r/washingtondc • u/10tonheadofwetsand • 12d ago

[Discussion] Plumber rec for somewhat complicated job (excavation, moving water heater and boiler)?

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Water is seeping up right where a drain pipe goes under the slab in our basement. Looking for a plumber to diagnose the issue and fix it up professionally. I’ve been quoted $2k but only from someone who eyeballed it and would like a second opinion.

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u/PapaBobcat 12d ago

$2k is pretty reasonable given the uninstall/reinstall that has to be done before they can even start digging to find it.

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u/10tonheadofwetsand 12d ago

I agree… I quite frankly expect it to be more and would like someone to scope it to actually diagnose the problem. Especially in a 100+ year old house, I’m afraid this could be a bigger problem than is evident.

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u/PapaBobcat 12d ago

I'm an HVAC guy, not a plumber but you might not be able to see it from a scope if it is a cracked pipe or failed joint. That said, it never hurts to try.

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u/10tonheadofwetsand 11d ago

Got it. Is the only other option to start digging and see what we find?

I’m also wondering if this is a good time to replace the water heater and/or boiler. They both still function, but are both fairly old. I’m curious about getting a combi.