Problem is a 40 year old house in Southern California, mainline sewer gets roots into it in only 2 sections of the clay pipe. Needs snaking every 6 months to maintain patency. Flapper valve into the house has been missing since I bought the house. Repairing the sections right now is out of the question because of finances, the bids where exorbitant!
Question: Can I, as a non contractor buy and replace the flapper valve (check valve) myself? What is involved? I know I have to dig. My house line is cast iron, the rest of the mainline is clay out to the city sewer line. Where would I buy such a check valve? Anywhere online you can suggest? The plumber wants $1200 just to replace the valve and install cleanouts, I do the digging!
Question: Does anyone know if the Harbor Freight sewer camera is a decent picture? I've seen the Rigid brand camera the plumbers use. One guy says they cost $10,000. Has anyone bought and used the HF camera? The Rigid camera was not impressive in picture at all. For my purposes, there would be no need for the other frills that come with the Rigid, I only need to see what goes on in my sewer. Anyone out there have any experience with HF camera?
Thanks in advance for your inputs. Any advise on the check valve is very much encouraged. Repair on the rooted areas of the clay, well, I just would have to save up for that. It will be a while. Thanks again.