Broken Kitchen Drain Line

[kade714]

I'd like to know if these prices are within reason. We live in Orange County, CA.

We thought we had a normal backup so we called a plumbing company to snake the line - $125 later we found out there was a busted line. No refund for their 10 minutes of work.

We got another plumbing company to come out to camera the line ($250 to go the final repair) and give us an estimate. They confirmed the busted kitchen drain line, and gave an estimate of $2500 - $3000. Estimate includes digging through about 10' of concrete and re-routing a new line from the kitchen and laundry (in the garage) to the main sewer line. Estimate does not include re-pouring of concrete or repair to the stucco outside the kitchen wall. Is this within reason?

Also, after talking to my State Farm insurance rep they say normal maintenance and wear and tear is not covered, but a claims expert will call me back. Is this normal?

House was built in 1952. What could cause these pipes to break? I know the city had been doing some sewer work in the area -- could that be a cause?

Anyway, thanks for the help. The huge expense is still shocking, and the fact that insurance doesn't cover it is also shocking. Makes you wonder why insurance is needed anyway, when most of us will never file a claim.

[Frank]

I had a pipe burst due to freezing. State Farm paid for the water damage to drywall and painting but I had to pay for the repair of the pipe. If you have water damage, they should pay for it. Plumbers around here charge ~$100/hour which includes travel time. Frank

[Jeff Wisnia]

Another good reason to route the drain lines sensibly when building the place.

Had many earthquakes there lately?

Having to spend $3,000 after 55 years of service is less than $55 a year.

Quit yer bitching, nothing lasts forever.

Jeff

[monitor]

###############

Here's what you need to do. Grab your telephone book yellow pages and look up ELECTRICIANS (under E). Start calling them until you find one that wants to waste and hour or two on the phone giving you prices and not make a cent doing it. At least this way you'll get professional advice for free rather than the amateur advice you get on this newsgroup, and best of all you wont pester us with your bullshit.

After you are finished with this, grab a baseball bat and go to your State Farm Insurer's home and beat the hell out of him till his heart stops beating. Let him lay there in a pool of blood and enjoy the fruits of your revenge and rage.

Remember, a half gallon of everclear and some crack cocaine will enhance your experience......

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ THIS REPLY WILL COST YOU BIG $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[ValveJob]

Insurance should cover that, but with new clauses added all the time to protect the insurance company, who knows.

I had the exact same problem and rented an electric jack hammer and fixed the problem myself. I suggest you do the same.

.

[tksirius]

People just dont realize that galvanized pipes from yesteryear have a limited lifespan. The last around 50 or so years. After that good luck.

If you dont like the price, get someone else over to give you estimates. Still dont like the price? Do it yourself if you have the time.

[kade714]

Thanks to all that had something constructive to say.

As for "Jeff Wisnia" and "monitor..." -- F_ck Y_u. Get a life. I was asking for help and advice. I'm not an expert at every single thing in the world. And if you have a problem with that and live in Orange County, let me know. Tough guys all over the Internet.

To everyone else, I went ahead and got the work done. Not much choice really. Thanks again.