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Which plumber should I choose for our plumbing problem?

The 1st plumber we called sent a camera into our pipes, and was able to see that the sewer line underneath our house needs to be replaced. He then gave an estimate of $3880. I then went onto a website called servicemagic.com and got listings for other plumbers. 2 of the 4 had bad reviews with the BBB, and the other 2 were not listed. Of those unlisted, one was so late for my free estimate that I called to cancel, and the other one gave me an estimate over the phone after I described the situation. The estimate was $2075 to tunnel from the outside and $1330 if they go through the slab on the inside. I'm not sure who to choose because the first one has won awards by the BBB. They were on time and professional, and I am confident they will do the job well, quickly and on time. Given the caliber of the other three plumbers from service magic, I'm a little scared to go with the other one. My question is: which price is the most typical for a job like this, and who would YOU choose? sensible_man: they are replacing it, they need to tunnel under the ground to get to the pipe, because it's under my house (not in the yard). Marvin A: No, they are just replacing the pipe that is under the house all the way to the cleanout. From the cleanout to the street, the pipe is fine, and he showed me both on the camera. The problem is, the pipe under the house had cracks and this attracted roots due to water and manure leakage, and then the roots ripped the pipe up. The pipe going to the street has no cracks and has held up for 15 years.

Public Comments

1. Get references! Also the more bids the better. If you have a "slab house", it can be extremely expensive. just be sure the plumber is a "Licensed Plumber". For the most part go with who you feel comfortable with. Pull a City Permit so the city will "inspect" the work before passing the job. That way you will be assured it is legal, up to code and you can sleep well after the job is done.
2. Of the four I would have to go with the first. However I would want to get one more "good" estimate. There is no way a plumber can give a phone estimate without seeing the job. Is your sewer collapsed? Do you know for sure? Get another plumber in and tell him the symptoms without telling him what the first one said.
3. does that $3880 mean they will completely replace all of your sewer line all the way to the city connection?? If the answer is yes then go for it.
4. From what you have said I would go with the first. Just remember, you get what you pay for
5. I have never seen a sewer line replaced by tunneling. Sounds like they are cleaning, not replacing. The old pipe needs to be removed and replaced. This is done by digging the old one out. Don't put much faith in Service Magic or the BBB. BBB "helps" contractors that are members. Service Magic will recommend anyone who pays for membership.
6. Forget Service Magic. Ask friends and family who have had work done for referrals, that's the best way to go. From what you have told us I would go with the first company. Don't even consider the others after your experience. Never go with a company who gives you a quote without looking at the job. Those are the kind of guys who wil tack on all kinds of unexpected expenses. Get a few more estimates and see what happens. If you don't go, with the first company. I agree with the first poster about pulling a permit. Some cities and counties require it. Even if it is not required it is still a good idea because you will get the inspection. Usually the plumber pulls the permit. If he won't, run the other way! He is not a licensed plumber!
7. USA Sounds like the first company - $3880 - is the one to go with. Call your local municipal building inspector for any additional requirements. You might need to get a permit for the work ahead of time.