Like most household challenges, drains seem to cause trouble when you least expect it. Although any time is a bad time for a drain to backup or clog, having something like this happen after hours is especially stressful. Relax - you have McElroy’s! We have trucks available after hours that are fully equipped with the equipment our professionals need to get your drains working properly so your life can return to normal quickly!

Drain System Replacement

Drain system replacement is the most aggressive form of resolving problems that lie within. There are several conditions that can - and often do - affect the time required for drain system replacement and the costs.

McElroy’s professionals will research these potential problems prior to beginning a drain system replacement:

•Flowers / Bushes / Trees

These are things that are most often thought about after they are mangled by the backhoe. The outriggers on the backhoe and relocating dirt are essential for digging; that means that plants or flowers are in danger if not relocated prior to digging.

•Underground Utilities / Sprinkler Systems

Underground utilities have always been a problem. When the estimate is being made there normally has not been any utility locations specified. We become responsible for damage incurred within 3 feet of any marked facility. This results in time consuming hand digging and / or very careful back hoe excavation. Utilities buried may not even be related to your residence. For example, fiber optic serving a building 6 blocks away may travel through your yard. There is no way to accurately assume how long these delays will take. Lawn sprinkler systems and any repairs needed are not included unless otherwise specified. It is common t have some needed sprinkler repairs after drain system replacement work is completed; this is not included unless otherwise specified.

•Difficult Access

Difficult access is generally covered in the beginning, however if the drain system goes in a different direction new obstacles can now become a problem causing the project to take longer than expected.

•Cracked or Broken Wye on the Drain System Main

The City will fix this problem without charging you for their time and material; however, they do not cover the excavation of the problem or the downtime we encounter when this kind of problem is discovered. In addition, they are not always standing on the corner ready to respond immediately to make the repair. Any time spent waiting for the City will be added to your billing.

•Problems with the Pipe Coming from Your Home

Sometimes it is necessary to replace more than just the drain system pipe. As homes change hands and additions are added, owners lose track of records that might indicate an addition being built over a drain system than needed to be replaced.

•Bad Soil

We do not assume in the beginning that we will encounter a great deal of rock or trash in the dirt from your excavation. However, we cannot backfill with a lot of rock or roots that may damage the new sewer. Additional time and cost may be necessary for hauling away debris or bringing in additional clean backfill if needed.

•Drain System Running in a Different Direction that Originally Assumed

This is not usually a problem since the City’s records are fairly accurate, however sometimes obstacles are found or the drain system goes in a different direction than originally thought. This often occurs due to changes made during the construction of your home and an oversight of notifying the City of those changes.

•Local Policies and Ordinances within
Departments which Govern the Drain System

•Cracked or Broken City Drain System Main

Please understand that we are not responsible for things that were done before. The City’s policies and underground utilities become your financial responsibility as a home owner. We can overcome any obstacle, however it is important for you to be aware of McElroy’s policy on the unforeseen obstacles and costs sometimes associated with drain system repair or replacement.

McElroy’s drain system replacement estimate will include the following:

• Backhoe / Operator

• 1-2 Plumbers

• New Materials

• Dump Truck and Hauling

• Gravel

A typical drain system replacement job normally takes one to two days. It is our goal to restore your drain system as quickly and inexpensively as possible. It is important to note that McElroy’s cannot be responsible for work that was done on your drain system by other service providers.

In addition, city ordinances and underground utilities may cause time delays or unexpected work which can effect the original estimate. We Encourage you to be prepared for such additions, although they do not always occur. Due to the difficulty of estimating a drain system replacement without knowing what lies beneath the ground or what potential challenges we may encounter, all drain system work is done on a time and material basis and will be billed accordingly.

Remember that compaction of the soil, grading and seeding are cosmetic items that are not normally included in your estimate. Although we can include these items for an additional charge, we recommend hiring a landscaping or lawn service to make these repairs when the drain system replacement is completed. It will be more cost effective for you than to pay plumbers their hourly rate for yard work. If you desire to have a finished yard without hiring lawn care professionals, this must be specified prior to the estimate being given.