City responsibility on Sewer pipes

[John D.]

My plumber found out by inserting a camera that my city sewer pipe has roots in it which is causing my house sewer to back up. The roots are from the tree which the city has planted on the sidewalk. I filed a claim with the city and the insurance company contracted by the city responded that "A public entity is immune from the liability in the absence of having been place on Prior notice of an issue. The city has reviewed their records and notes no prior complaints/service requests for tree root issues at this location". The cost is approx $9000 to replace the sewer pipes. Any ideas on how should I respond to the city and other options I should explore?

[Robert Marston]

Which company is responsible for your waste water? For instance, for me in San Leandro it is EBMUD. Contact them too and ask what remedies are available, they may be able to guide you to city resource for repairs of this caliber. Some cities (I have experience with Castro Valley providing a monetary credit for a full sewer line replacement) have monies set aside and will reimburse you a small % upon completion of the job.

In Alameda County sewer lines need to be inspected upon sale of a home (In most cities, not the whole county) and the responsibility to fix the line coming off of the city main line (Generally located in the middle, or middle-ish of the road) falls on the owner of the home if the line is faulty. In my experience, the city does not see the tree they planted as theirs when it comes to any damage the tree may have caused however if you try to take the tree out they throw a tantrum. lol.. this has always confused me. $9k seems high, even if it were a trenchless lateral repair I'd ask for a second or third opinion on pricing. I've been party to a few of these jobs in Oakland and the average cost is $6k-ish. Best of luck!