Well, here's my story.
While visiting my daughter, I fixed the bathroom sink (simple hair clog, all bathroom drains work fine). At the same time I replaced all of the plumbing under the kitchen sink and installed a new garbage disposal. I tried to snake the kitchen sink but only had a small snake. I bought a 25' snake and that didn't work either. At this point I needed to head home so I called Mr. Pipey and relayed ALL of this information to him and we agreed that a 100' motorized snake would be needed to fix this problem. I told him about the clean out in the basement and he may have to use that to clear the drain. When his service tech arrived, he didn't bring the motorized 100' snake, only the same equipment I had already used. They left and came back the next day, and would bring the motorized snake, they didn't (see picture). They then told my daughter they had to cut out the vertical drain above the clean out! But they didn't know how to collect the water that it was currently in the drain, it would make a mess when they opened the clean out cap. They left again. I paid them $180 for something I already knew, the drain was clogged. (that is why I called the "professionals") I was home, out of state, while all this was happening. They didn't have a solution so I drove back to Michigan, I bought a tarp and a tray from Menards's before heading back. I put down cardboard boxes, the tarp on top, duct taped the tarp to the walls and clean out pipe. I had towels all around the tarp as well. I opened the clean out and dirty water came out into a tray. At that time I thought well, maybe Mr. Pipey can use the motorized snake now? I called and he did send someone right away. Unfortunately, the snake he was using did NOT have a bit on the end, just the stub you attach a bit to. The tech said it's a "hard" blockage. I asked him to attach a bit to cut through and he told me he's been doing this for 15 years and his way has always worked. He only attemped this two times and then tried to tell us we needed to dig up the basement floor and replace a section of underground pipe!! Wait, what?! The then tried another snake that had a bit, again telling me it won't work. I told hime to leave and I'm not paying him. I rented a snake from Home Depot the next day for $70 and I fixed the problem myself, and yes, the snake had a bit on the end. I feel as if Mr. Pipey's crew try's to up sell a service rather than take the time to fix what is wrong. The problem was, as Mike and I already knew, the previous home owner poured grease down the drain after cooking. The drain was blocked by sludge. After I cleared the drain I poured boiling water down the drain to make sure the sludge was removed. It runs perfectly WITHOUT digging up the basement floor, just a little effort and the right equipment. I also have to mention, our tech did not pay much attention to keeping his mess contained. As I mentioned what I put down to protect the floor he still managed to get black boot marks on the carpet. When he left the house, upset because of my comments, he deliberately dragged the motorized snake up the stairs so fast banging the wheels on every step. Thankfully our steps are painted wood and the dents and chips he left in them can be easily painted over. Beware if you have a finished basement.
I think the company may be just starting out and doesn't have all the right equipment yet, not sure. The positive is, they can get to your place pretty quickly. Good luck to them. read more