I need some advice about a plumbing issue that's turned into a headache for us. We own a home built in the 1960s and recently, a small toy blocked the tub drain, so we called a plumber to help clear the clog. The plumbing appears to be original copper, which is important to note. A subcontractor came out to snake the drain, but after their visit, we discovered water leaking into our downstairs bathroom. At first, they said they wouldn't charge us the $275 for the clog, but now they're wanting us to pay around $1,000 to cut into the ceiling and replace the old drum trap, which is likely what the toy is stuck in, and this doesn't even include fixing the ceiling afterward. They mentioned that a snake wouldn't have worked on a drum trap, so we're confused why they didn't investigate with a camera first. We feel like their approach was negligent and we're now stuck with a big repair bill. We're wondering if we should be responsible for this or if the plumber's methods led to unnecessary damage.
1 Answer
It sounds like you’re in a tough spot! In hindsight, if the plumber knew there was a drum trap, they might have approached the situation differently. It’s possible that the snake could’ve caused damage to the trap. I suggest you consider cutting into the ceiling yourself to investigate what’s going on. You can take photos and get some advice from home improvement stores like Lowes or Home Depot. They often have knowledgeable staff who can provide insight. Replacing the trap may not be as daunting as it seems if you feel comfortable with DIY projects!
Thanks for the tips! If it had been a P-trap, would the snake still have been the right tool to use?