Regret Calling for Emergency Unclog
I called Anta to perform a emergency excavation outside a coach house to find source of main drain clog. They responded quickly and were onsight in an hour.
They dug a 3 foot hole, cracked open the clay/cast iron pip a few inches from where is exits the coachhouse. After trying for 45 mins to uncling using a snake they decided that the pip was collapsed and recommended running a new main line for $10,000, on top of the $1,800 for work completed so far (3 foot hole in interlocking driveway, hole in main pipe, and no solution). Also, the hole they made in the pipe is in a difficult location in fix.
I called in another company for a quote, and they decided to try to clear first. They were successful after flushing the system and cutting through some thick roots. They also discovered that running a new line wouldn't work since other systems in the house were connected to the drain that was assumed collapsed. Cost to fix with second company, $1500.
pros: Anta was quick to respond to call
cons: Quick to give up & quick to want to upsell more expensive solution.
- Approximate cost of services:
- $1,800.00
- What could this company do to improve their services?
- Any advice to offer fellow homeowners facing a similar project?
- Company Response
Thank you for your review,
It was quite a challenge to assist you in your unique situation at the tenant’s house. Due to a lack of access to the drain system, our technicians did everything to avoid damage to the property you’re renting out. We accepted full responsibility of your plumbing using our and knowledge and help you as much we could. It takes a lot of experience to find an underground pipe outside with no information available of where the pipe can be. Without this experience, we would have simply wasted time. We did everything to making the blockage release possible. As you mentioned, they spent an hour just trying to do that. Oftentimes, all it takes to release solid blockage is to come back the next day and try again, simply because the roots were previously disturbed.
Mind you, roots located in the drain are not a one-time snake solution. The pipe must be removed and replaced entirely to avoid any future problems. To have it done properly, we have to give you an accurate quote to allow you to think about it. You mentioned that another company snaked your line for $1,500. Just be warned that they will grow back. Our main objective was not only to give you a short term solution, but also increase the value of your house and give you peace of mind. Snaking is not the solution.
The quote to replace the pipe and build a new drain system included the price of $1,800, this would have also been considered an investment toward any bigger projects that you accepted to start. Another company just made $1,500, but the problem will still come back eventually. It is important for us to understand that you as a client misunderstood our intentions. For us, it is important for our customers to keep their property value at its height.
If you decide for a more permanent solution to your current problem we would be more than happy to advise you on the most appropriate next steps.
Thank you, AnTa Team with care!