On Jul 28, 10:51*am, notbob wrote:
On 2011-07-28, Bob-tx No wrote:

I called a plumber, and he told me they had to run a 'smoke test' to
determine the problem. *He said I had to notify the fire department they
were going to run the smoke test, that is the law (????). *I asked how much
that cost. *"$300"!!!!
Question: *Is this a normal procedure, or a rip off?

Sounds like a rip-off to me. *

First, I'd call the city and ask if it is, in fact, "the law", and
second, I'd ask if I could do my own smoke test. *Can't be too hard.
Just find your cleanout and insert smoke bomb. *Also, you might try
calling a couple more plumbers.

nb

--
vi ...the heart of evil

If you do your own smoke test, suggesting you put it into a small can
with a wire through holes in the sides. Otherwise, the bomb can melt
a portion of a plastic pipe.