1950s cast iron sewer line clogged

[DIYer Peg]

Hello and thanks in advance for your help,
While fairly handy with DIY projects, I need advice regarding our main sewer line (basement/interior/overhead). 4" pvc segment is clogged big time (tree and shrub roots near exterior seems to have started the ball rolling). Old cast iron cleanout and toilet lines with PVC segemnts installed along the way. Washing machine sump pump has taken over as main sewer line as all water and waste seeks a way out to the main city sewer. Is it possible to DIY this problem or is a plumbing professional my only option? If pro, any advice for Louisville, KY area?

 

[Reach4]

You have cleanouts outdoors. Do you see standing water at the bottom of the cleanout closest to the house?

 

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[FullySprinklered]

I made a conscious decision to not go the root-route with my business. The reason for this is that the job can get labor intensive in a hurry. In addition, it may be necessary to bring in digging equipment to reveal and repair the broken pipe that's letting the roots in. It sort of stops being a plumbing job and starts being a digging job to my notion. I'll leave it to others.

That being said, if you have more muscle than money, go for it. I would contact a local septic tank outfit and see what they can do for you if all you need is the digging part done. Sticking the new pipes together is not a NASA project.

 

[Cacher_Chick]

Much depends on how much you can do correctly. Roots enter pipes where there is a bad joint or broken pipe. If you were luckly, you might only need to dig up and replace one section. If the pipe is deep or in really bad shape for a long length, it usually requires digging with a backhoe or mini excavator to get the job done in a timely manner.