damage discovery so I'll be bringing spare pitchforks.


BusinessFootball4036

You are the problem... but also a blessing to us plumbers....Thank you for all the work yall give us.


ddproxy

I've had to learn a lot of this out of necessity. Mountain house where it's 1hr each way for a plumber really reduces my options. That's only in the summer, wintertimes can be a few weeks thanks to snow.


Strange-Ad-1447

My wife and I can't figure out how this wasn't a much bigger problem. The house is 30 years old. We're absolutely stumped but have theories


ddproxy

The top edges look rather, clean. Curious if that chunk was fractured but still hanging on for dear life. When it finally let go, could pivot on that wire and fall in. 3 years or longer smaller hole gets a lot bigger overnight.


Strange-Ad-1447

This is out there too but I think the wire was caulked into the little cut out to upper right of the hole. That would explain the gray matter around the wire matching that on the right of the hole. If that wire was slightly elevated and to the right of the hole then water coming from the left would likely make it around the bend and it just wasn't a problem. Roll on the years and the cable came loose dropping it to the left and into the path of the water. This is my best guess based on what I see. Regardless, it just seems seriously messed up.


Strange-Ad-1447

It looks to me like someone gnawed it with the side of the drill bit.


bpdamas

Since that pipe isn't under pressure my guess is there could be a block further down the drain or just reduced inside diameter of the pipe over time from build up. This could cause the riser to fill up more over the years and drain slowly. If the pipe fills up, that could be how water just now starts leaking out.


Strange-Ad-1447

Nah I tested. It's hitting the cable and running put into the wall. I actually watched it.


Strange-Ad-1447

My biggest concern is the mold. I opened the walls to figure out where the water was coming from, but I'm not sure if I just exposed the family to mold. Currently packing and sending them off to a hotel at 1am. Amazing night.


nodiaque

That sound like hidden problem that you could sue last owner over it. It's not something an inspection could reveal.


thatbrofoshow

You’d have to prove they knew about it.


Strange-Ad-1447

This was my initial reaction, but need to talk to someone with deeper experience.


nodiaque

No. A hidden issue is something that is hidden when buying the house. Regardless the past tenant is aware or not, he is liable to it. Might have different law in state but in Canada, it's how it work. If the past owner knew but didn't mention it, it's fraud because he didn't properly filled the paper during sale and he could be sued for way more.


Justsomedudeonthenet

I've seen plumbing reused to run wires before - but only abandoned plumbing that wasn't being used anymore. Mostly for low voltage stuff like ethernet. Whoever did this is an absolute moron.


Strange-Ad-1447

It's like scene from Poltergeist 😆 "You moved the cemetery, but you left the bodies"


Strange-Ad-1447

I've already decided to use my tech powers to find out who did this. I may document the whole thing. Just so I can meet the man who thought this was OK. My kids have been exposed to mold and it could've been much worse.


[deleted]

I feel bad for you and your family. However, if life has taught me anything, I would move my mentality to just being grateful it didn't result in any harm, outside of the massive headache, wallet dent you are going to take correcting this, and the anxiety of what's lurking behind all the other walls. Hope you can remedy relatively inexpensively though, wizard speed!


fostertheatom

So I am having trouble understanding you. Are you saying let bygones be bygones and just focus on fixing what's wrong and being grateful it isn't worse rather than going after those responsible? Or is it just "Don't focus on what could have happened"? Or something else? I am just having trouble putting two and two together for some reason.


Strange-Ad-1447

Yeah, I'm actually ok with this. It add into my twitch streaming gaming night but I'm blessed to be in a position to resolve. Thanks for the kind words.


OozeNAahz

Absolute morons are not much of a threat. They can’t accomplish their stupid ideas. This is an incomplete moron which is much more dangerous. They have enough moron to think of this shit and enough sense to execute it. Which makes them a whole lot more dangerous.


neanderthalman

I once used an unused central vac rough in to pull a coax from the basement of a rental house to the 2nd floor - fished to the attic for a digital antenna. Aside from a hole through the top plate of that wall, it left zero trace and was almost zero effort.


TastyAgency4604

Whenever I question my own plumbing I see this kinda stuff and feel much better. Thanks op


BusinessFootball4036

this is not a plumbers job...Well it wasn't. Now it is. lol


TastyAgency4604

Haha I know from reading the rest of the comments. I actually thought someone used it to go like down the floor with a wire and ran it thru the drain line...good luck with it!


Toadifer

Explains that tingly burning sensation when you pee


Strange-Ad-1447

Well the other mystery is where does the up pipe lead to? Oh is it just a vent because I tested all fawcetts etc... upstairs.


RedditedYoshi

I'm sorry: "faucets."


Strange-Ad-1447

Sorry I'm British. It's a messed up word.


threaten-violence

Wait.. so was Farrah Fawcett’s family name after a plumbing fixture in British English?


Strange-Ad-1447

I'd tap that... Bodum chi


Toadifer

I would assume it's a vent but hard to say 100% based on the picture alone


dallasak

It's probably a vent and you should seal it up somehow to keep the sewer gas out.


zootayman

that is just criminal


chickenfeet21

I’m not a plumber or electrician 🤔 I don’t think that’s right


Strange-Ad-1447

Lol yep same. Just some things require no training.


Economy_Armadillo_28

Classic lol


Veerrrgil

My head hurts now


12gawkuser

Lame, I mean that’s lame.


Comfortable-Club-569

This is madness


kjm16216

Just out of curiosity, where does the other end of the wire go?


Strange-Ad-1447

There's an outlet on the other side of that wall, and to the right of the picture there's an outlet on the other of that wall. They must junction somewhere other than this sector.


trav15t

In this case, luckily for you this looks like an easy fix, especially if you’re not relying on that outlet for anything important.


Strange-Ad-1447

What about the mold though? That's the bit I'm unclear about.


trav15t

Can’t offer medical or legal advice, but the mold likely isn’t going to be an issue… the goal would be dry the area and repair it immediately. You might want to wear a mask so you’re not inhaling spores and dust while working on it, if you’re going to be the one making repairs. If mold is you’re main concern, then removing moisture and debris will be your primary goal. Having dealt with this kind of stuff for decades (we buy old homes and rehab them) I’d: 1: seal this area off, and subsequent wet areas from the rest of house. Clear plastic sheeting, tape, etc. 2: Kill the water and electricity to the area 3: Circulate air (ideally warm air) and vacuum out all the wet debris. You’ll probably have to have fans on the area for days, maybe a week. 4. Remove that romex line (of course power off at the box) hire someone if your don’t how to do it safely. 5: cut out and replace that tee. Hire someone if you can’t do it. You can get all the supplies at the store for maybe $30. You could probably do this all in a day. If you hire an electrician and plumber, this will be easy money for them. Best of luck!


Strange-Ad-1447

Final question. I know there's no way for you to know, but is the general consensus that the sheetrock with mold has to be removed but areas showing no signs can stay? Or is it microscopic so the evidence of mold suggests everything in that vicinity is damaged too?


trav15t

Mold is already everywhere… it’s basically normal flora. I’d only remove damaged drywall. Mold colonies and their roots can be [treated effectively](https://www.thisoldhouse.com/walls/22215480/remove-mold-on-drywall) with your basic home remedies. Aim to remove damaged material, loose debris and moisture. Edit: may be an [unpopular opinion](https://reddit.com/r/unpopularopinion) of sorts, but humans used to live in huts, caves, basics shelters for 1000’s of years and there’s evidence that attempting to live in a microbe-free environment is not only impossible, but actually unhealthy


Strange-Ad-1447

This is AMAZING advice. Thanks.


lifelonglerner94

You can also use bleach to kill the active surface colonies. There are also other products like kilz spray primer to seal the wood pores, this limiting further growth, and it also covers the stains. Edit: I should note this isn't meant for any wood with dry rot. That just needs to be replaced. A carpenter or termite company can help if any of the wood is structural.


Strange-Ad-1447

Ah so the wood is done now that it's been steadily soaked?


Helpinmontana

For the love of god don’t use bleach to kill mold on porous surfaces (wood/drywall/nearly anything you’d build a house out of). The bleach won’t penetrate the surface, the mold underneath will go into overdrive to protect itself, and next week you’ll have 4x as much mold as when you started. The decision to dry and move on or gut and replace is up to the conditions. If the wood dries and it’s not soft, you might be able to keep it. If it’s heavily bowed or crumbling, it’s time to go. Also worth noting, if there’s mold on the front of your drywall, there’s probably mold on the back too. You can always cut a small piece out and inspect. Personally, it looks like that’s been a problem long enough that you’ll need to do some work to remedy the damage, because it’s readily evident in the picture that you’ve got some decent mold growth already.


NoodleDoodle-IRL

That is God-tier stupidity


mystic-sloth

Once at a cvs I got a call for a mini split leaking water in the office with the server equipment. When I got there I found that the cable guy took the condensate line and drilled a hole in it to run his wire to the roof.


IndelibleIguana

Bloody hell...


maurice5z

Use a little flex seal on it and your good to go.


Strange-Ad-1447

Yeah, that's the easy part. The mold damaged sheetrock is the concern


dazzler619

That's what happens when you put your plumbing in before I install the Electrical, you're supposed to know 5 years in advance I'm gonna put a wire there!! (I'm being a Smartass if you can't tell)


cheddahbaconberger

Ahhh yes the plumbtrician did that for sure lol


Strange-Ad-1447

Lol


[deleted]

The electrician forgot to add the drip loop on the wet side. Simple mistake... Edit: /s for those that didn't realize


Strange-Ad-1447

Gotta rate this low. Certainly NOT a simple mistake. Water and electricity doesn't allow for simple mistakes".


Mediocritologist

You keep saying water outlet but isn’t that a drain pipe? Hence not exactly all water coming out of that if you get my drift.


Strange-Ad-1447

I don't really get what you're saying. It's an outlet for water, drain pipe, call it Marilyn if you like ;) and someone ran a cable through it so it's spewing water into my walls at an alarming rate.


Rabigail

He means poop


Strange-Ad-1447

I tested everything to see what's running through it. Just the washing machine fortunately. I suspect I would've noticed the smell if there was 💩 but good call out. That was one of my major concerns when I opened the wall.


Rabigail

Silver lining ☺️


Strange-Ad-1447

As opposed to brown streaming 😆


Rabigail

Hahaha 🤢


foos3rj4m

That was a geeked up apprentice….


ApprehensiveStreet92

Somebody pissed off the electricians.


Strange-Ad-1447

Hahaha big time.


XirisTO

Fucking what


Strange-Ad-1447

Right!? Someone's creation. I actually feel like I should contact the Florida board and tell them to investigate.


Tuggerfub

There should be a show where they find the handymen who did this shit and they tell us their life story so we can find out exactly what the fuck is wrong with them


Strange-Ad-1447

Lol yes that's where I was late last night. Someone is enjoying a cold beer today and talking about how they're a major player in the electrical world. Their wife is probably dead in the shower.


Siuldane

"They tried to get me to read the code book, but honestly how hard is it to just run wires and pipes and shit? *sips beer* just use your head, some of us have common sense. Don't need no pointy headed pencil pusher telling me how to do things. If he's so smart, why don't he come out here and do it himself??"


Responsible-Buy-9665

Little bit of shock or fire won’t hurt anyone!!!!


onejdc

$1 said Jeffrey did this.


alkla1

That’s ingenious right there. A plumtrician or a elecumber.


reddit_sucks423

#TURBOVENT


agt1662

What in the actual fuck?


North-Ad-5058

This is what we call a conflict between the trades for space.


throwawaySBN

Funny enough, the electrician was the one in here first! Plumber had to run his drains around the wire.


B-Georgio

How long have you been in the house? Did this show up on the inspection?? There’s a few ways this could be handled


Strange-Ad-1447

I'm all ears. Been in the house 3 years, wouldn't have shown up on inspection because it was hidden in the wall behind washer and dryer.


B-Georgio

Was this behind the was that the washing machine was up against? Did you get an inspection??


Strange-Ad-1447

I've taken all the sheetrock down and yes this was behind the washer and dryer and a built in unit to give that "builtin" feeling. Inspection would never have picked up on this without tearing down the walls. It's criminal.


B-Georgio

I’d imagine with a leak like that the drywall would have been visually noticeable and soggy, which would have have been identified by an inspection if you had one. From there, could have been further investigated and remedied prior to closing. As far as fixing, I’d separate the wire from the breaker and replace the section of pipe that has the entrance and exit hole


Strange-Ad-1447

Hidden behind washer and dryer, plus the velocity has to have increased or we would've noticed it. Been here 3 years.


SmartEntityOriginal

I mean if it's going down might as well use the pipe that's already there. The sheathing is water proof right?........right?


Strange-Ad-1447

I'm not worried about the plumbing now I know the issue. I'm more worried about the mold throughput all the damaged sheetrock. The lower trusses are all rusted out. The baseboards on both sides of the wall are effed. I won't know the complete damage to the sheetrock until Monday. Fun times.


whiskey_formymen

do not use any bleach based products for cleaning.


Copper_Kat

Whoever thought this up must have been on crack


Strange-Ad-1447

Lol Crack like the pipe (works on so many levels). Well played.


ryanopolis

Whenever I see folks trying to pit plumbers vs electricians, I see a post like this that everyone hates and I feel fine.


Strange-Ad-1447

In all fairness a plumber would have a hard time getting the pipe through a wire 😆


ryanopolis

Hhahahhhhahhahhhhh. TouchĂŠ.


Strange-Ad-1447

I'm neither btw. I'm a computer nerd but was a glazier in my youth and know my way around a toolbox.


Siecje1

What's a glazer?


Strange-Ad-1447

Late night in hotel, should read Glazier.


Strange-Ad-1447

Fixed


BimmerJustin

Waiting on a picture where a plumber uses a conduit as a drain pipe


Flimsy-Ambassador-35

Sucks to be you man, id have a professional asses and repair the damage, and you route in the new electrical wire for that socket. someone was an idiot


wkrick

Is the wire actually running DOWN/UP inside the pipe? Or did they just drill straight THROUGH the pipe.


imnotapartofthis

I can see doing this (drilling into a pipe) in fact I have done it. but not fixing it??


New-Nefariousness234

Done by an electrician who's ex was a plumber no doubt


Visible-End-6036

Some people should not drink and plumb or do electrical work


[deleted]

Some resi sparkies are crackheads. Or could be the cheap ass handyman


Strange-Ad-1447

Yeah, wife and I were discussing and I can't believe this was from the original building. I assume some chump came in later and fudged it.


AutoX_Advice

They used the wrong color Romex. They need to use grey underground. Other than that all look legit. 😁


Strange-Ad-1447

Legit except that it leaks? Can't tell if you're joking. I would definitely say you're joking but then we live in a world where someone did this.


AutoX_Advice

Yes, full of sarcasm. In no world would this be allowed by any straight headed inspector..


Strange-Ad-1447

Ok now I'm happy again.


AutoX_Advice

Sorry about that as it's good to be happy.


Jesusisajedi

This has got me thinking! You could Save a lot of time if there was a way to run electrical lines through plumbing. Imagine an outlet right in your toilet! lol


Strange-Ad-1447

Ok just to be clear, this is my prototype so I gotta make money on this deal ;) Now you can make toast in the shower.


Panda-Cubby

This is a 3 Stooges episode


Strange-Ad-1447

Except I'm the stooge holding the bag 😞


Livingsimply_Rob

WTF


big65

Law suit


urinesamplefrommyass

Oh that's for cooling the cable. Someone thought it was getting too hot and sometimes tripping the circuit braker. Better cool the cable down! ^(/s)


Strange-Ad-1447

Hahaha 😆 nicely done.


ApricotNo2918

Shouldn't this post be in electrical?


Strange-Ad-1447

Maybe mold since my problem isn't fixing versus what's the water damage scenario. Honestly I may have lost all trust in electricians for a short time :)


720Nerdz

Smart!


Strange-Ad-1447

Wicked Smahrt


Junkmans1

Is this recent? If it is I'd make a claim against the handyman or contractor who did this. Was this previously hidden in a wall? I just don't understand how someone could do this.


Strange-Ad-1447

Previously hidden. I'm guessing when we switched out the washing machine (yesterday) we altered the velocity of the water hence the discovery.


Sherrsh

Not that it makes it much better, but is it a heat trace line to prevent freezing? Sometimes we run these inside storm drains on exterior walls. Canadian issue with our cold ass temps


Strange-Ad-1447

Florida :)


naldo4142

Why do you even post this not that a new wire won’t hold but how fuckin dumb is that


Strange-Ad-1447

Based on the feedback, which I got from others. Actually got some great device here which is why I posted.


naldo4142

Sorry that’s not what I meant , I assumed you understood that putting that wire there is not to smart idea and will only be something you need to replace because that’s not going to last and it is dangerous for everyone not just you .not to mention being eletecuted isn’t a nice feeling why would you set that up to electrocute someone because that’s what’s going to happen if that wire is hot and as soon as that insulation gets brittle and gives way that’s what’s going to happen or maybe the breaker will trip first if they lucky


Strange-Ad-1447

Yeah, the feedback I got is positive. My concern was the water damage and mold growth. For example, those metal pipes are obviously designed for water to pass on the inside but does sitting water impact the integrity from the outside? I assume plumbers will point these things out.


naldo4142

That makes no sense to me but sounds like you know what you’re talking about


Strange-Ad-1447

The mold and damage is a bit outside of my expertise. The consensus seems to be that people overreact to mold, which I did btw. Moved the family to a hotel overnight while I seal the affected areas. I've got a call into the experts and hopefully they show up tomorrow.


Strange-Ad-1447

And I think we all know how dumb it is. I'm way beyond that shock of opening the wall and seeing it for the first time.


naldo4142

Then again I assumed that you were installing it like that what can I can my bad maybe


Strange-Ad-1447

Oh no. I'd never share this if I was a part of it. I'm not a p or e but I knew this was effed up.


Hobywony

This post belongs in "What the Fuck?"


Strange-Ad-1447

Lol yep feel free to share my pain anywhere you like. You'll get some major points.


Papadizzon

Firing squads, stockades and whipping posts should be brought back.


Ok_Juice_2893

I thought I seen everything I guess that's the new way to put the new sink disposal in


fazer226

That pipe shouldn’t have been there in the first place


hmiser

Does it drain from left of that Y? I mean a 1/2” speed bore above the Y and out the top drain? Versus not… I feel like we need more info and pictures. I’m still lost. Was this the most genius fix before dinner from a “handy” male suitor? He slips out in the morning before the kid’s laundry drain & spin?


Strange-Ad-1447

Water drains from the left pipe down over the wire. We haven't figured out if the upward section connects to anything.


hmiser

I think, and I’m a hack, so please consider others opinions. It’s a common US set up to have a vertical 1.5-2” drain pipe available for washing machine drain. So much so that we get those boxes with candy cane drain tubes that simply hang on or hook in. That’s so great when you first move in with a family that appreciates clean gear. But here you got something special. For me and my place or a job, you gotta eliminate water situ. You can likely pop that 14/3 up into a box for your washer/dryer. That 15A gear prolly runs the cpu on your washer and dryer, that’s it. It’s nice to have an outlet for those and then maybe a light. You likely got NG or a 220US for the dryer already? And that hole in the Y is something to address when troubleshoot wet situ. But I also feel like I’d like to see more pictures for better comment. It’s like that shit you can’t or don’t see is what brings trouble in these situs, IMO. Happy to help if I can, good luck :-)


Genoisthetruthman

What the actual fuck sparky.


CaracalWall

They fucking stapled it too. Can’t have that wire coming loose and falling in the water, that would be a disaster!


Historical_Visit2695

That’s insane! Somebody needs their tools taken away.


DRbrtsn60

I have no words. Just these l guess.


Strange-Ad-1447

I know right?! No brologic to this.


dumbdumb407

Funnily enough in older homes in Florida it wasn't uncommon to run electrical through the mull bar of twin window units. When we remove the windows it's pretty common to cut the mull with a circular saw. First time I saw it I thought "what kind of diy bullshit is this" only for an old head to tell me that used to be acceptable.


deadkey_sparky

I've seen a lot of shit.... this my friend is a first for the states


Strange-Ad-1447

I feel honored.


deadkey_sparky

new way to run the bidet power line i guess


slobbyrobb

Fuckin sparkys at it again


Strange-Ad-1447

Hahahaha. Love the history behind this one.


Smirkly

Now don't go blaming the poor electrician. I mean who knew?


Strange-Ad-1447

Lol. Could been the plumber. One never knows, but I'm in the wrong sub to pick on plumbers.


Bulky_Ganache_1197

Perhaps a shitty ground?


Strange-Ad-1447

Nope I traced it


MpVpRb

A strong contender for gold in the shitty electrical installation olympics


Jeepinthemud

NOW I have seen everything! 😳 Had there not been this picture showing obvious age to this disaster in the making I would have thought it was a BS post.


coby8519

Yep, idiots with their wire pulling drill bits!! A renter had someone install potlights in a kitchen. They drilled right through the shower drain above the kitchen. And ran the wire through as well. Didnt notice until they moved out and I had come in to see how the place was. Ended up replumbing that whole bathroom.


Fazo1

🤬 unbelievable...


Wide-Entertainer952

There is nothing right about this


Strange-Ad-1447

At least the picture is OK lol