DIY Plumbing Repairs - You Have Homeowners Insurance, Use It!
by: Ray Breitenbach
Since most home owners insurance policies don't cover the cost of repairs few people think to check with them when plumbing problems
occur. Although they may not cover the repair, they will usually cover the value of damaged property including cleaning up after the repair. The scope of this type of project is typically not a diy plumbing repair project so you will want to find any way you can to help pay for it.
A few years ago I had the misfortune of finding water seeping through a wall in my basement one spring. First this was blamed on a very wet season. Next, when dry weather came around and the leak was still there a basement waterproofing contractor was called in. It was no suprise when this contractor informed me that I had ground water and needed their expensive services. Since the company had a vested interest in me believing this they did not seem to feel the need to offer any other possible explanation. Based on the fact that the remaining 95% of the basement walls had no such problem a third opinion was in order.
Based on the proximity of the leak to the primary kitchen drain pipes a third contractor was called. After a short examination, the plumbing contractor was able to determine that the kitchen drain pipe was leaking (not where we could access it easily of course but behind a cinder block wall under a concrete slab).
The plumbing contractor then made an unexpected suggestion - call my insurance company before starting the repair. That was when he explained that the company would not pay for the repair, but they would pay for the cost of jack hammering up my living room, hall, and/or office floor to find the leak and cleaning up afterwards. He was also able to suggest an alternative solution that was cleaner and much less expensive and present it to the insurance company.
Two repair scenarios were proposed.
The first project would involved having the plumbing contractor find the leak under the living room slab, repair the drain pipe, and then replace the concrete and flooring to clean up after the project. As would be expected the estimate for this repair was on the high side ($4000+ by the time all the cleanup work would have been completed).
The second repair was considerably less intrusive - they would cap off the existing drain line (kitchen only) and re-route it through the joist's in the basement and re-connect it to the main line outside the house. The only "heavy" work in this proposal was cutting a 6 inch hole in the exterior wall and digging a trench to run the new pipe to be reconnected. The remainder of the work amounted to a fairly simple plumbing repair. The net cost for this repair was about half the first proposal
With both of these proposals on hand, the insurance company had no problem in justifying payment for the FULL SECOND OPTION (less deductable of course). The insurance company saved money, the home owner saved money, and the repair was accomplished within 2 days with a minimum of cleanup required.
This entire project demonstrated the value of a good plumbing contractor. They were able to quickly identify the problem, propose multiple solutions, and help justify the payment by the insurance company.
This repair also demonstrated the value of a insurance company. The insurance company was willing to accept and pay for an alternative solution as well as inform the home owner of all the expenses that should be recorded for reimbursement.
About The Author
Ray Breitenbach writes for Simple Home Repairs -
handyman@simplehomerepairs.com
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Looking After Your Pet?s Health
Looking After Your Pet?s Health
by: Joseph Kenny
Animal lovers have been saying it for years, but animals, especially pets, are people too! While this is usually meant as a joke, there are elements of truth in it. Many people consider their pet to be a member of the family, and especially for children, the companionship of a loved pet can be something they?ll remember and cherish for their whole life.
That is why there are some things that you should think about for your pet. Obviously you will want it to be happy, and you should therefore make sure that you are feeding it well, with nutritious and healthy food. This doesn?t mean going overboard and giving your dog steak every day, but there are plenty of good quality pet food brands on the market and if you choose one of these it should keep your pet happy and healthy.
Another thing you may wish to give consideration to is housing and space. Make sure you have enough space for the pet...
Looking After Your Pet?s Health
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Fear Of Flying
Fear Of Flying
by: Joseph Kenny
There are a few fears in life that defy logic. Fear of spiders may be one, fear of lifts is another, and perhaps a fear of flying is another. Everyday, thousands of planes take off around the world, carrying millions of passengers safely to their destination. Flying is one of the safest, if not the safest, form of travel available. It is far safer than getting in the car, yet over one third of the population still report a fear of flying.
People cite many concerns when they talk of their fear of flying. Many report a lack of confidence in the air traffic control system and fear that a simple mistake on the ground can lead to disaster in the air. Then there are fears of faults with the plane itself. Most people saw the pictures of the concord crash a few years ago and when you?re sitting on an airplane, a few feet from the massive jet engines humming steadily, it seems very hard to believe that nothing could go...
Fear Of Flying
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Auto Insurance Guide- Get your Auto Insurance Policy
Auto Insurance Guide- Get your Auto Insurance Policy
by: Gagandeep Dhaliwal
Auto insurance provides complete protection against losses happened as a result of vehicle accidents. Normally it includes car insurance and motor insurance. The customers purchase this insurance policy just to reduce the risk incurred due to accidents of cars, trucks and other vehicles. People can also secure their vehicles against theft, fire damage or accident damage.
Auto insurance policy may cover insured party, insured vehicle as well as third party that are involved in the accident. Sometimes policy is valid for certain circumstances. Different policies are available for the customers and they can purchase anyone as per their requirements. Coverage levels can vary for each auto insurance policy.
Insurance is one of the essential things to secure you, your family as well as your vehicle. You?ve to just pay a certain amount of premium for a fixed period...
Auto Insurance Guide- Get your Auto Insurance Policy
Car insurance > Auto Insurance Guide- Get your Auto Insurance Policy
Get Your Car Ready for Winter
Get Your Car Ready for Winter
by: Marilyn Pokorney
Driving in winter conditions tests your car to the limit.
If something isn't working properly under the best
conditions it certainly isn't going to work when it's cold
and stormy.
Here are some tips to keep your car running
well in the winter.
The first thing to check before the weather gets cold is the
anti freeze level.
Not only how much fluid is in the
radiator, but also the ratio of antifreeze/water content.
Have a tune up done. Have your spark plugs cleaned and re-
gapped or replaced.
Change to a lighter oil which will help protect your engine
from excessive wear when starting a cold car. Heavier oil
takes longer to circulate into the motor and internal damage
can occur.
Change to winter wiper blades are a must for icy driving.
Whenever starting your car, make sure that there is nothing
obstructing the...
Get Your Car Ready for Winter
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Another Kind of Horse Brand: Business Branding in Equine Marketing
Another Kind of Horse Brand: Business Branding in Equine Marketing
by: I. M. Andrews
It's winter time, the breed inspection season has come and gone in North America, and along with it branding season.
Branding season for horses--NOT for horse BUSINESSES.
If you have any business or marketing background, or have done any reading on the subject, you have heard of branding in the business context. Let's take a look at what that actually is.
Brands...
Another Kind of Horse Brand: Business Branding in Equine Marketing horse DIY Plumbing Repairs - You Have Homeowners Insurance, Use It!
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DIY Plumbing Repairs - You Have Homeowners Insurance, Use It!
DIY Plumbing Repairs - You Have Homeowners Insurance, Use It! incorporate
DIY Plumbing Repairs - You Have Homeowners Insurance, Use It!
DIY Plumbing Repairs - You Have Homeowners Insurance, Use It! pool table Car insurance
DIY Plumbing Repairs - You Have Homeowners Insurance, Use It! Car insurance tires