Hi - first time poster. We have a sewer backup in our 2nd floor (not ground level) master bathroom. This is a 2-story single family house, slab, 2000 construction. Clog is most noticeable with toilet and shower (flushing toilet causes shower to overflow with junk) but apparently the entire bathroom is clogged. I snaked the toilet and shower and was unsuccessful. We called out a plumber b/c we have a 1-year home warranty. He snaked the shower to about 25ft and toilet. He said he could not remove the toilet b/c it is grouted and tiled in - he was pretty sure the toilet would break and home warranty wont cover damage. Got the snake pretty far down it though.
His prognosis is that this is a main line clog. He said our house does not have an access point, so he will have to build one through our attic where the line goes to the roof. Apparently our home warranty only covers ground level cleanout, so without an access point on the ground we pay out of pocket. $400 is his estimate for the attic access and cleanout.
1. Since this house is built in 2000, shouldn't there be a main line access valve somewhere outside? They guy didn't really look around for it from what i could tell. He told me 90% of houses dont have one. I couldn't find it but then I am a novice - looked on side of house where the attic line was. The water heater is on other side of wall in garage as well - no valve that i can see in garage or on ground.
2. We called out Roto Rooter for free estimate and 2nd opinion. Plumber said this was not a main line problem b/c we aren't having problems with downstairs plumbing or the 2nd bathroom upstairs. He believes the clog is in the primary master bath line - he said that if we remove the toilet, we will find it. He thinks he can remove the toilet, but we will have to take out the grout ourselves before he does his thing. We also have to sign waiver in case they damage toilet or tile floor - we are liable. Charge is $400 for toilet removal / clean-out (not incl. damages).
Should I go with one option or the other? I've never removed a toilet myself but am also worried that Roto Rooter will damage our tile work. Is there a main line access on the ground that could be hard to find? Any advice is appreciated.
His prognosis is that this is a main line clog. He said our house does not have an access point, so he will have to build one through our attic where the line goes to the roof. Apparently our home warranty only covers ground level cleanout, so without an access point on the ground we pay out of pocket. $400 is his estimate for the attic access and cleanout.
1. Since this house is built in 2000, shouldn't there be a main line access valve somewhere outside? They guy didn't really look around for it from what i could tell. He told me 90% of houses dont have one. I couldn't find it but then I am a novice - looked on side of house where the attic line was. The water heater is on other side of wall in garage as well - no valve that i can see in garage or on ground.
2. We called out Roto Rooter for free estimate and 2nd opinion. Plumber said this was not a main line problem b/c we aren't having problems with downstairs plumbing or the 2nd bathroom upstairs. He believes the clog is in the primary master bath line - he said that if we remove the toilet, we will find it. He thinks he can remove the toilet, but we will have to take out the grout ourselves before he does his thing. We also have to sign waiver in case they damage toilet or tile floor - we are liable. Charge is $400 for toilet removal / clean-out (not incl. damages).
Should I go with one option or the other? I've never removed a toilet myself but am also worried that Roto Rooter will damage our tile work. Is there a main line access on the ground that could be hard to find? Any advice is appreciated.
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