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heynowkids · Mar 1, 2007, 01:03 PM

I noticed last night as the washer drained, the toilet bubbled, then drained, in another part of the house. The bathtub also made gurgling noises. Is this a blocked sewer pipe?
Thanks!

ballengerb1 · Mar 1, 2007, 02:23 PM

Could be your drain has a blockage but the vent stack may also be blocked. One of them is causing a siphon effect to pull water from the toilet. To rod the vent your best bet is from the roof where the vent terminates. Not always an easy chore for a homeowner, maybe time for a pro.

heynowkids · Mar 5, 2007, 12:15 PM

The plumber came and said the drain pipe, which is 50 years old, is clogged with roots. For only $100 per foot, they offered to replace the drain pipe. With 70 feet from clean out to clean out, I thanked them kindly and sent them on their way. Sheesh! Is $100 per foot the going rate in Georgia to replace drain pipe?:eek:

ballengerb1 · Mar 5, 2007, 12:20 PM

I assume you are on a city sewer system, right. If you have a plumber use a cutter he can clean out the roots but they will eventually return since they know the way inside the pipe. I'd get estimates from 3 sewer companies, not simply plumbers.

heynowkids · Mar 5, 2007, 12:25 PM

Yes, Ballengerb, we are on city sewer. This was a large plumbing company (not roto) and I couldn't believe the guy wouldn't even quote repairing the pipe. By repair, I mean cutting out a section, and replacing with pvc. Roots shouldn't be able to get through that, or could they?

Guess me and the Mister will be digging up the front yard this weekend. Yuck!

ballengerb1 · Mar 5, 2007, 12:33 PM

Before you grab the shovel grab the yellow pages and look under sewer contractor. There are guys who will find and repair the bad piece and I'd look to see if the tree needs removing too. Willows are especially good at getting into pipes. They can't get through PVC but they can get into the seams if not 100% sealed. Sewage is a great fertilizer to trees.

heynowkids · Mar 5, 2007, 12:52 PM

Unfortunately, in our area, the faucet guy and sewer guy are listed in the same spot in the yellow pages.

How do you seal a seam... pipe dope?

No willows, but an oak and magnolia :)

labman · Mar 5, 2007, 01:04 PM

If you don't have a real sewer pro like Rota Rooter in your area, do you have a good rental yard? If so, rent a good heavy duty sewer auger and run a 4'' cutter down the clean out. Run it back and forth until until things are clear. Should fix the problem unless there is a broken tile. Some copper sulfate down the drain a couple times a year may keep it clear. If not, the rental yard is still there. No sense giving up your trees if you have an alternative.

doug238 · Mar 5, 2007, 08:04 PM

I have read the post answers on here and I totally disagree with both of them. For one thing, most root problems in atlanta are oak. A good plumber can get his machine stuck on these roots, a homeowner will. And for another, most sewers in atlanta are very deep. You let a homeowner rent a tractor and start digging, you going to get them killed. There is a proper procedure for things like this. First, is the sewer currently backed up? Has the line had a camara run through it to [1] determine where the problem[s] exist? [2] has the depth been established while the camara was in the pipe? [3] did you get the video? Has anyone bothered to call the locate company at 800-282-7411 [free] to see if any utilities are in the way? Have you gotten 5 estimates?

heynowkids · Mar 5, 2007, 08:12 PM

Ah, Doug - you are a breath of fresh air :) The sewer WAS backed up. A county truck got the largest root ball on his lunch hour. Last summer a camera the county was using went through and determined the roots were 40' from the house. The clean out next to the house is about 18" deep. The clean out closest to the sewer main is about 7' deep. Didn't get the video. I've 'Called Before I Dig" and we are clear. Working on my 2nd and 3rd estimate tomorrow.

Love your avatar - where do you work in the metro area?

doug238 · Mar 5, 2007, 08:29 PM

I cover everywhere, but I don't do sewers up here. They are too dangerous. I have gotten cables stuck, and been on some digs. And I decided to not do outside drain calls anymore. I am from Florida but have been here for 6 years. I have friends that do sewers.
Are you in cobb county? They require a trench card.

heynowkids · Mar 5, 2007, 08:33 PM

Any names or numbers you care to share?

sb420 · Mar 5, 2007, 08:44 PM

Originally Posted by heynowkids

I noticed last night as the washer drained, the toilet bubbled, then drained, in another part of the house. The bathtub also made gurgling noises. Is this a blocked sewer pipe?
Thanks!

Your septic tank is full o shet and/or your drain is clogged get some ridx from home depot

doug238 · Mar 5, 2007, 08:47 PM

Not in an open forum.