Drain cleaning from roof. How many of you don't.

[JeffH]

Hey folks, I'm new to the forum.

I'll go up on single story flat roofs (when forced) with the disclaimer that roof access in not a standard or proper cleaning access point. I know personally of a few pro's that won't go up on roof's at all, and of course some do it all the time.
Just wondering what the consensus is.

[tnoisaw]

I once had a stoppage on a kitchen sink that had a black iron non-directional tee in it. Yes, very unusual. I could not get around the tee so had no choice but to go down from the roof, which did the trick. If it is safe for me I will do what ever it takes to get the job done.

The extra work paid off for me on this one because a previous plumber who worked for us did not clear it and the home owner was livid. She threating to never use us again. When I left I got a customer for life and a twenty dollar tip.

[ToUtahNow]

Our policy was we only went on the roof for a main line stoppage and only once. If they did not have a main CO installed in the yard afterwards they were free to call someone else the next time.

Mark

[PLUMBER RICK]

a 1 story roof only. i have a few tricks for roof jobs. i even have a sectional k-60 that will run 7/8'' cable and this is easy to carry up the ladder. if the roof is too steep:eek: i'll pass:D

usually i will pull a toilet on a main line, and do a back to back if needed from the roof. i would say that less than 5% is a roof job:D. i do charge a $25. surcharge for the roof. this covers all the extra special equipment and clean underwear:eek:

rick.

[Norcal1]

I will go up on a 1 story roof, but at 42 years old, I don't know how much longer I will do this...not worth the risk, and my physicality isn't getting any better with age.

I also charge a surcharge to go up on a roof.

[freddy]

I'll go up on the roof If that is the best way to get the drain unstopped. If its the main sewer drain, I clear drain with k60 machine. and locate for future clean out. But 50 % are on the roof. :)

[ToUtahNow]

I'll go up on the roof If that is the best way to get the drain unstopped. If its the main sewer drain, I clear drain with k60 machine. and locate for future clean out. But 50 % are on the roof. :)

It sounds like the K60 is the preferred roof-top machine as I use one as well.

Mark

[plumber]

It was always my policy to avoid roof top work with sewer machines when ever possible. Its just to easy for something to happen and get hurt. If there is a situation where someone has to take a heavy piece of equipment onto the roof and work then for saftey reasons that has just become a two man job.

All it takes is one slip because one did not have the third hand available and a simple job just became a life long nightmare. Some guys are lucky and go a long long time taking chances and others lose a limb or worse in a split second at an early age. Its not worth it just so someone you may never see again can flush his fecal matter away.

[rafterq]

Hi folks, I'm new here but will add to the discussion. I worked from roofs to clear main lines when I worked for a NoCal sewer contractor. I found it easy to run my Gorlitz from up on the roof using a foot switch, and pull cable over ladder rung. I also fell off 3 roofs in 3 years and one was 2-story, steep pitch with sun-baked wood shakes. I know...not too smart. This guy had plush white carpet even in the bathroom, so I didn't want to fool with pulling the toilet. He watched me slide off the roof along with my ladder...he was old and I remember thinking he was having a heart attack, because as I was falling he was freaking out. By the Lord's grace, I landed on my feet and kind of bounded and rolled. No injury at all. I was lucky. LOL..I easily sold him a cleanout install because of that episode. Tuffest sale I ever made!. :rolleyes: