Cost of a camera inspection and plumbing repair: Is this a fair estimate?

2witt4u

New member
A week ago I had my septic tank pumped and for about 5 days the problem w/ the draining was solved. Five days later the toilet started backing up in one bathroom, slow in another, and gurgling in the third bathroom. This time I called the plumber which was supposed to cost $55 to clear the lines. The plumber comes out to the home, runs the water for about 10 minutes in the one bathroom then says I can clean out for you and you will just pay $55 up to 80ft. He said it looked around 100ft from the cleanout. He later said I can get more info as to the cause if we could inspect it w/ a camera, $150.00. I was sold thinking it would help knowing what was causing the back up. 15 minutes later, the plumber comes in and says I had a collapsed pipe in the main line and would cost $400 for up to 2ft of pipe replacement and that I would have to cut into the flooring in the next room close to where the failed pipe was located to save money. I asked how much more would it be if the pipe replacement was longer than 2ft, he stated unless he sees the area he couldn't give me an estimate. I said I would call around to get another quote and asked if he had a tape or picture of the collapsed pipe. Plumber said he can get me a tape for another $150? I said never mind and told him I thought it would be included w/ his inspection charge of $150, because my property inspection and pest inspection gave me a picture of areas needing to be fixed or further examined by a professional which was included in their inspection charge and couldn't understand why he couldn't provide either a tape or pix w/out additional charge? Is this a normal practice and/or charge?
 
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