Ask the Plumbing Expert

Holeshot Plumbing is a full service plumbing contractor in Ammon, Idaho, specializing in service, remodels, commercial and residential plumbing.

[stan]

Our building, built in the 1950's and never upgraded, has had very low water pressure for the past five years. That includes a kitchen sing, both restroom sinks and both restroom toilets. Outside the building there is a line coming out of the ground and into the building. It has a spicket connected to it. It too, has very low pressure.

Here is a link (pictures) to the line coming into the building, with the spicket attached to it:

http://picasaweb.google.com/stanshelton/Keyst...

The plumbing looks to be all lead piping going in. I will be checking the valve at the meter to make sure the valve is all the way open. The building has been used on and off with periods of two to three years of non-usage.

How so I go about finding the blockage? How will I determine where to start replacing pipe, if needed?

[Paul]

We own a home in southern California. A single level, slab foundation built in 1960. We've had consistent problems with the laundry/kitchen sink line backing up. After several snakes and hydrojets over the years it has been determined that the pipe may be broken or collapsed somewhere toward the center of the house. The last snaking revealed dirt/mud in the pipe. We have been advised to have a camera sent in to locate the problem at the tune of $300. If it's found to be a broken pipe inside the foundation we have been told that they will have to jackhammer through the slab in order to repair the pipe This will cost upwards of $2,000. Is there any alternative to this destructive approach? The cost will be staggering and much structural damage may result. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.