Dear Glenn: I've contacted Mr. Rooter for a clogged drain and we discussed roots being the problem. Removing the cleanout trap cover in the yard found the pipe full and draining very slowly. This has become gradually worse during the past few months. It was explained that the problem was between the cleanout and the street about 50 feet away. I have a good size maple there and had one removed last summer. A hydro-jetter procedure and root-killer treatment was suggested for $1,018 total.

Jerry, St. Clair Shores

Dear Jerry: Hydro-jetting usually is the way to go. Get two quotes. Start with Rooter MD (800-ROOTER-MD, www.root ermd.com).