Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

While it is rare to see two drains exactly alike, there are many common denominators. A lot of times it is just the age of the pipe and many years of use. Many times, especially in older homes, the drain pipes from individual fixtures are made of steel, which although it may still look nice and smooth on the outside, it is really all rusted and pitted inside which tends to catch and grab anything travelling through, especially at a turn or joint. So over many years of use “stuff” tends to build up until it eventually forms a clog. So too can hair clog a drain, more quickly even if a protective screen isn’t used over the drain. And, of course, we always have the kitchen garbage disposal that has been overworked. In short, like anything else, drains sometimes need a little “maintenance” to put them back into tip top order.

We have a set flat rate pricing schedule that we will freely discuss up front with you on the phone before you set an appointment. We are not going to tell you that we have to come look at it first and then try to sell you something you don’t want or need. Most clogged drains are pretty routine to us and if after we arrive at your home if we see something out of the ordinary we will point it out and discuss it with you. Our rates are based on the size of the pipe, the type of equipment needed to do the job, and are competitive.

Absolutely, but understand that we budget our time when scheduling jobs, so please let us know that when you initially call for the appointment. Also, we do charge a flat rate per fixture, not by the hour.

Well, although it is extremely rare, the answer is yes if you mean through routine methods. Usually when we are unable to unclog a drain, it is because the pipe has failed, or broken underground. In those cases the pipe has to be exposed and repaired or replaced, so in effect, we still unclogged it.

That's OK! We do not charge extra for that.

This is a great question because if you think about it, what would you see through dirty, yucky water? Our competitors love to advertise that they will solve your drain problem by using a camera to pinpoint the problem and then fix it, when in reality the opposite order has to take place. We’ll unclog your pipe first and then if it’s necessary we can investigate the integrity of your pipe with camera equipment. We have the latest in diagnostic equipment and you are welcome to watch it right on the monitor along with us.

Yes, we have the ability to burn it to a DVD.

The main drain line leading from the house out to the municipal system in the street, or your septic tank, is constructed of pipe sections put together, one end of the first section fitting into the “bell” or the housing of the next. Depending on the age of the structure, the pipe could have been made from cast iron, terra cotta (clay), orangeburg or plastic. These joints were typically sealed with approved materials at the time but over many years the ground moves and with it the pipe. As the pipe ages tree roots will find the tiniest crack, just as they do with the cracks you see in sidewalks, and they will penetrate the pipe looking for nutrients. The longer the roots have been established the thicker they will become.

As with any other home repair, it comes down to how much you want to spend. Usually snaking and cutting out the roots will last about a year, sometimes longer, at an average cost of approximately $200. Some folks have had some success using, on a regular basis, commercial root killing agents purchased at local home supply stores. If all of this is just too inconvenient and a permanent solution is desired, digging and repairing or replacing the line, or sleeving (a process in which a new pipe is inserted within the existing pipe) could be considered, although the costs would be substantially more.

We have been in and served the greater Binghamton area since 1976. The nature of our business doesn’t dictate or require a storefront, so we don’t have one. We generally work in the Greater Binghamton area including Binghamton, Endicott, Johnson City, Vestal and surrounding areas. View our Service Map here.

We do reside with our families in the Southern Tier, own multiple pieces of property, pay taxes, and our children attend local schools. In short, we are not a national or regional franchise; we are local independent business owners.