New Sewer main from home to street
I received the wonderful news that my sewer line is broken and is functioning at 50%. I had the American water/ DEP insurance which ended up being a complete waste of money. They gave me some story about how my sewer is not covered due to the layout of the pipe and where it enters the city sewer. I am still fighting this one and still have to get my sewer fixed. Can anyone recommend a good company?

timmywolen
in Plumbers and Plumbing 11 years and 1 month ago
14
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timmywolen | 11 years and 1 month ago
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Thank you for all the feedback. I figured I would keep you all updated with the previous weeks wasted efforts. American water knows exactly what they are doing, they have a large legal team that has calculated each line, word and letter in the paperwork to turn down sewer pipe claims. They are no different than any other insurance company who is looking to make money and turn down claims. In my research I have come across many others who have had similar experience with the insurance and being turned down, it really is terrible. I took advice and received two estimates from who seems to be like the ” go to” sewer guys in Brooklyn. I ended up using Harris after a HUGE price difference in between the two, after days of research it turned out they were doing the same exact work. Harris completed the job last week and I was very happy with their work. I also did some research on the other Brooklyn company and have read a few articles on this guys history, I now understand why he was so expensive. As I am sure you can guess, I no longer participate in the American water insurance and want people to understand how they can turn down any claim due to the fine print!!

greenmountain | 11 years and 1 month ago
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This is not what the AG does. This is what the NYS Dept of Financial Services does. http://www.dfs.ny.gov/about/contactus.htm

dorkofwindsor | 11 years and 1 month ago
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Do not mess around. Call the attorney general. This is a big ticket item for which you purchased insurance with a company that was orchestrated through the city. this is what the attorney general does, they will advocate for you. They are downright hoodwinking you, and you need to stand up for yourself. MAKE thE CALL too the AG!! Do not be a scaredy cat, they should pay for this.

slopefarm | 11 years and 1 month ago
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I chose not to buy the plan. I was not reassured after calling them and trying to have a discussion about what was and was not covered. Tree roots, for example. No one would tell me yes or no.

Arkady | 11 years and 1 month ago
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I agree w/ dnk – you should pursue the issue w/ as many pols as you can. I’d snail mail them – people do it rarely enough that letters get attention.

dnk | 11 years and 1 month ago
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I think it’s worth raising hell about this, maybe with your City Council Member. New York City officially recommended this company —- they did so by sending letters to every homeowner in the city employing scare tactics, that homeowners could be responsible for $10,000 in sewer repairs and that one company (American Water) has the official stamp of the City to protect us from liability. You’ve done everything right by enrolling in this plan. The city should step up and stand behind their residents after it officially endorsed this company. BTW, I posted a question on this topic last year. I wondered if it was a scam then. I reluctantly signed onto the insurance plan. But I still wonder. http://brownstoner.staging.wpengine.com/forums/topic/water-and-sewer-line-protection-program-scam-or-legit/

resident2 | 11 years and 1 month ago
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There are only a few Sewer companies that have the permits with City to work on replacing sewers. Although of course it is illegal to price fix, just like the airlines, one goes up they all go up, one goes down, they all go down. There is not enough competition to shop around. The Insurance company is probably referring to the City Water sewer department records (250 Livingston St, 8th fl. for Brooklyn) they do keep records of all the permits, but in that case, they should not have taken your money if they could not insure your sewer line! Most of the water main/sewer line insurance programs are a waste of money, in my opinion. Just keep your own emergency self insurance fund in your own Bank account.

Arkady | 11 years and 1 month ago
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Several people on here thought Main Man was good – although there were also some dissenting opinions. I, too, hope you’ll keep us updated.

timmywolen | 11 years and 1 month ago
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The tech who came out gave me the story about the layout. After calling the company they spoke of records stating there was a previous repair at my house which was dated before I even owned the house. They were extremely vague and claimed it to be a “pre existing condition”. I have heard a few situations like this but never believed it until now! I shouldn’t have assumed that this insurance company would have differed from any other, they never want to assume responsibility. I have contacted Harris and one other Brooklyn sewer guy, I will keep you updated on my findings.

cnoilpaintings | 11 years and 1 month ago
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BSDOD | 11 years and 1 month ago
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Yes, please keep us informed on the insurance developments.

friend_or_foe | 11 years and 1 month ago
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Talk to Mike Kayne at Harris.

thetinkerswagon | 11 years and 1 month ago
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how do they know the layout of the pipe? did they dig it up to inspect it? Where in their contract did they state that this circumstance it not covered? was it some sort of damage which was not covered? I am only playing the devil’s advocate here because I too purchased this plan and I want to know that I am paying into something that is on the up and up. I do hope you will report back here with further details and the results of your battle with them. I am sure a lot of Brownstoners would be interested in hearing how this turns out. Steve

eman134 | 11 years and 1 month ago
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try Harris Water Main 2600 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11207 (718) 495-3600 That insurance always seemed like a scheme, way too many preexisting conditions not covered