two years ago we claimed off our insurance company as tree roots had blocked our downstairs toilet, we paid £100 access. We now have another problem from the same tree roots only this one is causing the upstairs toilet to block and they want another £100 of us as they say this is a seperate claim. I can't help feeling this is unfair as this is the same trees roots and it should have been detected the first time around. What do you think?
2006-11-21 21:38:02 · 10 answers · asked by Hannah L 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
This is a cheap claim - most insurance companies find any way they can not to pay up. But this time make sure there is some kind of barrier (membrane ) between the tree roots and your drains, if at all possible. You don't say how big the tree is, but if killing it would not pose a hazard, use SBK (from horticultural suppliers) or similar drilled into the wood. Mix the SBK with oil and plug the drill holes with putty or filler. This will effectively kill the tree and stop the roots growing. Otherwise insurance companies, after a third claim for tree root damage, will give you a bad claims record. That helps them reduce the payout when you have to make a big claim, such as the house burning to the ground. The phrase they use is "vexatious claimant".
2006-11-21 21:54:48 · answer #1 · answered by cfc1902 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a product called ROOTO comes in a white and red can. If you use this as per instructions the tree roots should be eliminated. You will have to do periodic maintenance and repeat the procedure... But get rid of the trees that are close to the house, your drains are a water source.
2006-11-22 12:32:22 · answer #2 · answered by Lamont 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If this tree is continously blocking ur drains, then u should think about removing the tree, as the tree is probably also destroying the foundations to ur house..
So u should be asking them to remove the tree, then u will have no future probs with paying them to cut the roots every few years
2006-11-22 05:48:33 · answer #3 · answered by secret 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
is this a willow tree? They are notorious for seeking water.
I would remove the tree but there are potential issues with this (1) increasing the amount of moisture in the soil and (2) when the roots rot they are leaving air pockets which might result in subsidence or leave channels for water to run down.
Some kind of surveyor or building inspector needs to look at the tree and the house.
2006-11-22 06:33:14 · answer #4 · answered by XT rider 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think you should count yourself lucky that you only have to pay one hundred pounds.
i am a drainage engineer by trade and i see this a lot, some insurance companies wont pay at all, and it can run into thousands of pounds. stop moaning and pay up.
these roots may not of been there 2 years ago, it doesn't take long for them to take hold once they are in.
2006-11-22 05:42:39 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
seems fine to me, insurance companies are not paid to provide preventative maintenance, thats your job.
I'm suprised they are even paying up the secod time around as they have proof the tree was a problem and you didn't do anything about checking it out and stopping it damaging the drains.
lucky you.
2006-11-22 06:04:50 · answer #6 · answered by Michael H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
typical insurance company. but on the plus side a lot of insurance company's don't cover drainage or supply to your house. i know i would rather pay £100 than pay the full cost.
2006-11-22 05:51:03 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
go buy a power rodder and learn how to use it because u will be using it twice a year.or chop down the trees and treat the stump with root killer.
2006-11-22 07:22:17 · answer #8 · answered by RAYMOND T 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your lucky !! if you want to do the job so the you never have a problem again, rip the trees down and renew the drainage (about £10K should do)
2006-11-22 15:42:48 · answer #9 · answered by Michael 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Two separate claims I'm afraid.
2006-11-22 05:44:58 · answer #10 · answered by Chariotmender 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋