sewer line clogg?

Question

is there any way that we can tell if its just a reaccuring clog or if its due to the pipe being broken from tree roots, we have had to have plumber come out 6 times in a yr and each time they are only getting toliet paper out. We are currently working with a new plumber from our church who advised us that he thinks we have what he calls a shakey elbow and he is gonna help us replace in spring for only 1/3 of the price because we are gonna do the manual labor part.

Answer 1

Most plumbers use a snake that goes into the clean-out. They can tell when they hit the blockage. When they hit the blockage they stop. They then use a device like a metal detector to trace the path of the snake. If there no roots in this area they know where the problem is located. If the snake coils at this location they know where to dig. This usually means that that the line is broken or there is a major clog at this point. Tampons are sometime the cause of this blockage.
They become packed at a bend or turn in the pipe.it is almost impossible to clear.

Answer 2

Call A plumber and ask if they can run a video camera down the line. Its pretty neat they can see whats going on in the pipe and tell you right where its at.
I had it done a few years ago and saved alot of time an money. We found a portion of the line had broke and the set up told me right where to dig and such.

Answer 3

There was a company I used in Vegas that had a camera, they charged $135.00 at the time to run the camera down the line, they would even give you a picture of the problem. There has to be someone like that around you, call "Rooter-Router" and see what they say, they used to do it also.

I have never head of a "shakey" elbow, I think someones pulling your leg.