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    ralcarbo's Avatar
    ralcarbo Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Jun 16, 2010, 06:45 PM
    Reasonable cost to have a main drain cleanout installed outside the house?
    I got an estimate of $2450. Will have to be hand dug, maybe 4' deep, probably clay pipe from the 1930's. Need a licensed plumber in our town outside Philadelphia to do it, price includes permit fee - should I shop around more?
    hkstroud's Avatar
    hkstroud Posts: 11,929, Reputation: 899
    Home Improvement & Construction Expert
    		  
    #2

    Jun 16, 2010, 06:53 PM

    Shop around.
    Milo Dolezal's Avatar
    Milo Dolezal Posts: 7,192, Reputation: 523
    Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #3

    Jun 16, 2010, 07:21 PM

    It should cost you between $300 and $500.00 - labor, materials & excavation included. ( no concrete cutting included ) .

    As suggested above: dump the dishonest "plumber" and call somebody else.
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #4

    Jun 17, 2010, 05:19 AM
    Hi all:

    Milo, I have to disagree with you on the cost associated with this job... :p For example, pulling a permit is probably $50.00-$75.00 for this job PLUS the time to pull the permit... never mind the time needed to wait for the plumbing inspector to show up and give approval on the work after the job is done. Then there is digging that hole down to the proper depth and backfilling using an approved backfill material (this takes time to pick up/purchase as well). With material, tools needed, etc... hard to say just how much this job would cost...although I will agree that $2450.00 is ridiculous no matter what state you come from!

    Ralcarbo, As stated above, it is always a good idea to get estimates from a number of plumbing companies, but I wanted to pop in and suggest that you can reduce the cost of the work if you or a family member are willing to do all the digging/backfill yourselves... ;) You could also hire a temporary employee at a local temp. agency to do the digging/backfill, too.

    You would want to dig a hole about 4'x4' to about 2-3" below the bottom of the pipe. Here, you'll want to dig down to just under the pipe...not to the bottom of the pipe but below it about 2-3" so clamps and fittings can be installed without the plumber having to take out the shovel(s) and dig down the 6 inches most people don't know has to be dug out for them to do the job!

    Check out this link that Milo and Aaron did a great job on... very similar to your job:

    https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/plumbi...ed-479368.html

    Your pipe probably won't have the clay wye installed and that is why your hole will need to be bigger than the hole you see in the link above... ;)

    If you decide you actually want to install the pipe and clamps yourself, pop in and let us know... glad to discuss in greater detail!

    Mark
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
    		  
    #5

    Jun 17, 2010, 07:17 AM

    I got an estimate of $2450.
    Sounds bloated to me. Rule of thumb!
    Never accept the first estimate, Always get at least three and pick the one you're most comfortable with. Good luck, Tom
    ralcarbo's Avatar
    ralcarbo Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #6

    Jun 17, 2010, 11:32 AM

    Thanks, it seemed excessive. I'll make some calls.
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