Backed up drain; waiting for plumber

[disneysteve]

My wife had laundry in earlier. When she went down to check on it, the utility sink was full of water and water was squirting out of the drain pipe. Lovely.

We called our regular plumber, who called back and said his drain cleaning machine is out of commission and he can't reach any of his other techs. So I called another company and we're waiting for their guy to come out. Hopefully, this is something simple and will be fixed within an hour or two.

[disneysteve]

Plumber just left. Snaked the main sewer line from the street to the house and got things flowing again. I happened to be talking to my cousin while I was waiting for the guy to come and he suggested looking online for a coupon. Sure enough, they had a $30 off coupon on their website so that lessened the damage a bit. Came to $285 plus tax which wasn't too terrible.

On to the next crisis, whatever that may be.

[creditcardfree]

Ugh...plumbing issues are never fun. They are almost always unexpected and on a weekend!! Great idea on the coupon! Nice of cousin to mention it.

[snafu]

How long did it take to snake the sewer-line? Is that city pipe back-up or personal property back-up? What is the hourly rate for plumbers in your area. I realize it is weekend and therefore premium pricing.

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by snafu

How long did it take to snake the sewer-line? Is that city pipe back-up or personal property back-up? What is the hourly rate for plumbers in your area. I realize it is weekend and therefore premium pricing.

I spoke to 2 other people last night (my cousin and one other) and told them about the problem. Both had stories of similar problems and both paid over $300 to have it remedied (with 2 different companies, 1 in NJ and 1 in PA), so this charge seems to be right in line with the going rate in this area. I actually don't think they charge an after-hours or weekend premium. When we've had emergency work done before, I asked about that and they said the price is the same all the time.

It was personal property back-up.

[maat55]

Originally Posted by disneysteve

Plumber just left. Snaked the main sewer line from the street to the house and got things flowing again. I happened to be talking to my cousin while I was waiting for the guy to come and he suggested looking online for a coupon. Sure enough, they had a $30 off coupon on their website so that lessened the damage a bit. Came to $285 plus tax which wasn't too terrible.

On to the next crisis, whatever that may be.

You didn't try the garden hose and towel first?

[irmanator]

Thanks to this i went to ehow.com to research preventing clogs and found useful info. I know it can't always be prevented but as they say an ounce of prevention.....and because I live in an old house and don't know how the pipes might be so I thought since you brought it up. Anyway I already use the baking soda and vinegar method because my pipes used to smell like a sewer if i didn't.

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by irmanator

Thanks to this i went to ehow.com to research preventing clogs and found useful info. I know it can't always be prevented but as they say an ounce of prevention.....

Roto-Rooter actually sells a product called Pipe Shield, I think, that contains enzymes that are supposed to break down grease build-ups and other debris and keep the pipes from clogging. They say it is stronger than anything you can buy at Home Depot or elsewhere. They recommend using it once a month to help keep the pipes clean. I've used regular drain cleaner from time to time and the baking soda/vinegar/boiling water also, but I've never done anything as routine maintenance. I'm going to give the Pipe Shield a try. It isn't cheap - $50 for a bottle - but provides enough for 64 treatments, or so they say. Even if I don't treat every drain in the house, it should definitely help. If I can get a year's worth of treatments for $50, that's pretty reasonable. It is mainly the kitchen, shower, tub and basement sink drains that need to be treated.

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

Here, there are independent drain cleaners (not licensed plumbers) who will charge $40-$80 to clean a main sewer. Roto Rooter is not licensed plumbers here either. You just pay extra for the radio jingle and the recognizable trucks.

[LuxLiving]

All you of delicate ear? Turn your head...

DS, You have a pre-teen/teen girl in the house? Might be time for Mom to go over a refresher course on disposing of 'sanitary' items properly as well. Just in case.

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by LuxLiving

All you of delicate ear? Turn your head...

DS, You have a pre-teen/teen girl in the house? Might be time for Mom to go over a refresher course on disposing of 'sanitary' items properly as well. Just in case.

Thanks for the warning. Not a problem here, though. She's good with that stuff. Been at it for a few years now.

[snafu]

Thanks for the heads up on 'Pipe Shield' product. Had water bubble-up in laundry room and in sheer ignorance called City Sewer Dept. They sent out 3 guys and a TV camera device which they dropped down the sewer line access giant valve which oddly is in the garage. This method identifies the cause of water coming up from the floor drain. The problem was being caused by the roots of the big, old, poplar tree across the street on the City boulevard. The City then brought in a gia-normous roto roter device which rotated through the underground pipes for two days. Apparently tree roots will cause mini slits in pipes to wind their way to a source of water.

We were surprised that there was no bill, no charge, no fee, no plumber etc.

[mikesaver]

Hey Steve, I live in NJ too. Roto-Rooter is expensive! Next time see if there is an Econo-Rooter in your area. They snaked my main line this past March and the charge was only about $175. I won't bother with RR again.

[Saving_spree]

While you are waiting, see whether you could do something yourself as a first aid for the problem

[G-Force]

How did you pay him? Cash, personal check? Checks are so not safe anymore.

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by G-Force

How did you pay him? Cash, personal check? Checks are so not safe anymore.

We pay for everything by credit card whenever possible. This was no exception.

[marvholly]

Steve:
Another prevention thought:

YEARS ago had a kitchen sink problem (Y drain). Plumber told me then to fill all my sinks 1/2 to 3/4 full and then remove the stopper(s). It needs to be done monthly.

Have not had a sink issue in years.

[wincrasher]

You shouldn't have to tell people this, but:

Don't ever pour grease or oils down your kitchen sink. If you have a disposal, never put meat/skins or stringy vegetables in it. Always use hot water when using your disposer.

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by wincrasher

Always use hot water when using your disposer.

I've often heard just the opposite, that you should always use cold water when the run the disposer to avoid overheating the motor. I'll have to Google that one and see what I find.

[Fizgig]

A few weeks ago my kitchen drain stopped up. It was probably from trace amounts of meat and grease down the line over the years. (I try to avoid it but sometimes mess up a little.) I poured a solution of hot water, salt, and baking soda into the sink and let it sit a day, then cleared the clog with a plunger.

Nice to know that I saved almost $300! Whew.