Big Birge Plumbing

As planed.

Our normal plumber was booked solid and they recommended Big Birge (for good reason I can see). They came out and checked the issue, confirmed it was the diverter. Because we had oil rubbed bronze fixtures, a new part needed to be ordered. They placed the order and a week later it was installed and we were showering in the main bath again. Big Birge was prompt, clean (the workers always wore booties on their shoes), and extremely helpful.

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We talked to Brad Monday evening. He was not available at that time but said he would be able to come over the next morning around 9:00. He called right around 9 to say he was on the way and showed up shortly thereafter. I showed him the drain and told him what had happened and how I had attempted to unclog the drain myself, with no success. Brad explained that he would put a camera down the pipe and see what was going on. Assuming it was simply a clog, he would be able to clear it. However, if there were a bigger problem, like the main underground pipe being compromised (by tree roots, for example), that fixing it would, of course, be much more extensive, timely, and costly. He did not think, however, from my description, that the problem was likely to be so severe.
Brad never came into the house without putting booties over his shoes. He was extremely friendly and capable. He's a pretty big guy, so he was able to carry his equipment up and down my stairs without any problems. When he was done, he didn't leave any trace of his ever having been there, except that the problem (which was just a clog) was fixed.
He explained the problem in detail (you don't want to know) and what he discovered when he snaked the camera through the pipes. The inner pipe had a lot of buildup inside it, which was partially to blame for the problem, but the outer, underground pipe is in great shape and is completely uncompromised. He told us about the type of pipe it is, which I can't remember except that it is, in his opinion, the highest quality pipe ever used (yay!).
In order to treat the buildup in the pipes, Brad gave us a large container of enzyme treatment and told us how to use it and that we needed to use it every night for the next week to really make a dent in the buildup. He was very knowledgeable and comfortable discussing somewhat, uh, icky topics. He was lighthearted and conversational but professional.
Plumbing repairs are costly, especially when dealing with a small, local business, so that's a bummer. But I thought the price was reasonable anyway.
This was the second time we had called Big Birge in a matter of a few weeks (for two completely separate issues), and both experiences were really great. I would not hesitate to call them again.
After this second call, we received a thank you note from Big Birge that included a Starbucks gift card! How often does something like THAT happen?! I don't drink coffee, but my sister sure appreciated it!