So we have multiple issues with our plumbing and drainage is a big one. Kitchen sink and master bath both have issues. I tried a snake but house is old and likely cast iron drains which apparently have 90 joints instead of curves. I couldn't get the snake in more than a foot for either. I tried a drain cleaning bladder in both also. Everything sounded good. I flushed the kitchen sink for almost 20 minutes and thought for sure it was clear. It wasn't! Still gurgling and slow. I snaked the vent on the roof. It seemed clear...

I have a plumber coming on Tuesday because I have had enough. My question is should we even bother with a plumber if he doesn't have a camera to send down the pipe? The one we have scheduled does not have one and I think there must be roots or something in the lines. Can a plumber determine this without a camera? I just dont think the thing is treatable with a snakebwhich is probably what he will use. I also don't want him spending a bunch of time troubleshooting.

BTW we had a septic inspection and it was all good. Our house - unfortunately - is on a slab foundation. Thoughts?

If it is a plumber and not just a handyman with a snake on a drill, he should be using professional equipment which is far superior in its ability to clean the drains. His equipment will also be properly sized according to which drain he is cleaning. When a professional is cleaning the drain, the sides are being scraped clean, and he will run water to was debris down the pipe and out of the system, not poking a little hole and hoping it works. Experienced drain technicians can usually determine whether a pipe is intact, whether there are sags in the line, and can tell you if you need a camera run down the pipe; most drains don't need to be video inspected. Chance are that when he is done, you won't have problems with those drains for quite some time. Let the guy you hired to do the job do what he is being paid for; he does it for a living.

Thanks again for the advice. It gives me more confidence about not having been able to do it myself knowing that this is truly a job for a professional!



Edited 1 times.

I also do NOT have a camera, and only call a professional company the few times I need one. If a snake will not go through the line, and I think the problem is either the snake or the operator, a camera will definitely NOT either.

Yes exactly. Be safe first. Like the advice given hire a pro unless you have actual hands on rootering experience. Anyone who has ever had a cable twist knows the seriousness of this maintenance procedure.

"You can try one of these options:
clean the drain by putting steel wire / spring which are specifically availble in the market for such cleaing only. Pump the drain with high pressure water aftewards. If it doesnt works then call the local plumber to get it declogged."