I have an old house, built in 1947. It is pretty solid construction, brick and plaster. However, every since we moved in here ten years ago, we routinely have to snake our main drain. I even bought a 50 foot snake which usually would clear things up for 6-9 months at a time. Typically I would get straggling roots, and at times some stray paper towel, or some other odd thing (like a dog toy once, wtf?)
That being said, I would really like to avoid laying new pipe as I cannot afford it. Are there any other options I can consider?
Secondly, what is the best way to find a reliable and trustworthy plumber? Those 1-800-Plumber type places I find are five times more expensive than they should be, and I seem to know more than they do (which isn't saying much). I don't mind spending the money for a service from someone I can trust, but I've been hosed a few times already from various skilled trade people.
I've heard of getting a camera down my pipes, which I think would be a good idea just to see what is going on, but the 1-800-plumber place wanted $500 for that service, and a local guy I've used from time to time doesn't do it.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Thanks for the response.
I found a plumber that offered "free camera inspection". They came out and snaked the line with a huge industrial sized snake and took it to about 75 feet where it hit the sewer main. Then they took the camera, and showed me about 15-18 feet out from the house are roots and other sludge that built up because of the roots. That cost me $100, which was reasonable.
I asked him what it would take to fix it right, and he quoted me $1800 to replace pipe from my house to street sidewalk (where the problem area was), rod out the rest of the pipe to the sewer main, and place a cleanout outside off the new pipe. Reasonable? I don't know, but will ask for another estimate.
I found a plumber that offered "free camera inspection". They came out and snaked the line with a huge industrial sized snake and took it to about 75 feet where it hit the sewer main. Then they took the camera, and showed me about 15-18 feet out from the house are roots and other sludge that built up because of the roots. That cost me $100, which was reasonable.
I asked him what it would take to fix it right, and he quoted me $1800 to replace pipe from my house to street sidewalk (where the problem area was), rod out the rest of the pipe to the sewer main, and place a cleanout outside off the new pipe. Reasonable? I don't know, but will ask for another estimate.