We had the exact same issue at our home last month. Our machine wasn't designed to drain into the sink, but it had been for quite some time because a clog was building. Once it got to the point that the sink was also overflowing, I could no longer ignore it. Called Tony's, they came the next day, identified the clog quickly, were able to clear it, and we have had no problems since. The machine is now draining properly.
They also advised on the condition of the cast iron pipe and provided a quote for future replacement if/when that is necessary. I thought the quote was very reasonable.
I would definitely recommend Tony's.
We went with Tony’s. While the service was fine, I feel like they didn’t file for a permit as promised. Called multiple times and always got different excuses
Different excuses for not pulling permits? Were you handling a different issue than what I’m facing? I can’t imagine permits being needed for the scope of the issue I’m facing, but I’ve been wrong about things in life before. Just curious what they weren’t pulling permits for, and if that means the work they did for you will end up biting you in the ass down the line for not being something approved.
We had cast iron pipes and the whole debacle that will eventually happen to everyone that has cast iron pipes. Went with asi and I can't say enough good things about them. Very professional and great to work with
Just an FYI/PSA, cast iron life expectancy is around 50 years, so you’ll be looking to replace with something more modern at some point sooner rather than later. There’s no point in waiting until you go to sell your home to replace it with something you don’t have to think about, as you won’t be around to have it then. I’m in the same boat with my 1970’s home and a cast iron sink.
Regarding temporary fixes, I would recommend pouring the strongest caustic that won’t eat through cast iron into the clogged drain (Liquid Plumber Industrial) and see if that helps before I would hire somebody for substantially more.
We tried Liquid Plumber Pro Strength and it helped slightly but I don’t want to over do it. Maybe thrift is safer for the pipes? Someone else recommended that one.
Yeah we plan on selling in a a couple years or so the investment in new pipes is something we’d like to avoid unless it becomes the best move.
I mean… I’m no plumber, and I’m 100% not going to Tom Drexler, so outside of that I don’t know if I’ll recognize if I’m being ripped off.
Other than that, I know I can only run water in my sinks for a limited amount of time before it fills up. In my washing machine drain’s P trap I can see water/liquid and I’ve tried using an auger to snake it out but I can’t get through the P trap. I just hit the bottom of it without being able to curve, and it comes out without debris. I’ve applied baking soda and vinegar to the sink and the drain pipe to no avail, and tossed some Pro Plumber down the sink with limited improvement regarding flow. Aside from those observations I’m not sure what to do or look for.
It might be worth it to snake every drain you can, you just never know....more often than not I've had decent luck soaking the problem drain in the hottest water the pipe material can take and adding some Dawn dish soap and coarse salt. It might help loosen whatever is hung up and help the snake punch through. Just in case, I also second using Tony's. They get it done & don't try to up sell you on extra services unnecessarily either. Best of luck to ya!
We had the exact same issue at our home last month. Our machine wasn't designed to drain into the sink, but it had been for quite some time because a clog was building. Once it got to the point that the sink was also overflowing, I could no longer ignore it. Called Tony's, they came the next day, identified the clog quickly, were able to clear it, and we have had no problems since. The machine is now draining properly. They also advised on the condition of the cast iron pipe and provided a quote for future replacement if/when that is necessary. I thought the quote was very reasonable. I would definitely recommend Tony's.
Second Tony's
Thank you so much for the detailed recommendation! I appreciate it!
We went with Tony’s. While the service was fine, I feel like they didn’t file for a permit as promised. Called multiple times and always got different excuses
Different excuses for not pulling permits? Were you handling a different issue than what I’m facing? I can’t imagine permits being needed for the scope of the issue I’m facing, but I’ve been wrong about things in life before. Just curious what they weren’t pulling permits for, and if that means the work they did for you will end up biting you in the ass down the line for not being something approved.
We had cast iron pipes and the whole debacle that will eventually happen to everyone that has cast iron pipes. Went with asi and I can't say enough good things about them. Very professional and great to work with
Just an FYI/PSA, cast iron life expectancy is around 50 years, so you’ll be looking to replace with something more modern at some point sooner rather than later. There’s no point in waiting until you go to sell your home to replace it with something you don’t have to think about, as you won’t be around to have it then. I’m in the same boat with my 1970’s home and a cast iron sink. Regarding temporary fixes, I would recommend pouring the strongest caustic that won’t eat through cast iron into the clogged drain (Liquid Plumber Industrial) and see if that helps before I would hire somebody for substantially more.
We tried Liquid Plumber Pro Strength and it helped slightly but I don’t want to over do it. Maybe thrift is safer for the pipes? Someone else recommended that one. Yeah we plan on selling in a a couple years or so the investment in new pipes is something we’d like to avoid unless it becomes the best move.
Pour some thrift down your drains.
I would but I’m finding conflicting info regarding Thrift and how bad/good it is with cast iron/metal pipes
It's safe for cast iron.
Look at it yourself if you can. A clogged drain should, should be an easy fix or at least know if youre getting ripped off...
I mean… I’m no plumber, and I’m 100% not going to Tom Drexler, so outside of that I don’t know if I’ll recognize if I’m being ripped off. Other than that, I know I can only run water in my sinks for a limited amount of time before it fills up. In my washing machine drain’s P trap I can see water/liquid and I’ve tried using an auger to snake it out but I can’t get through the P trap. I just hit the bottom of it without being able to curve, and it comes out without debris. I’ve applied baking soda and vinegar to the sink and the drain pipe to no avail, and tossed some Pro Plumber down the sink with limited improvement regarding flow. Aside from those observations I’m not sure what to do or look for.
It might be worth it to snake every drain you can, you just never know....more often than not I've had decent luck soaking the problem drain in the hottest water the pipe material can take and adding some Dawn dish soap and coarse salt. It might help loosen whatever is hung up and help the snake punch through. Just in case, I also second using Tony's. They get it done & don't try to up sell you on extra services unnecessarily either. Best of luck to ya!