This past weekend, sewage water started gushing from my guest bathroom toilet. The water was coming from the washing machine as it was draining. I called the plumber, and he found a Ficus tree had some how found its way into the cap of the "clean out" near my home. The root was trapping any debris that would float by and caused a clog. With no place to go, the water came out of the toilet and I had about 3-4 inches poor into the bathroom and then into the dining room area. The carpet and walls soaked it up like a sponge. I was worried that mildew and odors would be the result, so I called a carpet cleaning company. The plumber cost me about $385 so I was expecting the cleaner to be no more than that. He tore up the carpet and cut away the padding, then installed 4 blowers and a dehumidifier. Because the water had gotten into the walls, the blowers and dehumidifier have to be in place for 4 days. The total cost for this was $1975. I was flabbergasted, but I guess this is covered by my insurance. I do have a $500 deductable and this is the reason for my question. According to the HOA By-Laws, the HOA is responsible for the trimming and upkeep of the shrubs around the grounds. I live in a Townhouse. They arte not responsible for anything that happens under the porperty, which I assume means if a pipe burst. The cleanout is on the outside of the house and the shrubs grow along side the building. Are they liable for the plumbing fee, and if so, are they also liable for the $500 deductable that I have to pay on the insurance? ANy comments would be helpful. This is my first home and my first time ever living with an association. I have rented apartments before this and we have only lived in this home for 2 months. Thank you.
M Vadnais
M Vadnais
I'm going to refer you to a Nolo Press book, "How to Win In Small Claims Court". You can borrow it from the library or buy it. It will answer questions you haven't even thought of yet.