Sewers DIY

In an earlier post, I talked about hydro-jet service from Adee Plumbing. These days, money is really tight and I've decided to tackle the sewer line myself. It's been 4 months since Adee ripped me off Those bastards!... The first bath started to clog again. So I started trolling the web for a jetter. After spending a few hours, I soon realized that jetters are not cheap. A typical medium-duty jetter will run you about $2,000! Ouch!...


But there are other options... such as converting a reasonably priced pressure washer into a jetter. But I was skeptical about my abilities to safely operate machinery that jets water at 3,500 PSI.

Then I came across a site for Gorlitz, a maker of pressure washers, and they were located in Santa Fe Springs, CA. I was ready to make a purchase but I still needed training on usage. I called them and asked about their products. Their jetters should do the job, but the salesman said there would be no training. I told him I was determined to get a jetter to cut roots in the sewer line. But he advised me that their jetters cannot cut roots. It's not the jetter but the nozzle that cuts roots. He told me to search for Warthog nozzles...


Stoneage Inc, the makers of Warthog nozzles, specializes in all types of hydro-jet applications. I contacted one of their resellers, Plumbers Depot in Gardena, CA and spoke to a gentleman who was very knowledgeable. He said that Warthogs can cut roots, but the jetter needs to be capable of generating at least 3,500 PSI @ 4 GPM. He said that instead of buying an expensive jetter, I'm better off getting an industrial grade sewer snake with the proper cutter.

After reconsideration, I went to a Home Depot and rented a 75' long 5/8" diameter sewer snake for $75/day. This is the industrial grade sewer snake. It's heavy. It has wheels. It feels manly!...


When I returned home, I started to work on the main line immediately. I put on my gloves: one disposable latex pair for waterproof protection on the inside, and a second disposable suede pair on the outside. I proceeded to clean the first bath's main line. There was hardly any blockage. Then I proceeded to the second bath's main line. At first, I thought I wasn't going to find anything, but to my surprise and disgust, I found a nest of roots! It took 2 hours of inserting the snake, catching roots, pulling the snake, and removing the roots. This was back breaking work and it stinks!! Eventually, all the roots were removed. I hope...



I was totally pleased with my work. When I think back to a few months about Adee, I feel like a fool. Now, I know better. Here are some key points:

• Adee will try to scare you into paying for a $12,000 liner project. Say NO!
  
• Adee will tell you that a jetter is needed and it only costs $1,500. Say NO!
• When removing roots, go slow. If the snake catches too many roots, it may be impossible to pull it out.
• Patience is a virtue. Even if you're working on the sewer...

Sewers

A few days ago, I called Adee Plumbing to root the main line. We had an emergency! The tub, toilet, and sink had become slow to drain. It's gross and it's affecting the quality of life. After trying several chemicals and other hand-driven sewer snakes, I gave up and finally called the professionals.

Shortly thereafter, the plumber arrived. He was prompt and helpful. He started by using an industrial grade sewer snake. Unfortunately, the snake got entangled in some roots and he could not pull it out. He called for assistance and another plumber showed up. They pulled up the snake and up with it came a mesh of tree roots. Now I'm satisfied. They removed the clog and everything should be Ok. But they continued to tell me that there could be more. Please fasten seatbelts. I'm about to be taken for a ride... They said it's not unusual to have roots in several places along the main line.

Both plumbers told me that there could be serious problems with the main line and that it would be a prudent investment to have the pipe relined. Apparently, there is a new technology that allows repair of failing lines without having to trench or dig up your front yard. But the cost was a staggering $12,000!! There's no way I'm about to pay that! Instead, being the stupid sewer newbie that I am, I opted for a jetter. The jetter is a high-pressure water system that uses a specialized nozzle to cut through grease, paper, and even roots! It only costs $1,500!! And I said yes. What an idiot am I...

Now the line is clean and life is back to normal...

But the good times did not last. Within a few weeks, the second bath became slow to drain. After spending so much money for the first bath, I decided to defer repairs for the second bath. For now, it simply will not be used.