Our cast iron pipes are below slab. Plumber's Camera inspection shows two 3-foot bellys in the line, right under the center of the house. To dig up and replace would be major work, drywall, carpet, and kitchen. The laundry, kitchen and one bath all feed into this line before drains into the main line to the sewer. Washer backs up every time now as it drains. Dishwasher too. Toilet bubbles regularly, fills, then eventually drains. This problem has been going on for a long time. Water lines appear clear, this is a sewer line issue. House is 45 years old. What questions do I ask the plumber? How do I know who to trust.

Plumber's Camera inspection shows two 3-foot bellys in the line, This 3' belly. Is 3 feet the length or the depth of the bell
What does the plumber want to do? I just called the top sewer contractor in my area,( Massplumbers uncle) and the first thing he said was to get a second opinion. Tearing up your house shouldn't be your first choice. He then suggested jetting out the line because the solids might have jelled up down there, If all fails then rather then tearing up your house for big bucks you could disconnect the old cast iron and move a new PVC main outside the house just below the foundation. Then connect the drain branches to it. You could tunnel the branches and if you're lucky the work inside the house would be minor. Sound like a plan? Tom

Yes I agree. Thank you. It's a three foot long belly -- can't tell the depth because it's underwater.

My two cents: "Belly" in the sewer pipe is usually caused when something heavy pushes on it over extended period - like tree or concrete foundation. Rarely will sewer pipe sag under the slab to the point that it causes drainage problems. I would definitely get two or three different opinions. Also, do another Video Inspection and have it RECORDED on a disk. Show the video to several other plumbers for their own independent opinion. You can even put it on your lap top and show it to your Building Inspector who will give you the best and unbiased opinion.

Question: What do you mean you cannot tell depth because "...it is under water ..." ? Please, explain...

Back to you. Milo

So how deep can the bell be if it's only three foot long? Did you see any rough spots in the cast iron that would trap paper and solids? Would relining help? I'd try jetting the line before I did something drastic. Good luck and keep us informed. Tom