Ouch! That pretty tree is breaking our sewer line

That pretty tree in the parkway in front of Caring House has a dark underside. And could cost us $10,000 or more. Its roots have been breaking apart and infiltrating the section of our clay sewer line that runs under the street.

Our trusty plumber tells us the sewer line could collapse with a heavy truck rumbling over or with a modest earthquake. While it’s unpredictable, and might not happen for months, it could happen at any time!

We need to have licensed professionals dig up the street and replace 15 to 20 feet of our sewer line. We’re still working out the costs, but it looks like it could be an expense of $10,000 or more. Ouch!

Bottom line, we need to fix this. And we need to do it now. We do have some cash in reserve, and to the extent we need to we’ll use that first (and replenish the cash with donations).

March 8 Update

In just eight days fast and generous Caring House supporters donated enough money so we’ve ended the Ouch! Appeal. Read more.

The Ouch! Appeal [for historical purposes only]

Today we’re launching a special appeal for donations to help us replace the part of our sewer line that the tree is breaking. Our goal is to raise $10,000 — we’ll adjust the amount once we have the exact cost numbers.

Please donate now on our special Ouch! Appeal page.

If you’d rather write a check, make it payable to Caring House and drop it off at the house or mail it to Caring House, 2842 El Dorado Street, Torrance, CA 90503.

Caring House is an IRC §501(c)(3) charity, and donations are deductible as charitable contributions. Caring House’s tax identification number is 20-2201206.

Please donate now on our special Ouch! Appeal page.

With your help, we’ll keep Caring House humming  — and even forgive that pretty tree.