[SuzyQ]

I have a 50 year old, one story house, no basement that I bought three years ago. The last two years I have had to have the sewer line cleaned out and the plumbers have not found a cleanout, so they go down through the vent (which costs me $280 each time). They say it is tree roots. OK. This year I have had to have this done September, November, December and February. I only have one tree, does that make sense? I realize I need a cleanout put in, but they estimate $600 to do that job, while I can barely afford the $280. I guess my main question is - are they trying to pull something on me, being a single woman or is this reasonable? Maybe the line has collapsed and I should replace it? My problem always starts with the washer drain backing up into the shower in one bathroom, then the bathtub and around the toilet in the other. Any suggestions? I just want to make sure I don't waste any more money.

[speedball1]

I have a 50 year old, one story house, no basement that I bought three years ago. The last two years I have had to have the sewer line cleaned out and the plumbers have not found a cleanout, so they go down through the vent (which costs me $280 each time). They say it is tree roots. OK. This year I have had to have this done September, November, December and February. I only have one tree, does that make sense? I realize I need a cleanout put in, but they estimate $600 to do that job, while I can barely afford the $280. I guess my main question is - are they trying to pull something on me, being a single woman or is this reasonable? Maybe the line has collapsed and I should replace it? My problem always starts with the washer drain backing up into the shower in one bathroom, then the bathtub and around the toilet in the other. Any suggestions? I just want to make sure I don't waste any more money.

Hey Suzy,

Even 50 year old houses have cleanouts. My place was built in 1954 and has a cleanout. Plumbing codes dictate cleanouts placed within 18" from the foundation and brought to grade. If anybody gives you static about this refer them to; section 706.1 (Traps and Cleanouts) of the Standard Plumbing Code. So what's their excuse for not locating yours? If they have to snake out your line every month or so then they aren't doing a good job. Let me give you a little relief until you find a new plumbing company,(hopefully).
Go down to garden supply and pick up some copper sulfate. Then before you go to bed flush down 1/2 pound in two flushes and let it set overnight.That will kill the roots in your line. However, this is not a permanent repair. Just to stop those $280 charges and give you some breathing room until you can get some competent help out there. Hope this helps and thank you for rating my reply. Tom

[SuzyQ]

Thanks Tom! I read about the copper sulfate in a publication by our County Extension office. I did it twice within a month, I think in January. I will use it regularly in the future, as a preventative measure. Part of the problem with finding a cleanout is my house sits on a corner and the sewer main runs down both sides. The plumber says they have to run a camera in the line to find where it comes out. A coworker says that the clean out should be at a right angle to the vent on the roof, and also you should be able to see under the house where the sewer line runs out. I think I will call a different plumber, to start with.

[labman]

My church has had very good luck using not a plumber, but Roto Router. Others here have reported the same.

[tommytman]

RotoRooter is good and they have a guarantee and while it may be only 30 days or so they have to come back and fix it. My local roto rooter guy also does plumbing and installs cleanouts.

I did not have clean outs either although they are code. To find the drain line when they snaked the line from the roof for the last time I went and walked the property and could hear the snake banging around in the pipe and could feel the vibrations in the ground. I dug there and found the clay pipe 4 feet down. We cut it and installed cleanouts. If you are in doubt of the advice you are given get a second opinion. I wish I would have on some of the things I have had done around here.

Tom

[SuzyQ]

Thanks! You all have been very helpful!

[speedball1]

Thanks! You all have been very helpful!

You're welcome, Let us know how you make out and if we may ever be of assistance. Cheers, tom

[sorftk]

Your main drain is in dire need of a face lift. I believe the plumbers were being true and honest in their estimate and prognosis. Diagnosis, operate and install a new drain from the city source to the complete house. Most of the labor will go ino digging the hole from the house to the city source. Hire some cheap labors family, friends, have a girl fix it party. It's a dirty job but I believe you and a few friends can spend about 200.00 in material and do the job yourself. Complete pipe, hangers/supports. You'll learn something about Plumbing.
Good luck

Aloha
sorftk

I have a 50 year old, one story house, no basement that I bought three years ago. The last two years I have had to have the sewer line cleaned out and the plumbers have not found a cleanout, so they go down through the vent (which costs me $280 each time). They say it is tree roots. OK. This year I have had to have this done September, November, December and February. I only have one tree, does that make sense? I realize I need a cleanout put in, but they estimate $600 to do that job, while I can barely afford the $280. I guess my main question is - are they trying to pull something on me, being a single woman or is this reasonable? Maybe the line has collapsed and I should replace it? My problem always starts with the washer drain backing up into the shower in one bathroom, then the bathtub and around the toilet in the other. Any suggestions? I just want to make sure I don't waste any more money.