Three months ago I notinced that there were puddles of water in the basement. I called the plummer and he "fixed" the pipes that were leaking. I few weaks later, the puddles of water came back. The plummer comcluded that there must be a leak in the main pipe/sewer that runs under my house, which means he has to dif through my family room floor to find out where the leak is. I contacted my homeowners insurance about the problem. They sent a representative to give an estimate as to how much it was going to cost. Their estimate came to $4,100.00

My plummer had to send his estimate of $8,000.00 in case there was more repairs to be done, to the insurance comp. That is a big difference in price. How do I know who is right?

Duing the time I've been waiting, there were flying bugs that I noticed. I found out on this site that someone named Kellie, had this same problem. They way she described them was on the dot of what I have in my house. MOTH FLIES. I found them in the donwstairs bathroom. They have since migrated to the family room, foyer and kitchen. I want to KILL/ get rid of them ASAP.

I find my house an "UNSANITARY PLACE" where I don't want anyone to come to my house. I'd like my plummer to start work as soon as he can.

So basically what I am asking is, " the quote from my insurance company of $4,000.00 sound right or my plummer's of $8,000.00?

Also, how can I get rid of the moth flies?

Thanks!

camlee73

Call another plumber for another estimate . You should call at least three. Ask for references as well.

Just like Rodsus suggested in previous post: get more estimates to get general idea what's the going rate for this type of repair. Truth is that insurance companies have tendency to "low-ball" their estimates but difference should not be twice as much. In any case, $8,000 sounds bit too much to me... What part of country do you live in ? What city ?

You are not saying if it is main water line or main sewer line that is leaking. Can you post bit more information? Perhaps, you can copy what the Insurance Agent, or the plumber, written into his repair estimate under "Scope of Work".

Please, get back to us with this info so we can help you out...

Quote:

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The plummer comcluded that there must be a leak in the main pipe/sewer that runs under my house, which means he has to dif through my family room floor to find out where the leak is.

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I have a better way!! Let me explain a bit more about my drainage problem and how I repaired it. 54 year old house. The builder used sub standard cast iron in the drainage. The 4" house main was completely ate up on the bottom of the pipe , blocked with roots and welling up in my living room floor. I was sure that the main had broke in two and I would have to jack hammer up the floor and tunnel under the foundation to transition to PVC, pick up the back bath and move the main outside the house but I had to know what was going on under the slab so a friend suggested running a camera down there. There was no distinct break in the main, however,it was completely ate up on the bottom. That's when Rooter Man of Sarasota and Gulf Coast Florida suggested relining the main. It took a day to clear the roots and pressure jet clean the main. Next day they came back and relined the main with epoxy. I now have a sewer main that will out last me, (50 year guarantee) and the best part is that I didn't have to, tear up my house and the cost was under half of what I figured to take the main outside around the house. Another big bonus was that it was done without any muss or fuss. When they were finished I kept a piece of the epoxy liner to check it out. It was white and had the same thickness of Schedule#40 PVC. (see image)
I was amazed at the equipment RooterMan had outside my place. The equipment he had cost upwards of $100,000.00. I had a yard full of Hi tech stuff that took a technician to run it. There were 3 men and 2 trucks to do the job. And it was completed in two days. In my day I was a working plumber with 50 years experience under my belt but RooterMans equipment blew me away. Lottsa difference from the old days when I went out on a sewer call with a Ridged K-60 Sewer Machine and a ladder to get to the roof vent. I just wanted to point out that there's another option besides replacing drainage that the years have ruined. If your pipes are a candidate for a reline job I strongly suggest you look into it before you decide to replace the drainage pipes. I did and saved a bundle in addition to keeping my home intact. I can't recommend relining over replacement enough and I'm speaking both as a homeowner and a plumber. Thanks RooterMan! I also had Moth,Drain/Sewer flies that were blown right out of the pipes when they jetted the main clear. If you need more information on how to get rid of the pests click non back. Good luck, Tom

It is going to be a lot of work, and the repair of the room will be a large part of the cost.

But yes get two other bids, and to be honest it would not be bad to get the adjuster and the contractor together before they start.

More abour Moth Flies.
Drain flies, also called moth flies, sewer flies or filter flies these true flies have bodies and wings covered with numerous hairs. If crushed they leave a powdery smudge

The flies are commonly found around drains, but they should not be confused with the Fruit fly, Phorid fly, or Sphaerocierid fly which also infest drains.

Just because you may see a small fly or gnat type flying around in the kitchen, do not assume it is coming from the drains. Check all possible breeding sources to help identify the fly. Using a drain cleaner like DF 5000 would only work in they are breeding in the drains.

Understanding the different breeding sources for the different flies will help you in identifying and managing the respective flies. The other flies that are found around drains are: Fruit Flies, Phorid Flies and Sphaerocierid Flies.

Breeding Sources of Drain Flies, Fruit Flies, Phorid Flies and Sphaerocerid Flies:

Drain flies: breed in drains, sewers, septic tanks and soil that has been contaminated with sewage.

IDENTIFICATION OF DRAIN FLIES (MOTH FLIES):

Moth flies (Drain fly) are small flies, about 1/8th inch. They are usually black, but may be brown. The key identifying trait for this fly is the unique pattern of veins in its wings.





BIOLOGY AND HABITS of A DRAIN FLY (MOTH FLY)





Moth flies (Drain Flies) develop by complete metamorphosis. The entire life cycle ranges from 8 to 24 days.

Moth flies (Drain Flies)lay eggs in a mass of 30 to 100 in a suitable medium. These eggs hatch in less than 48 hours. The eggs form the moth fly( drain fly) are laid in irregular masses in such places as dirty garbage disposal units, water traps in plumbing fixtures, sewage plant filters and almost any where decmposing organic materials are found.



The larvae and pupae of the moth fly live in the thin gelatinous film found in drains, septic tank field lines or filter stones. The larvae feed on sediment, decaying vegetation and microscopic plants and animals. The larval stage lasts from 9 to 15 days before pupating.

The pupal stage lasts from 20 to 40 hours. The newly emerged adult fly is sexually mature on emergence and copulates within the first few hours of its life.

The moth fly (drain fly) is a poor flyer and may be commonly seen ealking or running on walls and other resting surfaces. When they fly in short jerky lines, they fly for only a few feet.

During the day the moth fly (drain fly) adult rests in shaded areas or on walls near plumbing fixtures or on the sides of tubs and showers. Most of the activity of the moth fly (drain fly) occurs during the evening. They may be seen hovering around the sink areas in your home at this time.



INSPECTION TIPS FOR MOTH FLIES (DRAIN FLIES)

It is important to locate the breeding sources in order to eliminate a moth fly(drain fly)infestation.

These flies typically breed in drains, hence the common name of drain flies. This is a good place to begin inspection.



Moth fly larvae live in the moist film that develops on the sides of a drain and in the drain's trap. The presence of numerous adult flies inside a drain is a good sign that the drain is a breeding site. Use a knife or screwdriver to scrape the film off the sides of the drain and examine it for live larvae.

One way to determine if they are breeding in the drains is to use masking tape over the drain opening.

Leave space between the strips of tape to allow air movement for the flies to follow. If flies are exiting the openings, some of the them will become stuck to the tape.



Sometimes, moth flies (drain flies)can come from under slab floors from a drain pipe that has broken. They would breed in the organic debis under the slab.


Adult flies then enter the living space above the slab through cracks in the slab and back through the drain pipe. To determine if they are coming up through the slab, place the masking tape over the crack as described above.

If the suspicion is strong enough that moth flies(drain flies)are breeding under a slab, a hole must be broken through the slab to see if indeed a pipe has broken and flies are breeding there. After a hole is broken through the slab, poke around and dig in the soil under the slab. The organic debris and moist soil may actually be several inches under the surface. The presence of fly larvae and/or adults confirms the site as a breeding source.


Sump pump pits and sewers are usually found in a basement area and also prime breeding sites for moth flies,particularly in commercial buildings. The sewers and pump pits need to be checked for activity even if it is not close to where the moth have been seen flying. Also, inspect the pits of elevators in commercial buildings for excess water or moisture.




In homes, moth flies are generally found breeding in bathroom drains, particularly those in showers. Shower pans are prone to leaking and the area under the shower pan becomes a prime moth fly breeding source.

If you strongly believe that the shower is a possible source, it may be necessary to drill a hole into the area under the shower pan or the wall behind the shower. In most cases where moth flies are breeding in this area, adult flies will begin emerging from the hole within minutes. Moth flies are strongly attracted to light and will fly to the hole drilled through the wall.

Inspect crawlspace areas. Sometimes , if the drain pipe is leaking there, a breeding source is found. Look for the presence of adult flies. Spides may have dead moth flies in their webs.



Don't stop looking when one breeding source has been found. In most cases, several breeding sources will be present.

Drain flies,or moth flies, can be found in moist, highly organic debris areas such as sink drains,moist mops, sewage treatment facilities, storm drains, dung and rotten vegetation.



Drain flies may also breed in moist, shady areas outdoors such as under potted plants, in bird feeders and baths, in moss, in clogged roof gutters, under air conditioners, in thick mulch, or on wet ground areas.

In natural settings, moth fly larvae feed on decaying plants and animals. Most moth flies are harmless to humans, though they may transmit bacteria and other microorganisms from their breeding sites to areas where people are. Moth flies do not bite. Adults live about two weeks

CONTROL RECOMMENDATIONS





DRAIN FLY CONTROL AND TREATMENT



Drain Cleaners and Gels

To view:

Finding the sources of breeding and eliminating them is the best control.

Floor drains, overflow cuts in sinks and tubs, sump pump pits and sewers can accumulate organic matter but often do not receive enough water to flush the waste down the drain.

They may be common in laundry and floor drains, toilet and shower drains.



The drain/moth fly larvae feed on the sides of the drain and in the drain trap if there is an accumulation of organic debris there. You can check it by placing some tape over the opening (leave some opening for air flow). If you find these flies stuck to the tape , you have discovered the source.

Pouring bleach down the drain is not effective. A bacterial digester like
Invade Bio Gel Treatment may be used to break up the organic debris.



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Invade Bio Foam
Another type of product, particularly useful in commercial establishments is a concentrated bio liquid with the use of a foamer like the Invade Bio Foam.

Invade Bio Foam contains concentrated scum eating, odor eliminating microbes and foaming agent. InVade Bio Foam - Super-concentrated foaming microbial/citrus liquid to eat through scum where flies breed.

InVade Bio Foam - the single most effective tool for management of small flies. Foaming microbial concentrate with proprietary citrus oil. Use 1 oz per quart, 4 oz per gallon.

Apply using a Chapin foamer or sprayer to cracks, crevices and drains where small flies breed. The foam and citrus combination shuts down the breeding when applied, and over time the premium blend of microbes will digest the bio film to prevent further breeding in those areas.

InVade Bio Foam is a must for the PMP to manage fruit, drain and phorid flies in commercial accounts.

Ultra-concentrated InVade Bio Foam is mixed with water at a rate of 4 oz per gallon (1 oz per quart) and applied using Chapin Foam Sprayer.



Invade Hot Spot


Microbial/Citrus Foam in an easy-to-use 16 oz aerosol can

The power of InVade Bio Foam is now available at your fingertips! Hot Spot is an aerosol can that contains the same premium microbes and ingredients as InVade Bio Foam. The 360 degree valve allows for foam dispensing in any orientation to easily hit hard-to-reach areas.




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Re-grouting tiles to prevent water seepage into walls will stop breeding in those sites. If found in rotting vegetable matter, the source should be destroyed.

Clean dirty garbage containers, wet lint under the washing machine, and even standing water in containers under houseplant pots. Outside the home, inspect air conditioners, bird baths, shallow stagnant pools of water and sewage treatment facilities upwind as adult flies will travel with the wind.

If adults do not disappear within a week further treatments or looking for other breeding sources is needed .
Hope this helps, tom