On Mon, 09 Jul 2007 14:08:35 -0700, wrote:

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.

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.

..