Roots in Sewer line - Estimated cost over 10k

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Roots in Sewer line - Estimated cost over 10k

Imran Raz
Miami, FL · Member since 2015 · 50 posts · 4 votes

I've got a dreadful call early in the morning from my tenant saying bathroom is clogging up again. It has just been over a month when they had water overflow due to the clogged line. This time I told plumber to find the root cause as we cannot have clog every month. He camera the line and told me bad news that the at the intersection where the new PVC pine and older cast iron pipe (under the house), root are growing which are causing the clog. And unless I change the main pipe this problem will not go away. I've inquired about the cost of this fix, he did not gave me quote yet but he said the cost can be upward of 10k as they have to drill thru the floor from inside the house to get to the main line. So my question is:

  • is there any other way to resolve this issue? There is also a dime sized crack at the bottom of the pipe further down
  • Can insurance cover some or all of this? 
  • How do I go about and check with the insurance company? do I need to get them involve now or pay from my pocket and then claim with insurance?

I am also going over my insurance documents to see if there is any obvious coverage for this sort of issue.

I would love to get some feedback on this issue. 

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David Dachtera
Rental Property Investor · Rockford, IL · Member since 2014 · 4k+ posts · 2k+ votes
9y

If there are large, old growth tress near where the sewer line issue is, see about taking those trees down. Once the tree is gone, the sewer line issues should clear up and will be limited to non-root issues.

The pipe lining is probably the best solution without excavating. 

There is stuff you can put down the line to kill the roots, but they'll likely grow back.

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  • Christopher Gingras
    Gainesville, FL · Member since 2015 · 31 posts · 9 votes
    9y
    We had a similar issue and I am not saying this would work but it's possible to hydro jet the sewer line to thoroughly clean it out. Then you can reline the pipe to address the areas being infiltrated by the roots. Just the hydro jet could buy you some time The pipe relining is not cheap but no need to dig up the floor. It's also not perfect but you can remove any nearby trees. Roots travel quite far so that gets tricky Just some things to think about
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  • David Dachtera
    Rental Property Investor · Rockford, IL · Member since 2014 · 4k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    9y

    If there are large, old growth tress near where the sewer line issue is, see about taking those trees down. Once the tree is gone, the sewer line issues should clear up and will be limited to non-root issues.

    The pipe lining is probably the best solution without excavating. 

    There is stuff you can put down the line to kill the roots, but they'll likely grow back.

    1Reply
  • Imran Raz
    OP
    Miami, FL · Member since 2015 · 50 posts · 4 votes
    9y
    Originally posted by @Christopher Gingras:

    We had a similar issue and I am not saying this would work but it's possible to hydro jet the sewer line to thoroughly clean it out. Then you can reline the pipe to address the areas being infiltrated by the roots.

    Just the hydro jet could buy you some time

    The pipe relining is not cheap but no need to dig up the floor.

    It's also not perfect but you can remove any nearby trees. Roots travel quite far so that gets tricky

    Just some things to think about

     I've asked the Roto Rooter plumber to cut thru the roots if possible when he snaked the line, he said the equipment they had simply pull the roots and not actually cut thru them.  I'll check companies who can do pipe relining. 

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  • Imran Raz
    OP
    Miami, FL · Member since 2015 · 50 posts · 4 votes
    9y
    Originally posted by @David Dachtera:

    If there are large, old growth tress near where the sewer line issue is, see about taking those trees down. Once the tree is gone, the sewer line issues should clear up and will be limited to non-root issues.

    The pipe lining is probably the best solution without excavating. 

    There is stuff you can put down the line to kill the roots, but they'll likely grow back.

     Yes there is a small tree very close to the clean out, I'll have the tree removed. I also order case of Root kill which supposed to help. Will look into pipe lining. as well . Thank you

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  • Dan Perrott
    Rental Property Investor · Indianapolis, IN · Member since 2014 · 354 posts · 167 votes
    9y

    Been there done that.  I had an 8k bill for this repair which were roots under the house into the sewer line.  It had to be replaced from under the house to the street connection.  

    Sewer lining will work but overtime, the same issue may popup in another location.

    I periodically treat the sewer line with copper sulfate, which will kill the roots.  It is used in septic systems to help treat root issues in the septic fields.

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  • Joseph BricklerPro Member
    Investor · Cincinnati, OH · Member since 2011 · 13 posts · 2 votes
    9y

    Most large drain augers have cutter blade that will cut and not pull roots.  Have the cut the most but, use Ridex or other products with Copper Sulfate in them or use copper sulfate can be found at the older hardware/ seed and feed farm store.  Put it down the last thing you do at night for five days straight ad that will kill the remainder of roots.  Then do it yearly you should be good. I have done for years without issue

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  • Imran Raz
    OP
    Miami, FL · Member since 2015 · 50 posts · 4 votes
    9y
    Originally posted by @Dan Perrott:

    Been there done that.  I had an 8k bill for this repair which were roots under the house into the sewer line.  It had to be replaced from under the house to the street connection.  

    Sewer lining will work but overtime, the same issue may popup in another location.

    I periodically treat the sewer line with copper sulfate, which will kill the roots.  It is used in septic systems to help treat root issues in the septic fields.

    Thank you, I've ordered Zep root killer from home depot and will start treatment ASAP. Beside that I've got the quote from plumbing company for $8500 which does not include putting back the tiles. It doesn't make sense, it seems I have to hire another contractor once they make a big mess. Sewer lining  seems to be a better option. I am contacting places to get a quote on that. 

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  • Imran Raz
    OP
    Miami, FL · Member since 2015 · 50 posts · 4 votes
    9y
    Originally posted by @Joseph Brickler:

    Most large drain augers have cutter blade that will cut and not pull roots.  Have the cut the most but, use Ridex or other products with Copper Sulfate in them or use copper sulfate can be found at the older hardware/ seed and feed farm store.  Put it down the last thing you do at night for five days straight ad that will kill the remainder of roots.  Then do it yearly you should be good. I have done for years without issue

    Thanks, I'll definitely try that and hopefully  my tenant do it regular.  

    0Reply
  • Imran Raz
    OP
    Miami, FL · Member since 2015 · 50 posts · 4 votes
    9y

    Just re-opening this topic to provide an update. It appears there is a class action in Florida for Cast iron pipes against insurance companies. (https://www.pipelawsuit.com) I contacted them and they mentioned that I am qualified to be part of this class action. They sent someone to look at the situation and I provided them with copy of my insurance coverage. They told me not to do any work yet while this is going on and in case of blockage, just call the plumber to open the clog. 

    So far I've been using Root kill and other suggestions posted here and drain is running good for now. What do you guys think about this sort of class action? Is there possibility that they'll pay for the expense of replacing the cast iron pipe?

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