Main line backed up...need help now.

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Rmelo99

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Just got back from a business trip and found water in the basement. I went to go pump it out and realized my main line is backed up. I have water coming out of the basement toilet.

I have insurance through "safety valve" provided through my water company. I called them and they said I can get someone out tonight if I want, just find a licensed guy in the phonebook.

Being a forum member for a while I see all the warnings about hiring the ROOTER guys.

WHAT DO I DO? Should i call someone tonight(it's midnight) or so I wait till the morning?
Also should the guy know how the whole insurnace thing works? Do you guys know what's typical? Do I pay and they reimburse me?
 

Lakee911

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Most of us don't know how your insurance policy works. You should call them ask them about who, payment options, limits, other specifics, etc.
 

Rmelo99

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I have a guy coming out this morning.I spoke with the insurance and since they are still closed (open in another hour) they give a conditional approval of $200.00 for the work.

The guy coming out said around $250-300. Which I would imagine is more typical for the work. (barring any issues)
 

hj

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drain

It could run between $125 and $1,000, depending on the difficulty in clearing it. If the insurance company covers their company regardless of the difficulty, I would wait, rather than take a chance on a large shortage.
 

Rmelo99

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So line is cleared....i got a local guy who came out at 9am. Took maybe 1/2 hour to clear the line.

The cost was 285.00 to snake for first 100' and $35 for a new cap bc he had to break out the old one. So about $340 when all was said and done

The insurance company authorized the dollar amount and I just need to submit for reimbursement now.

He replaced my cap with a "fitall" that he just hammered into place in the floor cleanout. Anything I should be concerned with on that piece?
 

SewerRatz

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Lead fitall's are a cheap way to cap off a sewer when the threads are defective. Personally I would of informed you that the threads are in bad shape and need to be replaced, and gave you a quote on replacing the cleanout ferule. If you did not want to go with the repair then I would of installed the lead fitall.
 

Rmelo99

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Well the threads weren't in bad shape....I bet they are now aren't they? :-(

This cleanout is castiron and flush with the concrete. The cap that was there was brass that he chiseled out.

Any recommendations or do I just live with what I've got now?
 

Gary Swart

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If it ain't broke, don't fix it! If the drain every has to be cleaned again, that will be the time to fix it right.
 

Jadnashua

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The lead is a lot softer than CI, so it should not have damaged them.
 
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