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May 11, 2009
Sewer issues
My main sewer line may be blocked or collapsed by the growth of a NYC tree root, is the city at all responsible for the costs? Will insurance cover this repair? Does anyone have experience with this and can it be removed, if it is not collapsed, without tearing up the street. In other words can a drill or saw cut it out of the existing drain?
Comments
Unfortunately, the City isn't responsible. The roots can usually be removed by Roto-Rooter, or a similar company at a fairly moderate cost. There are many companies that are far cheaper than Roto-Rooter. FWIW, I use them, even though I'm admittedly cheap, because I've had them succeed in clearing blockage where others have failed.
I never thought of checking with my insurance. Maybe I could have saved lots of $$ over the years (or OTOH had my insurance cancelled).
Posted by: Bob Marvin at May 11, 2009 10:35 AM
I'd try a Roto-Rooter first too. I had it done a few years ago & the guy told me to dump a root-eating chemical down every year or two to avoid having to do it again. Can't remember the name but Lowe's & HD sell them.
Posted by: Arkady at May 11, 2009 10:38 AM
Had the same exact issue, we use EconoSewer. Reasonable, they come every 6 months to snake out the line. 718-338-8484
Posted by: mh at May 11, 2009 12:36 PM
We use Copper Sulfate to keep the drains clear of roots. Can get at most any hardware store. I don't think it eats roots, just kills them.
Posted by: phripley at May 11, 2009 2:13 PM
Neil, you used the word may in your post...did you have a camera inspection of the sewer?
Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at May 16, 2009 9:04 PM
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