Thank you everyone who responded to my query about "snaking"! There were almost as many people who wrote me asking that I pass along the recommendations I got. Here they are. Meanwhile, I was away for 8 days so I didn't get a chance to do this in a very timely fashion. I ended up hiring Tom of Ocean Breeze just for the downspout before leaving town. I think my problem may have been just that. But here are other names as well. The first two with stars were recommended by two people each. **Mark Seigle*, 412-681-9091 **Kangaroo Plumbing* *Thomas Plumbing* is locally owned (morningside) and very reasonable. They were the #1 recommended on the list about a month ago. 412-567-1139 *(but they did not return my call--Irina)* We have had the same problem and used *Roto-Rooter*. Yea, they’re a bit more expensive than a regular plumber BUT you’re never turned away because they’re too busy (a common problem with plumbers), they arrive as scheduled, and there’s NO charge if they can’t fix the problem. *Ocean Breeze HI* 412-805-5602 They just finished doing the same at 1212 Heberton. 4 drains cleaned *A-1 sewer*. There not in the business to sell you French drains or plumbing. There honest. very helpful neighbors, as always--Irina