When Alphonso and Tierney Whitfield first moved into their College Park, Georgia home in 2022, they were eager to start their new life together. But that hope quickly turned into a headache when they discovered plumbing issues, Atlanta News First (ANF) reported.
Every time the couple flushed their toilets, wastewater appeared in their yard. Unsure of the cause, they hired a local plumbing company. Estes Plumbing discovered the sewer line needed to be replaced and applied for a permit from the city to complete the work.
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The total cost was $8,000 — a hefty sum for anyone, but especially for new homeowners. The worst part? Replacing the line didn’t fix the couple’s sewage issues.
That’s because the issue could only be solved by fixing an issue on city property, something that only happened this month.
“It feels like I finally started living in my home, living in my yard, having people over,” Alphonso told ANF Consumer Investigator Harry Samler.
But why did the city take so long to intervene?
Why didn’t the plumbing line replacement work?
Estes Plumbing technician Logan Cumby determined that the Whitfields’ issue had nothing to do with the new line but instead with part of an old line located on city property.
“When a plumbing company replaces a residential sewage line, it typically does not do work on city property,” Cumby told ANF. “We determined the break is in the street, and we can’t fix it because it’s not on the homeowner’s property.”
But city officials pushed back, saying the plumbing company must have connected the Whitfields’ new line to a city pipe no longer in use. But Bill Knox, a manager at Estes Plumbing, insisted that wasn’t true.
“If we mess something up, we stand by it, and we’ll fix it,” Knox told reporters. “But in this case, we’ve done everything right.”
The Estes team returned to the Whitfields’ property and ran a camera through their sewer line. The footage showed the new sewer line was properly connected and intact until it reached an older pipe located under the street — and on city property.
The footage showed an older clay pipe that seemed to have collapsed, likely causing the Whitfields’ sewer issues. A neighbor a few homes away had also reported problems with their sewer, indicating the cause likely wasn’t the new sewer line on the Whitfields’ property.
Following further investigation, a College Park City spokesperson confirmed the city would connect the Whitfields’ line to the city tap for $1,600. A few days later, Department of Public Works officials showed up to replace the collapsed pipe and connect the city line to the Whitfields’ home.
After the lines were replaced, everything was finally flowing correctly for the first time in two years.
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How to budget for unexpected home repairs
Unexpected home repairs, like the plumbing nightmare the Whitfields experienced, can strain homeowners financially. Here are several proactive steps to protect yourself:
Consider a home warranty
A warranty typically covers the repair or replacement of major home systems for a relatively affordable annual fee. However, carefully read the fine print to understand exactly what’s included. Often, issues arising from normal wear and tear are excluded from coverage.
Early intervention can reduce costs
Addressing minor issues quickly can prevent them from escalating into major repairs. Regular home maintenance, like routine plumbing inspections, gutter cleaning or HVAC system checks, can help you catch problems early, reducing long-term costs.
Create a sinking fund for home costs
Setting up a dedicated savings account specifically for home-related expenses ensures you’re prepared when unexpected costs arise. Experts generally recommend setting aside between 1% to 3% of your home’s value annually. If your home is valued at $300,000, this translates to saving between $3,000 and $9,000 per year.
Compare quotes from multiple service providers
When faced with a major repair, request estimates from several contractors. Prices can vary dramatically between providers, and reviewing multiple quotes ensures you’re getting a fair price and helps you better understand the scope of work required.
Research legal aid options
If your home repair involves another party, such as a neighbor, the city or a contractor, knowing where to find legal assistance can be critical. Local legal aid societies, homeowner advocacy groups or a real estate attorney can provide guidance and representation if needed.
Finally, make sure you understand what your homeowner’s policy covers. Depending on the nature of the repair, your home insurance may cover some or all of the expense.
Being proactive in financial and home management strategies can save you significant time, stress and money in the long run.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
