Possible grease in main line

17 years ago

We had our basement floor drain back up two days ago while laundry was draining. When I say basement floor drain I'm talking about the main line where ALL the plumbing goes on its way out to the city sewer line. The plumber came in and snaked it all the way to the city sewer line. He initially couldn't snake it with his 3" claw (don't know the technical term for it) so he pulled it out and closed it up to about 2" and could then snake it all the way through. The obstruction was at around 35'. He seems to think it's grease built up causing the obstruction and recommended a camera inspection.

My question is this.............just how hard does grease get when it hardens in your pipes? I can see where waste could easily get trapped as it tries to pass through but couldn't a snake plow right through hardened grease in a pipe? The plumber told me it can get as hard as concrete but I'm skeptical. Is this a way for me to pay more $ for a camera inspection that's not necessary?

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Comments (5)

joed
17 years ago
His cutter should have gone through grease. I would suspect a collapsed pipe. A camera will confirm the problem.
tabasco
Original Author
17 years ago
I know prices could vary based on the plumber you choose but what's an average price for repairing a collapsed line?
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davidandkasie
17 years ago
depends on where it is, how hard it is to dig up, how much pipe needs replacing, what type of pipe, and what rates are in your area. for instance, a job that costs 300.00 in my area could cost 3000.00 in another.

my grandmother had 40' of 3" pvc replaced 7-8 years ago and it cost her 700.00. her neighbor had the same amount replaced the following year and it cost him 1200.00 for the exact same thing. he just used another plumber.

get the inspection, then get a couple quotes to do the job.
davidandkasie
17 years ago
also, yes grease can get hard as concrete. or at least feel like it. when i cleaned out our line with my snake i could swear i was hitting a 90. turned out to just be a very old and hard grease wad.
maryland_irisman
17 years ago
davidandkasie is absolutely right about the grease. Old grease can really get hard. Remember, in the old days, they made candles from the stuff. If you have a garbage disposal, that can add to the problem. Now you have bits of matter that gets mixed in and reinforces the concoction. Another thing that is being found to be a problem...certain brands of toilet paper...Cottonelle for one. It gets caught on shreds on debri and builds up and will form a "log" if you will. There is hope though. If it's not a collapsed pipe. Before going through the expense of camera inspection...try RIDEX or one of the other enzyme type septic system additives (even on city sewer systems). The enzymes will eat and disolve the grease pretty quickly. The older stuff may take a week or two. If it solves the problem, treat it once a month and it will stay clear. Roto Rooter has a product that is also sold at the home centers......Good luck!!