This weekend was spent playing drain pipe. The torrential rains on Thursday overwhelmed our drain system, flooded the garage, and flooded the basement. Friday I dug up some pipe and found a clog - mass of roots the size of my forearm. Pulled out the clog and expected the water to disappear down the pipe - no such luck! Time for the pros...
The pro came Sat and took a look at things - seemed impressed that I knew what pipes ran where, and that I'd already dug up some. Gave me a quote and promised a Sunday (don't you take your family to church?) return. He returned Sunday at 9:30 (after we did church) and went to work. Sent the blaster down the pipe, and finally got it through - several hang-ups. Then he sent the camera down the pipe, and hit obstructions. Camera showed roots - gee, no surprise. Dig and remove old Orangeburg - repeat camera and dig. Finally removed three additional clogs, and the rest of the pipe showed clear.
Replaced all with Sch40 PVC (glued joints), and added two new cleanout risers.
It's been 10 years since I played with these pipes, so I figure I'm good for another 10 as a minimum. Some of those clogs he pulled out have been growing for 40+ years! And he refilled the trench, etc - fine job. Left a pile of dirt to rake back in when things settle. Total cost