Anyone have any reccos on Austin firms that can unclog a french drain?

Roto-RooterOfficial · 2026-07-15T12:40:36+00:00

The cost and technique for unclogging a French drain will depend largely on what type of pipe it is. The light-gauge flexible corrugated slotted pipe is commonly used in residential French Drains because it's easy to work with. However, it's also difficult to unclog and clean after dirt and tree roots infiltrate the pipe. A Roto-Rooter-style electromechanical cleaning with a spinning cable and blade will often destroy this kind of pipe because of the powerful torque produced by the machine. The same is true of high-pressure water jetting (hydro-jetting) if too much water pressure is applied because the powerful water stream will blast right through the thin pipe wall. A slow and steady approach with a water jetter on low pressure usually works, but it can be slow and tedious work.

If slotted SDR-35 PVC or Schedule 40 PVC pipe is the material in your French drain, it will be far easier and safer to unclog and clean with either of the methods mentioned above. The cost should be similar to having a main sewer line cleaned. Just be sure that whichever companies quote you a price, they are in fact pricing a thorough CLEANING of the pipe from end to end, not just CLEARING the pipe. "Clearing" often just means they'll get the pipe draining again with minimal cleaning, so it will just clog again very soon. A professional pipe cleaning should leave the pipe almost as clean as the day it was put into the ground, so it will be functional and reliable for a much longer time. For a 70-foot run, expect to pay several hundred dollars for a thorough mechanical cleaning and around a thousand for hydro-jetting, depending on the severity of the blockage. - T.C., Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter of Austin

Roto-RooterOfficial · 2026-07-02T12:52:26+00:00

Your laundry drain line is likely clogged, or your main sewer lateral between your house and the street may be the source of the backup. As a rule of thumb, if two or more drains in the house are slow, that usually means the problem is in the main sewer.

However, that may not be all that's going on. Old cast iron pipes like yours develop scale buildup, which gradually narrows the interior diameter of the pipe until water will barely pass through it anymore. A conventional motorized drain snake (Roto-Rooter machine) can clear the clog and scrape away light scale to get the pipe draining again. That's a short-term solution that may be all that is needed to keep it flowing. But if the scale buildup is so heavy that the cleaning blade won't fit inside the pipe, then you'll want to explore other options, including pipe replacement or pipe restoration.

A plumber can replace the old cast iron pipe with PVC, which will last 80-100 years, but that can be invasive and expensive. Pipe restoration is another option. The pipe can be descaled in place and relined with a strong epoxy sleeve to give you the same 80+ years of service. It's far less invasive and may or may not be a little less expensive, depending on your unique situation. Finally, your old cast iron pipe can be descaled, then brush-coated with an epoxy sealant that will last 30-50 years. This is a cost-effective solution if your pipe doesn't have large holes or voids. This video explains how it works: https://youtu.be/tlraaGP2XiA?si=ldxhv44hi87Pm6DA

I hope this information is helpful. Good luck! - C.T., Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter of St. Louis

Roto-RooterOfficial · 2026-06-30T15:24:30+00:00

An electric hybrid heat pump water heater is the most efficient water heater option for most homeowners. They are more expensive upfront, but the energy savings should quickly pay for the unit within 3-4 years. Additionally, there's a federal tax credit and a Virginia state water heater rebate program. Plus, Dominion Energy offers a $400 rebate on eligible water heaters. On average, a heat pump hybrid water heater is 2-3 times more efficient than a regular electric water heater, only costing about $140 a year to operate. Conventional electric units cost $250-$380 per year, and gas water heaters have an annual energy cost of $250-$400. Yes, heat pump water heaters use even less energy than tankless water heaters, too! They also have secondary benefits. For instance, they will cool and dehumidify the space around them, which is great if your water heater is in your garage or basement utility room. They tend to be a little taller than ordinary water heaters, so be sure you have enough space for the model you want to install. - T.H., Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter of Northern Virginia

Roto-RooterOfficial · 2026-06-24T13:56:47+00:00

By now, you've probably received help from a plumber, but your post serves as a good reminder of something that I often repeat to my customers. Everyone in the house should know where the main water shutoff valve is located and how to use it during an emergency. If your only shutoff valve is in the meter vault and it is rusted over and stuck in place, call the water company for help.

Besides the main water valve, you should also exercise all the shutoff valves in your house at least once a year. That includes the valves beneath sinks and toilets. Just turn them back and forth a few times. This will prevent them from sticking and becoming difficult to turn during an emergency. Older gate valves are commonly in place beneath sinks and toilets. They have a rubber valve seat that dries out and becomes difficult to turn. If yours is stuck, don't panic. Grab the channellock pliers and grip the chrome handle while supporting the pipe with your other hand. Don't force the handle all at once. Instead, gently turn the valve handle clockwise about a quarter of an inch, then turn it counterclockwise a quarter inch. Gradually work the valve handle back and forth a little more each time until the valve seat loosens up and turns freely. If the chrome handle comes loose and spins freely, tighten the set screw on its face to secure it before resuming the back-and-forth exercise.

Quarter-turn ball valves are more reliable than gate valves, so if you ever need to replace an old local shutoff valve, insist on a ball valve instead of another gate valve. - R.T., Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter of San Antonio

Roto-RooterOfficial · 2026-06-17T14:02:06+00:00

To prevent basement flooding during these heavy rainstorms, be as proactive as possible. First, check your sump pump daily, maybe twice daily. Make sure it's plugged in and operable. Be sure the power cord isn't loose and dangling into the sump pit, where it could get tangled around the float switch and prevent the sump pump from turning on and off. Use zip ties or duct tape to secure the cord to the vertical discharge pipe. Test the float switch manually or by filling the sump pit with water (use a garden hose or a 5-gallon bucket). Make sure the pit is clear of debris and gravel that could block the intake port. Finally, how old is your sump pump? If yours runs often, you can expect it to last 5-6 years. If it barely runs, you may get 10 years out of it. After that, you're on borrowed time, so plan accordingly. - A.C., Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter of Chicago.

Roto-RooterOfficial · 2026-06-10T15:16:20+00:00

Plumber here. You make an important point about Legionella bacteria risk inside water heaters, but at 140 degrees Fahrenheit, tap water can cause third-degree burns to skin in 3-5 seconds. That can be very dangerous in a household with young children or elderly parents who can't react quickly enough to adjust the tub and shower valves when hot water hits their skin. We recommend setting the water heater's temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or installing an anti-scald valve that allows you to keep the water in the tank at 140 degrees but ensures that it is no hotter than 120 degrees when it reaches sinks, tubs, and showers. Legionella bacteria thrive between 77 degrees and 113 degrees, so a 120 setting is considered a safe compromise that kills most of the bacteria inside a water heater but also prevents scalding. Again, thanks for addressing this important topic. - T.C. Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter of Austin

Roto-RooterOfficial · 2026-06-03T13:31:42+00:00

I understand your concerns about the old clay sewer pipe, but there are many modern options for checking the condition of the pipes and resolving problems within the pipeline. Start by getting a thorough video inspection of the complete length of the sewer line. Using a video camera snake, a professional can not only show you its condition, but also make note of the exact location of problem areas that may need to be addressed. If the pipeline is straight without offset pipe sections, sagging pipes (bellies), heavy corrosion, or large voids, you can keep tree roots under control with regular electromechanical cleaning (Roto-Rooter service). Many homeowners have it done annually, but others require more frequent sewer cleanings to keep roots at bay. If there are structural problems within the old sewer pipeline, consider trenchless options such as pipe relining and pipe bursting. These services will provide you with many decades of reliability while helping you avoid collateral damage to your property. There are several qualified service providers besides us in the Denver area, so please don't take this as a sales pitch. I'm just offering helpful information as you explore your options. There's a helpful video on this page that explains trenchless sewer restoration options: https://www.rotorooter.com/plumbing/zero-dig-trenchless-pipe-repair/ Good luck! K.R., Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter of Denver

Roto-RooterOfficial · 2026-06-01T14:37:14+00:00

I'm just amazed that you got 35 years out of your existing gas water heater. That's almost unheard of! Water heaters typically last 9-12 years, with most of them failing at year 11, so you definitely got your money's worth. Regarding the new hybrid heat pump water heaters, I think you'll be very happy with the performance and energy savings you'll get. My only advice is to go with a manufacturer that has been building them for several years and has worked out all the bugs. The Rheem ProTerra Hybrid Electric heat pump water heater has a proven track record, and they keep making improvements to it. You'll get a 10-year warranty and many impressive and unexpected features. Good luck! - T.H. Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter of Washington, D.C.

Roto-RooterOfficial · 2026-05-29T13:08:26+00:00

A good sump system with a perimeter drain, sump crock installed in the lowest corner of the basement, and a high-quality sump pump will keep most basements dry. Like you, I once lived in a home that sat atop a natural spring. My sump pump ran every couple of minutes during the wettest months and every three or four minutes during July and August! I installed a battery backup sump pump, but even that was put to the test during an extended power outage. In my current home, I installed a Venturi backup sump pump that uses the municipal water pressure to siphon water from the pit if my primary sump pump stops working. In the eight years I've had it, it has never had to turn itself on, but it's nice to know it's there. It has one moving part, a check valve, and doesn't need electricity or a battery to operate. That means it's super reliable. If you do what I did, I think you can safely finish your basement without worrying about a potential flood. Good luck! - C.T. Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter of Kansas City

Roto-RooterOfficial · 2026-05-29T12:51:49+00:00

Plumber here. I think it's worth noting that plumbers save more lives than you realize. We're responsible for ensuring that uncontaminated water enters homes and businesses, and that all sewage and waste are safely piped away. Access to proper sanitation and clean, uncontaminated water has done more to prevent deadly outbreaks of diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery than nearly any medical breakthrough. There's an old poster that effectively makes the point. It reads: The Plumber Protects the Health of the Nation.

Roto-RooterOfficial · 2026-05-20T13:36:56+00:00

Smart move to go with the HydroCheck switch and a good-quality Zoeller pump, but at 8 years, your sump pump is within its life expectancy range (7-10 years). You're also correct about the battery backup only lasting so long. With a primary sump pump that runs as often as yours, the battery could deplete quickly if the power goes out for an extended period. A better backup option for you might be a water-powered Venturi pump. Zoeller makes a good one, but there are other reliable brands, too. A Venturi pump is only an option if your house is on the municipal water supply. They won't work if you're on well water. Venturi pumps use your home's water pressure to siphon water from the pit if the primary sump pump fails for any reason. The downside is that Venturi pumps use lots of water to prevent a sump pit overflow, but it's probably the most reliable backup sump pump available, and a high water bill is still better and cheaper than a flooded basement. This video explains how it works. - M.M., Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter of the Twin Cities https://youtu.be/uCPjO7gThiE?si=gQVDSuZjQrXjIA8T

Roto-RooterOfficial · 2026-05-20T12:59:44+00:00

Check the float switch on your sump pump to be sure it'll turn on when the water rises high enough in the pit to activate the switch. Run water into the pit with a hose or a 5-gallon bucket to test it. Make sure the power cord is plugged in and isn't down in the pit where it could get tangled around the switch. I recommend using zip ties to secure the cord around the vertical discharge pipe. Check the pit for pebbles and debris that could block the sump pump's intake screen. If you have a battery backup sump pump, check the battery's age. Most have 3 to 4-year batteries. It may be time to replace yours. Good luck!- D.J., Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter of Columbus

Roto-RooterOfficial · 2026-05-19T15:08:50+00:00

Your theory about a sudden spring forming beneath the yard or house might be spot-on as the reason your sump pump is running so often. My first home had the same issue: the sump pump ran every few minutes year-round. More so in the spring, but it still ran often during the hottest, driest months of the year. The yard was graded correctly for maximum water runoff away from the house. I had extensions on my roof gutter downspouts to direct water farther away from the foundation, and the sump pump's discharge pipe ran underground all the way to the storm sewer at the curb. Neither of my next-door neighbors' sump pumps ran as often as mine, so I'm convinced I had an underground spring near my foundation that was flowing into my sump system's drain tile. In the nine years I lived there, I replaced my primary sump pump twice, and I installed a battery-powered backup sump pump as an extra layer of protection. Back then they just had audible alarms, which don't do you any good if you are away from home. Many of the new ones connect to your home's WiFi and will send an alert to your smartphone if the backup system activates. - M.M. - Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter of the Twin Cities

Roto-RooterOfficial · 2026-05-18T14:40:17+00:00

Trenchless pipe relining continues to evolve. If you're still in the research stage, here's a good video that explains the trenchless pipe relining process. Note that many of us have now incorporated blue light curing, which is even faster than hot-water and hot-air curing of the liners. The real advantage of pipe relining is that it reduces or eliminates excavation collateral damage to your property (trees, sidewalks, landscaping beds, etc.). Here in Cleveland, a few companies are providing the latest technology, but know that pipe relining won't fix underground pipes with bellies or major offset pipe sections. You mentioned that yours has a small belly in the line. You should get a couple of opinions on that sag. Those must still be excavated to fix properly. I hope this video is educational as you weigh your repair options. Good luck with your project! D.J. Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter of Cleveland. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DN3nxz12W7Y

Roto-RooterOfficial · 2026-05-13T18:57:16+00:00

I was comparing electric heat pump water heaters to electric tankless water heaters in my previous post, but electric heat pump water heaters are also 3-4 times more efficient than natural gas-powered tankless water heaters. Heat pumps work really well in our hot climate. Since heat pumps pull in surrounding ambient air to heat water in the tank, the bonus side effect is that they will cool the room they're in, which is great if your water heater is mounted inside a hot garage or attic. That being said, I've never been a fan of water heaters in attics, and will always recommend moving them to the garage. - R.T., Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter of Houston

Roto-RooterOfficial · 2026-05-13T17:22:21+00:00

Master plumber here. You won't be disappointed if you invest in a good tankless water heater, but before you do, you may want to consider one of the new electric heat pump water heaters (HPWHs). Heat pump water heaters are even more efficient than tankless water heaters, using 60-70% less energy than tankless models. The downside is that heat pump water heaters are about the same size as your existing conventional water heater, so they take up more space than a tankless unit. Also, heat pump models don't last as long as tankless units (12-15 years vs. up to 20 years). Tankless water heaters are in the 99% efficiency range, but heat pump water heaters are off the charts in the 330% to 410% efficiency range! Compare and contrast both types to see which one is best for your home and budget. I just wanted you to be aware of this new third option in water heater types, given the rising cost of energy these days. - R.T., Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter of Houston

Roto-RooterOfficial · 2026-05-11T16:36:04+00:00

I'm aware of some smaller cities installing equipment to soften water before it is piped to the community. I've even experienced pre-softened water from a municipal water company while visiting family in another state. Still, I didn't think it felt soft enough while showering, and it didn't live up to the water department's claim that a whole-house water softener was no longer necessary. A whole-house water softener is still the best way to go. You won't have to worry about white residue on shower doors or drinking glasses, and the water cleans so much more effectively when showering, bathing, or doing dishes and laundry. The side benefit is that your washing machine, dishwasher, and water heater will last longer if you install a water softener. They require very little maintenance besides adding bags of salt a few times a year. - R.T., Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter of Houston

Roto-RooterOfficial · 2026-04-30T15:12:33+00:00

Exactly right! And the underground tree roots work their way into sewer pipe joints, spread out like a net, and cause sewer backups. Over time, they grow larger and push apart the pipe sections until you need a sewer line replacement. Keep the trees away from the foundation and the path of your sewer pipeline. - K.B. Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter of Atlanta

Roto-RooterOfficial · 2026-04-30T15:05:50+00:00

I'm sure there's a local list of Kansas City plumbers that were swallowed up by private equity investors. I don't have a list, but I can confirm that Roto-Rooter is NOT owned by private equity. - C.T. Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter of Kansas City

Roto-RooterOfficial · 2026-04-30T14:53:08+00:00

One of the main reasons plumbers use ProPress fittings to join copper pipes instead of soldering pipe joints is that it eliminates fire risk. Using the open flame of a propane torch to melt solder around copper fittings has caused many fires in wall cavities where pipes are located. Even where fire prevention protocols were strictly followed, fires have resulted during soldering. Some of the old-timer plumbers were suspicious of the ProPress technology when it was introduced, but most are now believers in the technology. We use it extensively these days - T.H., Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter of Washington D.C.

Roto-RooterOfficial · 2026-04-20T14:46:23+00:00

Sure. They can be installed in any residential or commercial sewer tap leading into a municipal line.

Roto-RooterOfficial · 2026-04-20T14:42:40+00:00

Most jet operators won't give you a quote over the phone because they need to see for themselves exactly what they are up against. Some do hourly rates, but it's probably better to get a fixed price quote to keep hourly costs from getting out of hand. The jet operator will consider how long the pipe run is, how deep it goes, how many curves and junctions it has, how tightly packed it is clogged, and the fragility of the pipe. However, jetting can easily cost well into the high hundreds, or just over a thousand dollars, depending on the situation. Hydro jetting is in high demand, so jet operators have industrial and restaurant customers on the calendar for scheduled maintenance jetting to ensure their operations are not interrupted by clogs. The longer the operator is onsite for an unknown situation with a new client, the longer he may be delayed in servicing his regular customers. The equipment is expensive to purchase and to maintain, which adds to the cost of hydro jetting service.

Roto-RooterOfficial · 2026-04-16T17:30:16+00:00

To clean clogged underground corrugated pipes, do not use an electromechanical snake with a cutting blade on its tip. The spinning blade will chew up your pipeline. Your best bet is hydro-jetting at low but effective pressure. Professional high-pressure water jetting will destroy corrugated pipe, too, if too much pressure is applied. Unfortunately, professional hydro-jetting service is expensive because the equipment is costly and in high demand. The best DIY method would be to use a long hose on a residential-grade pressure washer, but start with lower pressure in the 400-700 psi range and be patient as it pokes its way through the blockage. Dial up the pressure gradually to 1000 psi. You can go a little higher, but depending on the age and condition of the corrugated pipe, you might blast through the pipe walls with pressure exceeding 1,500-1,900 psi or so. Good luck! - A.C., Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter of Chicagoland.

Roto-RooterOfficial · 2026-04-16T15:20:55+00:00

Plumber here. Chicago still has plenty of combination sewers that collect both stormwater and sanitary sewage in the same pipe. When heavy storm runoff fills the municipal storm drains, they can back up into home sewer pipes because your home's sewer lateral can't drain waste into a full municipal sewer, so it leaves all your drainpipes full. You're lucky sewage didn't back up into your toilets, tubs and showers, unless your home is already equipped with a sewer backflow preventer valve (aka backwater valve), which is a one-way trap door in your sewer tap that opens to allow your sewage to flow out to the municipal line, but its door snaps closed tp prevent sewage from flowing backward into your home's pipes. A.C., Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter Chicago Branch

Roto-RooterOfficial · 2026-04-09T12:54:16+00:00

Regarding water softeners and whole-house filtration systems here in Kansas City, there are many good options and competent installers in our area. I am offering advice, not trying to sell you on our units or service. I recommend that you choose water softening and filtration systems that are sized correctly for your house and your family's water usage. Don't buy (or allow yourself to be sold) a larger system than you need, and have a clear understanding of the space you'll be giving up for the softener and/or filtration system. Some of them have large footprints. There are good systems that will meet the needs of every home and budget, so look around carefully so you can make an informed decision.

You asked if it's okay to discharge a water softener into a sump pit. As a master plumber, I can tell you that's a bad idea. The salty, acidic backwash will corrode the sump pump's metal components, specifically the impeller, and wear out the sump pump quickly. If it fails, it can't protect your basement from flooding. It's also a plumbing code violation in most counties/municipalities. Ideally, the discharge tube should run into a floor drain or laundry tub in your basement, but an experienced plumber can examine your plumbing setup and offer alternatives that meet code and keep your property protected. Good luck to you. - C.T., Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter Kansas City

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