[job816]

Our plumbers recommended a new sewer line (less than a month old) due to major deterioration. They replaced using a trench-less method, but then within one week our toilet backed up and was percolating. We had to call roto rooter one night to snake toilet. I asked our original plumber to come look 3xs, but he never did. We called roto rooter to use camera and they found the main sewer line under water, with about 40 feet of sag from cleanup to about 20 ft before it finally drops to main sewer line. Called original plumber and he says some sag is normal as is some water in line. Roto rooter says this is not true. Also original plumber says there was not sag there to start. What should I do? Thanks for your help.

[ballengerb1]

Sags happen but your was likely there when the guy relined it. I am assuming that's what he did when you say trenchless. They blew a liner inside the old pipe and that pipe had a sahg so now your new liner has one too. His fault but the hard part will be to get him to fess up. You might consult a lawyer about your chances in small claims court, sue him

[argaiu1017]

Hi,

What u should have done is pull permit for any repair, alterations, converting, etc. In your situation had u pulled permit, the inspector would inspect work while plumber is present and sends camera through new sewer line and made sure there is 1/4" per foot. Never accept work without permits for any type of work performed above.
Contact orig. plumber to repair sags or contact consumer affairs that administers the contractors license and they have the right to investigate and possibly discipline the contractor.
Contractors should be bonded to protect consumers from damages that resulted from violation of contractors license law.
With trenchless piping, it will burst through existing and will follow existint sagging pipes. I have a relative in the industry that has been in this situation. Goodluck.

[job816]

Yes, they blew a liner through, but the paperwork just says for deterioration. They did, however, have full permits for work and I assumed all passed as per plumber. But now my understanding is that where I live the inspector does not require check for sags. Someone else also me to bring up the contractor licensing board if he will not rectify. So that I will do. Thanks for your responses.

[massplumber2008]

Hey Job...

Did they camera the drain line before they relined? If they did then that was the time to mention the sagging drain line and inform you that the trenchless method would not work here.

If a drain line is "deteriorated" and has belly/sags and I camera the drain line then my job as a professional is to show you the video (or have you present while I inspect via camera) and discuss all options. As much as you would not have liked it and I may have lost the job to anoher guy that contradicted me you would have been told to dig the pipes up and replace.

In my opinion, the licensing board can't help you here, but a good video of the drain line will... in court... ;) I'd get a good lawyer and have him/her send a letter stating facts and then proceed to court if needed. There is no way this guy will make it right by digging up and replacing unless a court makes him.

That's my thoughts...

Good luck!

Mark