Emergency Plumbing Fund: Restoring Water Access

Hi! My name is Jay and I recently bought a home. Unfortunately, the seller didn't disclose the extensive plumbing issues before purchase and the inspector did not catch them. As it stands, I can't use the water in my home because every time I do, the basement floods with sewage. I don't know if you've ever cleaned up raw, fresh sewage but I definitely cannot recommend it, for health and safety reasons on top of the sheer yuckiness.

I have an estimate for the repairs, which comes out to $20,500 in total. This price is so high because they have to cut into the road, sidewalk, and curb, get permits to work on city property (the pipes are messed up all the way to the city sewage junction under the street), and excavate between 8' and 15' down.

Fortunately, I have homeowners insurance that covers line maintenance! Unfortunately, it will only cover $10k of the total costs. I have some money in the bank but given that I just bought a house, it's not much. It's definitely not $10.5k.

I have not been able to use my washing machine or shower in a month. The toilet can only be flushed twice a day, to give the pipes time to drain without backing up. Laundromats and understanding friends have been a lifesaver but this isn't sustainable.

Please help my child and I have access to running water in our new home!