We were one of many Toronto homes that had our basement entirely flooded out during the “Rain Storm of the Century” back in July. To help prevent another city backup I decided to get a backflow valve installed. I did my usual thing and called the top five contractors on Homestars, got quotes while letting them know I was getting others and then make a selection. I have to say two of the highest rated, established, large franchise companies really appeared to be price gouging to take advantage of all the panic of the current situation and another two didn’t even want to bother scoping my drain to see the current state, they just wanted me to commit to installing the valve.
I was still undecided on whom to go with when I noticed The Drain Man had been working on both the house across from me and next to me. I talked with Bill (Owner of The Drainman) who was supervising one of the projects. Just from looking over at my house he advised I was likely partially if not completely blocked up because I still had a main trap buried in my front yard (he could see the breather vent cap in my lawn) and large debris from the city was likely stuck in it. He grabbed his scope, checked the drain and sure enough I was backed up and on the verge flooding myself out. He went back to his truck, grabbed a really long plunging device, fed it down the breather in the front yard and plunged away for a moment. All of a sudden there was a loud BLUNK sound and you could hear water glugging away for the next minute. None of the other 5 plumbing companies even mentioned my trap could be plugged, not only did Bill catch this right away but he scoped and plunged it without even bringing up a fee, nor was one ever charged. I was sold. Not only did Bill/The Drain Man know what they were doing but unlike the feeling I got from the others they also weren’t in it just for a quick cash grab. I committed to having The Drain Man not only install a backflow valve but also remove the city trap since it was likely currently blocked up with large immovable debris pushed in from the city and even if it wasn’t it was a good idea to get it out of there.
Anthony and Jason did the bulk of the work installing both the backflow valve and removing the old trap and replacing it with a double clean out. Just as Bill had predicted, the trap was 75% blocked up with large rocks and stick which had zero chance of being flushed out. Both John and Bill supervised the work and gave extra attention to the installation of the backflow valve and double clean outs. They also arranged for the city to inspect the installation of the backflow valve to help ensure I could get the city rebate for it. During the whole process every one of The Drain Man team was polite, friendly and respectful of our property. The work was completed within the estimated time frame and both areas were thoroughly cleaned up upon completion of the work. Bill and John also helped me fill out the backflow rebate form and I’m glad to report I received it about 6 to 8 weeks after mailing it out. Bill also popped by twice since the work was completed just to ensure I was happy with the service and if I had any questions about the maintenance of the backflow valve.
From start to finish I was extremely happy with the honesty, efficiency and quality of service I received from The Drain Man. Not only was I impressed but so were my neighbors as the two houses north of me and three houses south of me also went with The Drain Man ] and everyone was also very satisfied. They may not be one of the big names on Home Stars but they’ve been around for over 35 years and that experience was very apparent in the work they’ve done for me. I strongly suggest anyone with drain issues does themselves a favor and at least has The Drain Man provide an assessment and estimate.
