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shovmama · May 6, 2015, 03:14 PM

About 6 years ago the city replaced the main line in the middle of the street. The company they subcontracted the job to was horrible. They broke several homes' sewer lines, a couple gas lines, and more than one foreman was fired before the job was finished. A year or so after that we started having plumbing problems - the washer would back up into the toilet, etc. Every house on our street was also having the same problems at about the same time. We had a plumber come out to snake our main drain and he also ran a camera down. Our house was built in 1955 so we have the clay pipes. What the plumbers discovered was that when the city reconnected everyone's sewer line to the city main they used PVC. Our house was built in 1955 so we have the clay pipes and our whole line up to where the city reconnected was fine but the PVC they installed was broken. This is less than a foot from where it reconnects into the city main. I have pictures of the break clearly showing it's in the PVC and the distance from the house but the city is trying to say it's our responsibility to fix it. Is it our responsibility when it's something they replaced and if not, how do we get them to fix it?

Milo Dolezal · May 6, 2015, 06:14 PM

We have had a similar situation like yours. In this particular case, Homeowner had to repair the damage caused by the City's contractor, paying for the entire repair job himself - then he had to sue the City for refund. That was the protocol. Sadly, Homeowner then had to wait about 2 years to get reimbursed.

Not sure how long is contractor responsible for such work, but chances are it may be up to 10 years.

First, I would try to contact the contractor who did the original work and ask him to do the necessary repairs. If he refuses, I would go after his insurance and bond. Every time contractors works in public places, he has to carry large insurance and bond. You could find out who these agencies were and file a claim with both insurance and bond company.

Milo

Fr_Chuck · May 7, 2015, 02:37 AM

The general rule, is that the home owner pays from connection, to the house. But with the issues of sub-contractor, there may be come liability if this is proven.

The issue as noted, it is doubtful that the city will just fix it. (but you can ask them) get a written statement from the plumbing company, and go see the city maintenance director. If they will not, you will have to fix it, and then sue the city for damages.