From: dim@soda.csua.berkeley.edu (D. Gerasimatos)
Newsgroups: alt.building.construction alt.home.repair misc.consumers.house
Subject: Re: bad plumbing news
Date: Wed, 25 Feb 2004 03:03:14 +0000 (UTC)
Originator: dim@soda.csua.berkeley.edu (D. Gerasimatos)

In article , Betsy  wrote:
>
>Questions:
>
>Has anyone lived through this nightmare before?  Have you any advice for me?
>I've always worried that this was a scam perpetrated by plumbers but am less
>doubtful in my case as I've had plumbing problems for some time.  The house
>is old (over 100 years) and the cast iron pipes are falling apart.


Call another plumber. Also, you can have the inside of your line
videotaped to see what is causing the blockage. My house is 75 years old
and the cast iron was shot when I had it replaced last year.


>What did it cost you?


$3000 for what's under the house and $7000 for the run from the house to
the main.


>Who do I call to replace my asphalt driveway (sob)?  How much might that
>cost?  It's about 25 feet long, one car width.


No idea.


Other options are to just replace the portion of line that is broken or
to use a trenchless sewer replacement (can only be done in some
instances). The trenchless will cost more, but you will save having to
put in a new driveway. Of course, if your driveway needs replacing soon
anyway then maybe do it now.


Dimitri