Scenario: tree roots, a clay sewer line and laundry day

The situation

Illustrative example. Not a real job or customer.

A hypothetical 1930s house on a tree-lined Englewood block still has its original clay tile sewer lateral running under the front yard to the street. A large shade tree grows near the line. The basement is partly finished, with a laundry area beside the floor drain and a carpeted rec room next to it.

1. For several weeks, the basement floor drain gurgles when the upstairs toilet is flushed and the shower drains slowly.
2. On a Saturday morning, the washer drains a full load. Gray water with solids rises out of the floor drain and spreads under the rec room door.
3. The household stops all water use, keeps the children upstairs and checks with next-door neighbors, who have no problems.
4. A plumber cables the line and pulls out a mass of fine roots. A camera shows roots entering at several clay joints.
5. The owners call their insurer and learn they have a sewer backup endorsement with a limit. A cleanup provider removes the rec room carpet, pad and lower drywall, then cleans, disinfects and dries the slab and framing.

The basement is back in use after drying and rebuilding. The plumber recommends lining or replacing the lateral, since roots will return through the same joints. The owners schedule cleaning until they can do the repair.