On 11/6/16 6:51 AM, Charles Bishop wrote:
A friend of mine is having sewer pipe problems, with root intrusion and
blockage. The plumber has come out and cleared the blockage. He is now
telling her that a large section of drain pipe (50') should be replace
to prevent future problems.

This section is made of Orangeburg pipe, which, from Google[1], is a
fiber pipe strengthened with pitch. There are small areas of root
intrusion there (shown by camera inspection) but nothing that looks like
full blockage. He is saying that it's not good to use a snake to clean
this pipe of roots since the snake would likely cause damage to the
pipe. He is trying to sell her a more costly solution of lining the pipe
while it's in place.

So, Any thoughts on whether the Orangeburg pipe can be cleaned with a
power snake without damaging it beyond use?

In general, the plumbing supervisor is pointing to doom and desolation
if she doesn't do the work suggested. The total, under his plans would
come to $17,000, though he's willing to "discount" the price for signing
up.

We have this in my neighborhood, and my neighbors tell me it is between
$5,000 to $8,000 to replace the orangeburg (cleanout to city sewer
line). Takes a couple of days from start to finish.

This is bringing in an excavator and digging it up, I haven't heard of
anyone doing a reline job around here.

Jon