Sewers

Blocked sewer line from house to street. How do I get it unbloced?

Now I hear from Roto Rooter that they have cleared the line right excatly to the main sewer and by law they cannot clean an inch further. Still my line from house is blocked. Where do I turn next as the city says the main line is open and its a "valve" at the exact connect point that is the culpret here and its not their responsibility. Its been two weeks and I need to use my toilets and showers.

Public Comments

1. Strange situation. Any valve (water supply or sewer) that is connected at the main line is normally "City property". This is probably why the sewer cleaner refused to go any further as he would be responsible for any damage. You may end up going up the Chain of Command to the Mayor to get this situation solved. If they tell you that the valve is yours, get it in writing and have it augered out.
2. I think "sensible" gives sensible advice. I work for a bureaucracy (school board) and I know the squeaky wheel gets the grease - if you are not getting satisfaction from the bureaucrat you are talking to, go over his or her head. Sooner or later you'll get action.
3. You'd better get a telephone book and search for a plumber.
4. Easy, go to any tool rental place. Home Depot, Lowes, Sunstate, Ross, Etc. Rent a plumbing snake. Find the clean-out that runs from the house to the street. Normally it's a pipe this is about 4" and it barely sticks out of the ground with a threaded cap on top. open it, push the snake down the 4" pipe, and what ever is in should break loose. If it still wont clear get a company to send a scope down to see your pipe is clear to the main. Call your local news station, here we have 3 on your side. they investigate for you, cause they want a good story.
5. Ah politics- First speak to the supervisor of the water/sewer department. If no action there, speak to city hall. If that doesn't work, contact your state Representative. I've had a similar issue and the state rep. had it cleared up in a few days, after weeks of passing the buck with subordinates. Don't forget to say thanks in a letter to the editor in your local paper, when it's resolved.
6. As far as my mothers UK household deeds are concerned, the drains from house to main sewer are the householders responsibility. Try hiring a extendable sewer snake from HSS HireShops.
7. Someone is giving you the gears. There is no 'valve' in a sanitary sewer. I would doubt that the main sewer is blocked since everyone on the street would have the same problem. It sounds like Roto Rooter didn't do what they were supposed to.