I found a post from June 2008 by LOGICALDIANN46 which is very similar to a problem my husband and I discovered this weekend. The washing machine drain backed up and overflowed, flooding the laundry room and kitchen; the drains from the sink and dishwasher backed up and overflowed into the garage. My husband rented a snake and within a few feet he hit a blockage. When he pulled it out, the end was covered in thick Oklahoma clay mud. We have lived here three years and have always had water pressure issues. We suspect the very mature Silverleaf Maple in the front yard, planted right next to the city main. If this proves to be collapsed or leaking lines due to the tree, is this generally covered by insurance? Also, we have a plumbing company coming out tomorrow to snake the line. Is this what we should do at this point? Any advice would be appreciated!

Most likely not covered under insurance. I would suggest having a camera sent down the drain if you pulled back mud. If you hit mud and couldn't go any further, a plumber with the correct auger may be able to get through it, but it would only be a very temporary fix. Good luck and please let us know what your plumber has to say. Lee.

Mud indicates a break in the pipe and roots are sure to follow. How o0ld is your house and what material are the drainage pipes? Sorry, But insurgence companys don't cover broken pipes. Now if the break had damaged something in your home perhaps they would entertain a claim but repair jobs? Nah! As MGD requested, let us know what the plumber finds. But be prepared to bite the bullet dig up the broken section. Good luck, Tim

Even though that is not what I wanted to hear (however, it was expected), I appreciate your input. I will let you know how it turns out.

In your experience, how difficult and costly will it be if there is a line problem in the slab? Also, how is that remedied?

Thanks Tim! The house was built in 1972 and I am not sure what type of pipes were used but they don't appear to be PVC or Copper.

Expect the slab to jack hammered up and the pipes exposed. But wait for the plumbers report first. Try to get three estimates. I would stay away from companies that want to do the work on time and material if that's possible. Let us know what the plumber finds. Good luck, Tom

Thank you, Tom! I'll keep you posted.


We had a local plumbing contractor come out and they were able to clear the lines as a temporary fix. As indicated, he stated he would have to camera scope the line to see condition and where breaks might be. We opted to hold off at present and will explore this at a later date. Thank you for your assistance! Linda