Had the plumbers out for a whole house clog and they found a root ball 20-25 feet from the cleanout. First occurrence in 3 years although it is from a very mature Pecan tree. Not sure if this could matter, but we did have drought conditions last year. Anyway, they stated the product to kill roots does not work, wanted to verify. Also was charged $300 and was wondering if I should purchase the product they used for $250 from a well known website for possible use or am I asking for trouble trying to do it myself in the future if needed.

We have an ejector pump in the basement and the venting pipe comes out of the basement concrete wall and goes up the outside of the house. In winter, this smells every morning, there seems to be a negative pressure/stack effect in the house as the chimney is also on the outside wall and a draft comes in. As soon as spring comes round/summer, the basin smell stops so it seems like the venting works correctly again even with all doors closed. Is it possible that having the pipe on the outside would prevent venting from happening? Was wondering of the pipe should be relocated on the inside walls and go out the roof? Are there any other ways to solve this venting issue?