sewer line replacement - recommendations? (rental, house, store)

[Lisalrenee]

Apparently,I have roots obstructing the sewer line that I was unaware of until today, when things just went to hell, and there is no clearing these roots (per the guy who came to auger the drain) - it must be replaced ASAP. He was just a drain cleaning/handyman kind of guy - didn't have a solid recommendation for who might help me w/ this repair.

Recommendations or suggestions? Clearly, having tub/toilet or yard flood everytime a bit of water is used at my house is not an option, so something must be done. Thanks.

[JustMe_T3K]

Get a professional above the status of handyman (no offense to him but he is limited).
When you are calling for a professional to clean it, tell them about the possible root problem.

[gibsonlespaul]

Call your Town or City Public Works office-might be something they are responsible for and will fix. If the problem is the outside sewer line they will repair no need to pay-

[sacredgrooves]

The sewer line is the homeowners responsibility from the house to the street. Roots will in all likelihood fall under the homeowner. Call multiple plumbers as estimates will be all over the place. Expect a couple grand or more if they have to perform a full replacement of that drain line.

[MikeJaquish]

Originally Posted by sacredgrooves

The sewer line is the homeowners responsibility from the house to the street. Roots will in all likelihood fall under the homeowner. Call multiple plumbers as estimates will be all over the place. Expect a couple grand or more if they have to perform a full replacement of that drain line.

FWIW, I think the city owns the sewer lateral from their clean out to the street. No?

[Lisalrenee]

I'm pretty sure it's my responsibility given it's in my yard. And I'm expecting a hefty bill should the line truly have to be replaced. 1st time homeowner and relatively newbie to the area (3 yrs) so am more looking for any recommendations someone might have to perform this service - should any plumber be able to, or do I need to look elsewhere?

[Starglow]

I had the same problem years ago and ended up fixing it myself after Roto-Rooter failed to resolve the issue. You can cut the roots yourself by renting an electric snake, but you have to have the right cutter tool on the end and it may take several passes to clear the roots. The rental store gave me three different cutters to use that performed different tasks.

I have not had any further problems since I cleared the line and that was 15 years ago. I would get another opinion or try to clear the line yourself before going the expensive route.

[sacredgrooves]

Originally Posted by MikeJaquish

FWIW, I think the city owns the sewer lateral from their clean out to the street. No?

Yes I believe from the first cleanout closest to the street, but not 100% on that.

[CHTransplant]

Originally Posted by sacredgrooves

Yes I believe from the first cleanout closest to the street, but not 100% on that.

At least in my yard, that first cleanout is in the right-of-way, not technically on my property. I wouldn't use "the street" as the official dividing line between my property and the city's.

[sacredgrooves]

"The street" is our highly technical term for where the city takes over lol.