Ok this might be long but I need some suggestions. It started with the downstairs toilet not flushing properly but the upstairs toilet and tub - all fine. Didn't use the downstairs for two days - just to see if it cleared itself up :-) Actually was fine on the third day - then had problems again so I decided to call someone out.

We have used Roto Rooter a few years back and then snaked out the main - so figured it was just time again. The guy came out and for 4 hours tried to clear the line - kept asking if I heard anything in the house because he was hitting something hard - I told him nothing in the house. So I go outside and I hear a loud banging in my front side yard - tell him but he doesn't come look just keeps going with the machine. Says he used up all 100ft of the line - no luck. Then he asks ME which way the line runs - like I would know lol - said if memory served me the last time they were out the guy said to the backyard area. He says no and looks for a manhole cover - finds one in the neighbors front yard - says that proves the line goes to the front of the house. Never see the line come out the hole inside the manhole - so I am taking his word for that.

So finally end of the story - he has me turn on the tub downstairs and leave it running - nothing coming out the pipe into the manhole - but now lots of water running down my driveway from the side yard where I hear the thumping earlier. He know says I have a broken pipe - but he didn't do it - probably was cracked but maybe his snaking it caused it to shift etc. Now...Now...he thinks a camera would be a good idea - 4 hours later and that runs 500.00 on top of the 300.00 to clear the line (which he didn't do - just left me with a broken pipe.)

Is this their fault or mine? Does insurance normally cover a broken pipe in the yard? He gives me a rough quote of 2500 to 5000 - he figures 80 feet pipe. I ask if it is broken - why replace 80 feet and not 5 feet or something - wherever the pipe is broke? He had a answer of course - something about slope angle or something.

When I say I think you broke the pipe - he said that's not possible.

Please advise if you can - not my area of expertise. Thanks!! 

Sorry this happened to you. Plumbing is out of my realm of expertise.

My advice is to:
Call your insurance agent regarding coverage. Some HO policies end at the house.

Fire Roto Rooter and call a local, reputable company like GAP or Omega Plumbing to diagnose the problem. 

It is possible he broke the pipe but you'll never prove it. With a broken pipe, the camera was a wasted $500.00.

The cost quoted for replacement is about right but I would question 80 feet too. A sewer line has to have a downward slope of several inches over its entire length. Chances are, there are some bulges and bows in the line due to settling over the years.

As fr homeowners insurance, it depends upon your deductible. 

NEVER NEVER EVER TRUST ROTO ROOTER. EVER!!!

CALL A REAL PLUMBER.

THAT I HAVE LEARNED FROM EXPERIENCE.

CALL ALPHA OMEGA OR SOMEONE OF EQUAL WORTH.

Sorry for the rant, but I truly hate roto-rooter. 

I will not be using Roto Rooter for the pipe repair - funny their last quote is down from initial 80 feet of pipe to 5 feet after I asked why the whole sewer pipe would need replaced instead of just the section of pipe at the break. Their quote for 5 feet is 2100.00

Called Alpha Omega but they were closed today until Monday but I left a message.