Clean Sewer Lines

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!
Read all the reviews. Heed the warnings. Don’t fall into the trap that they respond on Sunday and Holidays — like I did — and not do some background check before you call these guys.
Where do I start. Well, it was Sunday, and my normal plumber was busy. So I did a little internet thing, and came up with this company. I SHOULD HAVE TURN TO Unilocal FIRST!!!
But I had a morning meeting, and could not dedicate much time to it right then.
So I call the number on the internet ad, and I asked for a quote to snake the toilet in a condo; and the guy on the phone says $ 125. I am weary, but he assures me that they are a reputable company, and another guy will call me ASAP.
Within the hour a guy calls and tells me he «will be there some time today.» It’s 10:00am. I try to get the guy to give me a better estimate of time, since it’s a rental, and if I have to be there then I have to come across town and I have a meeting 11 – 12. The guy, Aaron, give me a hostile attitude, swears, and tells me he has to get there from Wahiawa, so he’ll «get there when he gets there.» I tell him, then just get the tenant to pay you, $ 125.00. Red flag # 2 — they didn’t take credit cards. (I guess I should be thankful.) They demanded cash.
The tenant gets the cash from the bank machine, and in their words, when Aaron arrives, «he looked shady,» and «he kept looking around the apartment.» A gentile retired couple, they later express their fear to me of being alone with him in the apartment, and how it seemed he was «checking the place out.» Aaron then tells them its $ 200.00 cause it’s Sunday. Since I told them $ 125.00 they refused to pay, and suggested he straighten things out with me. I had told Aaron, I had a meeting that morning, and would not be available for an hour or so. In that time, Aaron calls me over 10 times on my cell — which I couldn’t answer — leaving numerous inappropriate messages.
When I get out of the meeting, I call Aaron, and he is cussing and yelling about how I need to get out there «right now» and pay him $ 200.00. He says the guy who quoted $ 125.00 is wrong, and I need to pay him or he will go back up to the unit and «put the shit (he snaked from the toilet) back.» I lectured him on behaving in a professional manner, and that I would send him a check, just send me and invoice. But if he choose to continue with his threats, we could simply have it become a police matter. He calmed down and agreed to send an invoice.
THREE MONTHS LATER, I get a bill for $ 285.00.
Stay tuned, this one is destined to end up in Small Claims Court!

Went through Home Depot in Kauai and Troy Hypolite was the only person that responded to my request for service. Originally I was going to use him for another job but ended up not to because of a change in the scope of work which required an electrician.
Noticed my mother in laws’ shower faucet was still leaking from last year’s visit. Called him back and he was able to give me quote over the phone/​text. He ended up having to do some extra work to replace the entire shower fixtures but didn’t ask for more money. He even help me did a couple minor work on the bathroom sink and kitchen faucet. I gave him a little extra as he did great and deserve it.
Called him again 2 days later and he came out on Sunday to fix the toilet that was leaking from the base. Again, this toilet has been leaking and it was supposedly fixed when the new floor was installed last year. Again, he had to do extra work by adding a flange as the floor was uneven which allowed water slowly seeping through. He only added the part to the bill at cost. He also helped us put tar on our roof that had been ruined by a very old solar heater that we leaking. Very nice guy and his price was reasonable on both jobs he had done. Would highly recommend him.

Every time these people come over I have a bad experience. There is one worker in particular who is absolutely crooked– and even looks like a scammer. He told me I needed to have work done on a part of my kitchen that had nothing to do with the leak that was going on on the floor beneath me. He was trying to up his service charges and it was more than clear to me. I will never ever call them again.

Beware, they are not honest and workmanship is horrible. Our entire work has to be redone after 2yrs which coincidently our warranty has expired!!! They will bid low and submit change orders after change orders. Our project cost doubled by the time our project ended.

I would have given five stars, but I thought they were a bit pricey. In the end, it was worth it to get the main line to the house fixed in the middle of the night and be able to take a shower, brush my teeth, give the dog fresh water, and sleep well without worrying about the huge leak left by another «plumber» (another company). A landscaping company who is doing work at our home sent out a plumber in the late afternoon to replace a fifty year old shut-​off at the main water line to the house. After nearly five hours he informed us that he could not complete the job and was going home, leaving us with a leak he had created in the main line. Not just a small leak, mind you, but one that necessitated turning off all water to the house. Left high and dry (literally), I called Clean Sewer Lines who promptly sent out Tony. To me, he was an angel in disguise. He fixed the line in no time (in the dark — by that time it was about 11:00 p.m.) and checked to make sure all the water to the house was working. Tony was professional, personable, and obviously an accomplished plumber. I would definitely call Clean Sewer Lines again and ask for Tony. Thank you Tony!

Unilocal needs a minus star category for companies like Clean Sewer Lines. They worked on my building 2 years ago, caused a lot of flooding in many units. Two short years later another company is having to come in and do the same vertical cleaning because Clean Sewer Lines did such a shoddy job the first time. AOAOs beware of this company — they are not worth the price savings for their cheap bids.

Charged me $ 400 to fix the toilet. They should’ve just installed a new one for me! They didn’t even attempt to suggest other options. Any other reputable business would at least mentioned that option… oh well. Lesson learned. Never using these guys for service again.

These guys are not plumbers, I had this company come to my launanini valley townhouse complex for a underground leak. The guy they sent couldn’t read blueprints! Fool me once, never again!!!

Worst company in this state for that matter on this planet. Charged $ 700+$ to repair broken flange! Could have installed a BRAND NEW TOTO OR KOHLER toilet for much cheaper. BEWARE EVERYONE GO ELSEWHERE. YOU WERE WARNED!!!

We found water damage in one of the bedrooms Sunday (the last Sunday in 2013, 2 days before new year). We called Clean Sewer Lines and asked to have them call back as soon as possible. The following day (Monday 12/​30/​2013) they call back and arranged to have Tony come out. He arrived around mid morning and start working.
He took out the bedroom door, loosened and flipped over the carpet, scraped the padding off the underlay (it was glued), and start looking for the leak. He finally determined the water is coming in from the kitchen, pulled out the frig and even located the part that was leaking.
Within an hour, we were at ease knowing we didn’t have a problem with the slab and anything under the foundation. The whole thing turns out has nothing to do with plumbing but he help us found the problem.
While he was here, we also had him took a look at a leaky toilet tank (which he fixed in 2 minutes) and a kitchen faucet that was not easy to shut off. He worked on the faucet for a bit and determined he could not fix it because the handle screw had fused so we have to replace the whole unit.
My wife went to pick out a new faucet and he went to another series of jobs. Once we have the new unit, we contacted him and he said he’ll come by after his jobs. He ended up coming back around 5pm and get our new faucet installed.
His was honest with us and his work was good. We got billed for 2.5 hours with was more than fair (he probably spent 3.5 hours with us, not counting the back and forth). While he was here, he also helped the Hawaii DKI guys with the water extraction too.
I see all the negative reviews here but our experience was the exact opposite. We will definitely use them again.

I had a early Saturday morning shower handle emergency. Called around to several places, yet no one called back or they wanted an arm and a leg to come out and do the work. But I called Clean Sewer somewhat apprehensive due to the previous comments. However, they sent out a technician super fast, and he was incredibly kind, knowledgeable and fair. Calvin is the bomb! Ask for him when you call. He did a fantastic job! Will keep his card on the fridge.

Our sewer line was backed up, with water in the shower and toilets overflowing when we woke up yesterday. I called about six companies to fix it right away. Only two were available and we told them both to come as soon as possible. The first one that got here was called Clean Sewer Lines, so I canceled the other company.
The plumber had a big machine and the snake kept jamming up. He told me the sewer line was damaged, or broke about 20 feet outside my house. He wanted to get a camera to see how bad it was and told me that it would cost $ 250 for that. He had to drive to Wahiawa and that took over three hours before he got back. His camera had a big head on it and he could only move it about five feet down my sewer line. Also, the water was very dirty and he could not see anything. The camera was a complete waste of money and time and they still charged me $ 250 for that. He told me that the sewer line was broke 20 feet from my house and that they would dig up my yard, go find the pipe, put a new section on it the next day and it would cost $ 4500-​$ 5500. He also stated that we should replace our entire sewer line and that it would cost a lot more for that. After seven hours of dealing with this company, my sewer was still stopped up and my bill came to $ 522. We were unable to use our kitchen or bathroom and had to take a shower in the backyard using the hose. Having to worry about replacing our entire sewer system caused us a lot of stress.
I decided to get a second opinion from a company with a good reputation and called Roto-​Rooter. The plumber told us it would be $ 125 to snake the system and tell us if the pipe was broke. He said if he cleared the line, the cost would be $ 425. He had no problem pushing his snake 100 feet down our line and cleaning it out. He said that nothing was wrong with the pipe. We were happy to find out the pipe was fine and happy to pay him $ 425.
Roto-​Rooter was more professional and had equipment that was a lot better than other companies I have used in the past.
Lesson learned: If you call a cheap company that charges $ 100 to clean your line, they might meet your needs. However, if they don’t clear your sewer pipe, call someone else. The snake Clean Sewer Lines used was too big and would not work in my pipe, or maybe it was just older equipment. I would not call them again and definitely would not let them use a camera or charge extra for a camera that did not work in my pipe. Their plumber told me I had a damaged pipe under my toilet, and 20 feet from my house outside my bathroom and also out under my driveway. The biggest problem with that is my sewer pipe doesn’t go under my driveway. He was making things up to get extra work. It was a really bad day working with them.
What a relief it is being done with this project. I hope this information might help anyone else that has a clogged line.

Is it possible to write a «zero star» review? Look, let me give you some advice based on my experience… run away from this company. There are plenty of options so do yourself a favor and choose another firm.
I called these guys to schedule a drain clean which was a bit of an emergency since water and «yuck stuff» (technical term) kept backing up into my lines. It was quite bad and needed rapid attention. Trusting that Clean Sewers ad was at least marginally truthful I called early in the morning to schedule service and was told not to worry a technician (sewer cleaner) would respond promptly. Time goes by… time goes by… a call back and I’m advised there was no record of my call. WTF? The explanation was that the answering service must have forgotten to pass along the service request. OK, well, things happen and I know you’ll be responsive so… when can service be scheduled? Now comes the fun part…“sorry Charlie, we are booked and can’t get to you until tonight”. No matter I took off work. No matter it was an urgent case. No matter I was promised service by their representative. You can imagine the subsequent discussion but obviously the folks at Clean Sewers feel they have no obligation whatsoever to do what their answering service promised… the customer is just out of luck. Tough luck. So I did what I should have done before… call somebody reputable who gives a hoot about service.

Oh man, I don’t even know where to start with this one.
Their rate is $ 100 an hour which is not bad at all. However, They have a tendency to over charge customers based on hours (read other reviews all over Unilocal.Not just in Oahu but read the Waialua Unilocal reviews.
On my invoice they claimed 8 hours of labor work in one day and I caught them right handed lying to me, I came to visit the apartment they should’ve been 6 hours into the work already but they were long gone after lunch. Nevertheless It’s only 2 hours $ 200 is no big deal right?
We had to call them to come back because of a leak in the downstairs apartment. Under warranty they came to fix a job that should have been done right the first time, but much appreciated for coming down, if only you’d tested the shower pan and toilet drain via lower floor prior to you leaving early we could’ have saved you time!
Upon installation of all plumbing works, for the most part their installation was flawless but again with a high labor HOURS cost 3 and a half hours on a separate invoice when I swear on my grandfather’s grave that the plumber was there for roughly 2 hours (I counted). Once again if you doubt me, READ other REVIEWS. They’re known to cheat customers on the estimated labor hours.
The best part of all, they installed my washing machine, the hot water works fine, but the cold water doesn’t work. The machine was working perfectly before they came in. I called to inquire but I was told that I would have to pay for a worker to come down. Minimum labor and time charge of $ 120. (Business as usual) Once again a job that should have and could have been done right the first time simply by checking. Now I can’t wash my clothes in cold water anymore, and I’ll have to call a REAL plumber to fix the cold water plumbing and valve.
My source? I spent roughly over $ 2,300 on this company. Why? I could thank my contractors for that.
Just note 2 things: Don’t over charge labor hours when you know someone will be watching. Make sure all your work is done right by doing tests and checks.
Normally I would’ve let something like this slide but it pisses me off every time I’m reminded whenever I’m forced to wash my clothes with hot water.
Would not recommend to my worst enemy. I give this company an F for effort!

Originally posted this on the CSL Waialua review when it should have been posted here:
Own a small apt building with sump pumps, pumps that push sewage up to the main sewer line, because the apts are below the roadway. I was overcharged three times because in my case I had to use them as they were the only plumbers I could find who could work on sump pumps.
First overcharge was for excessive time and material by about 30%; I called and complained to no avail. So I wrote detailed letter deducting overages and sent in with check.
Second time, same problem, again about 20−30% overcharge, so I did the same thing. This could not have been a mistake.
Third time, same problem, same solution. This was definitely not a mistake but on purpose. And worse this all occurred in a 1 ½ year time period costing me over $ 5,000 after adjusting for the overcharges and many headaches for the tenants who suffered from numerous backups.
Luckily I found an honest plumber (recommended by sump pump supplier) who not only fixed the problem (he recommended two larger, ‘grinder’ type pumps so the pumps would not get clogged or burnt out from working too hard; you would not believe what people throw down the drain :() and he is also responsive. Since he installed those larger pumps two years ago I have had zero problems with the pumps. I wonder why.
Clean Sewer Lines are responsive but my sense is that they know most calls are one time or maybe two time calls so they can be dishonest. In my case they knew I had some money, knew I needed them because they knew few plumbers are familiar with sump pumps so they overcharged.
Learn from my mistakes and do not call them.

Clean Sewer Lines is a company based throughout Hawaii. They service the islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.
The first time we needed their services was a few years ago. The shower in my (perhaps) future mother in law’s bathroom [master bedroom] was leaking hot water… and because the parts were so OLD… they ended up cutting through the drywall and replacing a bunch of parts. I can’t remember how much they charged for labor back then… but I do recall that the total for everything was almost $ 600… and that’s without patching up the drywall which she opted not to do since she had a relative who could do that (for free).
A few weeks ago… the hot water from the knob in the shower (other bathroom in the house) began to leak as well. It started off with a small drip drip drip… but became a constant flow of dripping hot water. Do you realize how expensive electricity is nowadays?! I kept telling her that the hot water was leaking and that she needed to fix it. She asked my BF to try and fix it as well as his brothers but no one could stop the leaking… so she had me call around to get it fixed.
Since we had used Clean Sewer Lines before, I figure I’d call em again. I scheduled an appointment and was told someone would arrive between 9AM-​12PM. The employee arrived shortly after 9AM which was nice. He turned off the water and unscrewed the knobs and did his business… and took out a part which he said he needed to find back at the shop (located in Wahiawa down the road from my BF’s house). He called to say that the part wasn’t available at the shop and that he would have to check the warehouse on Dillingham. I had 2 options: a) Have him drive to Dillingham to get the parts and he’d come back to install them (he’s still on the clock of course), or b) Have him pick up the parts the next day and reschedule to fix the broken the parts. My (perhaps) future mother in law was asleep so I made the call… and stated he could pick up the parts the next day and we’d reschedule when he’d come back. I mean it was already leaking for a month… what’s a few more days? If it would save her over $ 100 I think it was worth it.
He did great that day by calling me from the shop and giving me options etc… and the next day he called to say he actually sent the warehouse a picture of the part and was awaiting a response to see if they had it… but then I didn’t hear from him. I ended up calling the Wahiawa location to ask for an update… by then it had been a few days and my (perhaps) future mother in law kept asking me what was going on. Unfortunately the guy that was to install the parts got sick and was out for a bit. The employee who I spoke with (I think his name is Jason)… we kept playing phone tag and finally it was confirmed that the tech had the parts in his van and we scheduled an appointment for him to come back and fix the leaking shower knobs.
The tech (Dale I think?) arrived a little after the possible start time (they give you a 3 hour time frame that the tech could arrive between) and fixed everything in an hour. He was fast, friendly, and I have no complaints on his services with regard to the shower or his customer service skills. Parts ended up costing about $ 60.
Labor is $ 100/​hour. They will come to your place to see what’s going on, but they will charge you for a MINIMUM of ONE HOUR.
I’d recommend them to those in need of plumbing/​bathroom/​kitchen/​etc issues. Besides the short lag the second time and the phone tag, everything ended up getting done efficiently and for a reasonable price.

So I called roto rooter first. Roto rooter came out and gave me an estimate between $ 400 – 550 to unclog a toilet and fix our kitchen disposal. Umm. no.
I called clean sewer lines and they came out in 1.5 hours for the time i called. They said they would come between 1 and 3 and they came at 1:15. perfect! over the phone they told me they charge by the hour. the rate was more than fair. They guy came up with his tools. got the toilet unclogged and the garbage disposal unclogged under half an hour. He was nice and friendly and kept his attention to his work. I will use them again for sure.

I have used Clean Sewer Lines more than once and kick myself for it. The last time i used them the plumber was on site for 12 minutes (yes i timed it) and i was charged for 2 hours. After calling and complaining to dispatch i was told that i would get a call back; never happened.
Its too bad because they have a good response time and their emergency service setup would be great if they didn’t try to gouge people.