Am I getting bent over by Roto Rooter?

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rhodychief

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Hi all, brand new here and am hoping this is the right place to get some advice, especially due to the cost discussed below.

I had Roto Rooter come out to my house this morning for a re-occurring clog that tends to happen every 6 months or so due to back-up. I have used a local company the previous three times, but I wasn't having luck getting anyone out quick enough and just decided to go this route (much to my later chagrin.) Apologies if my wording isn't perfect, I may not be saying certain parts as they are.

To try and summarize a long story, they snaked and cleared it and used a camera, and discovered roots that were swirling about in the cast-iron local plumber had pulled some out before), that we have a belly in the pipes (which I'm not shocked on based on the same issue constantly happening) and that the pipes are clay and are prone to wear down over time.

When I was given a couple of longer-term options, my wife and I decided to go with this (quotes directly from the proposal sheet):

"Excavate and remove root intrusion section of cast iron sewer line"- he told me they'd be going down about 6 feet or so, as well as removing a couple of large holly bushes (my wife hated them because of bees, so I'm not worried about those.)

"Install Backwater Check-Valve with Cleanout"

"Hydrojet Line to City Sewer Main Line"

All together this is costing about $11,500, closer to $12K if you add in the service call from earlier.

Now I will say, he gave me three different options and did not high-pressure me on any, let alone the last one. He explained how the device worked and how it would prevent overflow (which has been our major issue, getting our downstairs bath and laundry room.) He was very upfront that clogs could still be possible though, which I appreciated not promising that not happening.

In addition, a mold remediation specialist came out (through them, of course) and will take care of any and all mold/water damage in these two rooms. Now I know this is probably a package arrangement, but it will cost me only my $500 deductible and it was a concern my wife and I had as we had noticed a musty smell and some overall mold concerns (having two kids.)

Part of the issue that made me agree to it is not only that we're hosting Thanksgiving but also on vacation the following week, and since this is the fourth time we've experienced this problem, this combo just made me bite the bullet.

I'm sure that if I had gone through a local company I might have been able to save a few thousand, I'm just hoping that I didn't just agree to something that is around 60-80% more than another company might have charged.

Thanks for reading and for any advice you may have!
 
To some degree, length of replacement sewer comes in to play, but, overall, it is a high side price. No doubt others will offer opinions.

You could have rebooked Thanksgiving and gotten three bids, stat.
Prices vary a lot and "affordable" isn't in MY vocabulary re setting proper rates.
 
Have you talked to any pipe lining companies, there is one in Fitchburg ma i believe the name is pipe restorations, they will camera cable or jet and line we use them were I work in Boston eliminates excavation and landing scaping
 
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RR is known for there crazy bill to dig up the whole yard and replace a few feet of pipe. If they are going to only replace a section is there a chance roots might cause an issue elsewhere. If it were me I would not pay 12k for that. I would also do everything in my power to get a few more companies opinions. What is another couple hundred to have a few companies run the camera and give their opinion.
 
Generally in my limited 45 years (but more experience than most homeowners) when there is a belly, there is a need to excavate.
The unknown is if it can be solved in 10-20 ft or if a longer run has to be excavated. For that reason, many co's that even do trenchless, need to get the run excavated to insure proper slope and reestablish compact base under the belly.
 
Hi all, brand new here and am hoping this is the right place to get some advice, especially due to the cost discussed below.

I had Roto Rooter come out to my house this morning for a re-occurring clog that tends to happen every 6 months or so due to back-up. I have used a local company the previous three times, but I wasn't having luck getting anyone out quick enough and just decided to go this route (much to my later chagrin.) Apologies if my wording isn't perfect, I may not be saying certain parts as they are.

To try and summarize a long story, they snaked and cleared it and used a camera, and discovered roots that were swirling about in the cast-iron local plumber had pulled some out before), that we have a belly in the pipes (which I'm not shocked on based on the same issue constantly happening) and that the pipes are clay and are prone to wear down over time.

When I was given a couple of longer-term options, my wife and I decided to go with this (quotes directly from the proposal sheet):

"Excavate and remove root intrusion section of cast iron sewer line"- he told me they'd be going down about 6 feet or so, as well as removing a couple of large holly bushes (my wife hated them because of bees, so I'm not worried about those.)

"Install Backwater Check-Valve with Cleanout"

"Hydrojet Line to City Sewer Main Line"

All together this is costing about $11,500, closer to $12K if you add in the service call from earlier.

Now I will say, he gave me three different options and did not high-pressure me on any, let alone the last one. He explained how the device worked and how it would prevent overflow (which has been our major issue, getting our downstairs bath and laundry room.) He was very upfront that clogs could still be possible though, which I appreciated not promising that not happening.

In addition, a mold remediation specialist came out (through them, of course) and will take care of any and all mold/water damage in these two rooms. Now I know this is probably a package arrangement, but it will cost me only my $500 deductible and it was a concern my wife and I had as we had noticed a musty smell and some overall mold concerns (having two kids.)

Part of the issue that made me agree to it is not only that we're hosting Thanksgiving but also on vacation the following week, and since this is the fourth time we've experienced this problem, this combo just made me bite the bullet.

I'm sure that if I had gone through a local company I might have been able to save a few thousand, I'm just hoping that I didn't just agree to something that is around 60-80% more than another company might have charged.

Thanks for reading and for any advice you may have
How did you make out? Were you satisfied?

I have seen larger companies close to the same prices. Smaller companies can be less. Here is what my take is as I have worked for both types in the past. You get what you pay for. Companies like RR always are around so if something happens they are there. Smaller companies you have to wait a lot of times depending on if it's a busy season. Then you have guarantees. Larger companies give multiple years with such job while local you might get a year. Now this is not for all but a lot of them. Even though they are expensive they seem to be competent in getting the job done right.
 
I find that certain plumbers are reluctant to give you the video that shows what a snake cam found. After all, if you paid for the service, you should get to keep the collected evidence. These cameras have a distance feed which can tell you where the roots are present. Whether you pay $8000 or $16000, ask for the videos before and after the excavation/sewer main replacement process, and ask for references from other customers who have gone through such jobs. Trees, rats and ants have a way of finding water no matter where it is. If possible get a warranty where the company will come out at the end of period to snake cam the actual repair. Should you go ahead with the contract, make sure it states the purpose of the job and not just the bill of material. Do not sign until you consult a second expert. Unless you have a fiery Irish wife who can make the contractor feel guilty about selling you a bill of goods, do what you can to help yourself in a future lawsuit against the contractor. BBB has a large database of Roto-Rooter complaints. They are notorious for up-selling, but at least they have a track record.

Back when I had an 8 ft deep by 150 long trench excavated for a replacement water main, I made sure the job was done right by keeping an eye on the process throughout the day. In your case, just make sure your new sewer line is graded right, and take photos. The fact that homeowners need to be building inspectors is frightening in this day of fly-by-night contractors. Verify, don't trust anymore. Also, put a survey stake a known distance from the the center of the excavation.
 

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