We had sewage backing up into our basement, so we needed help quickly. Warrior was the first…read morecompany that said they could come out the same day.
The technician recommended hydrojetting, explaining that snaking the drain might only push the roots aside and create an opening, while hydrojetting should remove them more thoroughly. He also said the service included a 12 month warranty. The quoted cost was $1,000 for the hydrojetting, camera scope, and warranty. I explained that this was roughly twice what I had paid in the past, but because it had been two years since another company had serviced the line and because of the urgent situation, I agreed.
Since we do not have a cleanout in the yard, the technician said he needed to access the line through the roof vent. I still do not understand why the main stack in our basement was not used, as previous companies had accessed the line that way.
After coming down from the roof and scoping the drain, the technician called me to the basement to show me the issue. The video appeared to show a "root ball" blocking approximately 3/4 of the drainpipe. In the recording, the technician states, "We're unable to get it; the roots are still very green. I would suggest this spot get dug up and repaired."
We discussed St. Louis County's Sewer Lateral Repair Program, and he said applying through the County would be the best next step to determine whether the repair might be covered. He cautioned that excess toilet paper during family gatherings or from young children using more than needed could cause another backup quickly and urged me to address the issue soon. When I asked whether the 12 month warranty would still apply, his answer was unclear. (Check out the Reddit review from a previous employee on their "warranty")
After he left, I researched the County's program and found the two part application. One section for the homeowner and another for a master plumber. I sent my request to the owner, Shawn Clouse, on August 24. On August 30, I received this response: "I watched the video. St. Louis County requires the line to be broke, not just a small offset. You do not qualify for the program right now." I replied, "Your technician was the one to recommend it. Since the blockage couldn't be cleared by the hydrojet, he said this was the route to take. Please complete the certification so I can submit my request. If the County denies the claim, I will accept that decision, but I would at least like the opportunity to apply."
After receiving no response, I followed up on September 1. He replied, "I already told you my master plumber will not put his name on the paperwork if there is not a break in the line."
I researched the County's requirements further to determine whether the offset and root blockage that Warrior said it could not penetrate would qualify. Based on the information I found, I believed the issue was eligible, and I emailed the supporting information to him.
When I again received no response, I contacted St. Louis County Public Works. The representative told me that the issue I described would likely qualify and expressed concern that the company was refusing to complete the certification. The representative asked for the company's and owner's names, researched the matter, and called me back later that day.
During that return call, St. Louis County Public Works informed me that Shawn and Warrior Drain ARE NOT LICENSED AS A PLUMBER THROUGH ST LOUIS COUNTY and therefore could not complete the master plumber certification. I was also told that a certification signed without the required credentials would have been denied.
Instead of clearly explaining that limitation, he gaslighted me into thinking my problem was the issue, when it was him and his company's credentials the whole time.
I then had to hire a plumber licensed by St. Louis County to perform another camera scope and prepare the master plumber certification. During that inspection, no clog was found.
The second plumber questioned the method Warrior used and shared that other customers had reported similar concerns. He explained that Warrior may have cut through the roots, but hydrojetting from the roof might not have provided enough force to flush them to the main. He said that if his company had found a root ball remaining in the pipe, it would have accessed the line through the main stack in the basement and used a snake. In my view, Warrior left without confirming that the blockage had been fully cleared or attempting another method. As a result, I paid an additional $375 for another company to verify that the line was clear.
I asked Warrior to reimburse only the additional $375 I had to pay, but I have yet to receive a response.
Based on my experience, I cannot recommend Warrior Sewer and Drain. I encourage prospective customers to verify licensing, ask detailed questions about the proposed work and warranty, and consider obtaining a second opinion before proceeding.
