We're looking for a plumber, but before you recommend one please read the rest of this. :)
We have a substantial leak in our drain/sewer line, as well as a frequent clog that has reoccurred more times than I can count. I've had about 6 different plumbers out to snake the kitchen drain line and assess the sewage leak over the years, and not a single one has been able to tell me definitively what the problem is, or where the leak is coming from. Our house was built in '63 and has old cast iron pipes which are likely crumbling. We also suspect some tree root encroachment, but can't be sure. All the plumbers that have been out have basically shrugged their shoulders and suggested we just start replacing pipes. And, while we're pretty sure we're looking at replacing some, if not all of our drain pipes eventually, since there are multiple places the problem could be coming from, and our drain lines run down a hill and WAY out across a field (spanning across nearly the entire 2+ acre lot) to the sewer mains, I want to be absolutely sure where the problem is and what is really necessary to solve it (both now, and with regard to future problems that may develop).
The only way I know to be sure where the problem(s) is(are) would be to do a video snake inspection.
So... I'm looking for a plumbing superhero. We've had both extremes of the spectrum and have yet to find a true professional who knows what he/she is doing, and charges fairly for the work. The big companies like Hiller and ARS, with their "book o' prices" and flat rates (regardless of actual labor time) have WAY overcharged us for the work they've done in the past. And the little guys we've hired have either been incompetent or haven't had the tools/resources to properly diagnose and repair the problem. Is there a happy medium out there? I need someone who is licensed/insured/etc., really knows what they're doing, and charges based on the actual labor required/estimated (not the flat-rate lottery game). I'm hoping maybe someone in the district who has some experience with local pros might have a recommendation. Any ideas?