The sewer line replacement scam

Below is a great blog that can be found at Johncflood.com. The topic is great advice to help the homeowner avoid being screwed by dishonest contractors that may be lurking out there! Sewer line repair or replacement is rarely necessary, yet it's happening more and more often to unsuspecting home owners....

5 signs of a sewer scam

Catastrophe strikes. A plumber comes to complete what appears to be a fairly simple sewer line clearance and then -- uh oh, there’s some trouble and you need a full replacement. When disaster strikes seemingly out of nowhere, talk to another professional before agreeing to any additional, major work.

• An over-the-top estimate. Some sewer repairs can be quite expensive, but if you see the bill climbing into five-digit territory, it’s time for a second opinion. Even the biggest sewer line replacement job for a family home shouldn’t cost more than $5,000 to $8,000 without extenuating circumstances. Fluctuations in cost can come from a difference in the length and depth of the line as well as other obstructions such as retaining walls and trees. Make sure you’re not getting hosed.
  
  • Phony video. The brazenness of this particular scam is surprising (and troubling): a plumber shows you a video with what appears to be ironclad proof of serious problems with your sewer line. What you are actually seeing, however, is someone else’s problem. The scam artist is playing a pre-recorded video! Slimy move, right? Ask your plumber to record some footage unique to your home before snaking the camera into your sewer line so you know for a fact that the images you see are yours.
    
    • Cutting confusion. Are there roots in your sewer line that are causing clogs? It’s a pretty common problem -- if the sewer pro insists that you need the line replaced, talk to someone else first. Does the plumber claim that his blade can’t cut those roots? Make sure he’s using a three- or four-inch blade to take full advantage of the room offered by the pipe. If he can’t (or won’t) handle the bigger cutting tool, call someone else.
      
      • Right tools, wrong job. When a few guys with shovels show up to take care of a heavy equipment job that was scoped at several thousand dollars and it’s done in a fraction of the time the contractor promised, it’s time to ask some serious questions -- and to make some phone calls to the authorities.
    • Don’t take risks with your home or bank account (or the assets of your friends, family and neighbors). If a questionable contractor approaches you, feel empowered to walk away. If you don’t trust the contractor working with your friend or family member, have the courage to ask questions. Demand to see the work in progress, the agreement and any required permits.
    • Avoid these sewer repair scams and uncomfortable problems by working only with service professionals that you know and trust -- professionals with references, reviews and a track record of quality, honesty and transparency.