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we just bought a house 2 mos ago and have been having plumbing problems since we moved in now when you flush the toilet water comes up into the sink also the seller disconnected the entire venting system to the bathroom also we have a crack in the sewer line and our storm drain goes to our neighbors yard all problems which did not happen in 2 mos how do i go about this none of this was disclosed to us where do i start first our inspector never found this either and the city did a sewer dye test shouldent they have found this to please help is going to cost almost 8,000 to fix???

2007-10-06 10:56:42 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance Renting & Real Estate

Oh I think he did or why else did he go around scratching the name of his plumber off the hot water tank and the neighbor told us he had a plumber over there not to long ago

2007-10-06 11:15:04 · update #1

4 answers

The previous owner may not have known about the plumbing problems. While they may take some time in the making you usually do not know until the system shuts down, as yours has. You can claim this against your homeowners insurance.

Welcome to home ownership.

2007-10-06 11:10:59 · answer #1 · answered by Landlord 7 · 0 2

Several issues here. The easiest solution would have been if you got a home warranty when you bought the property. I assume you didn't., but the Home warranty would have paid for all of these issues. I normally suggest first time home buyers - or any buyer purchasing an older home, to get a home warranty.

That said, as an experience home rehabber the problems you describe really aren't that major of an issue.

1) Bathroom venting system disconnected is a small job, even if you have to completely replace the vents and fan motors that is only a couple hundred dollars, and probably much less.

2) The problem with the water backing up in the sink is a partially clogged sewer line. If it was the only problem I would say getting a plumber to "snake" your line would do it - but it probably is part of the issue with the storm water draining. I can't understand how this could be an $8,000 problem as you could more that replace the entire sewer line for what you are talking about in about everything short of Donald Trump's mansion. Replacing the problem with the sewer line should only be a maximum of $1,000- probably much less, if you have a close idea of approximately where the break is.

As far as who should pay:

You could make a case that the city, inspector the seller and the seller's real estate agent should have disclosed at least some of these things to you. The case would be that they didn't either through incompetence or laziness. You can demand that one or all pay for the repairs. The trouble is, most likely they won't voluntarily. Your only recourse would then be to take them to court to make them pay for the repairs, but depending on where you are it could take several months - up to a year to get a judge to hear the case.

I would send a demand letter to the seller, the inspector and the real estate agent, by registered mail and outline the problems and demand they pay for the repairs for these "undisclosed material problems with this property" - With luck, you might be able to negotiate some kind of settlement, but I have a hunch your most likely course will be to talk to an attorney and see about your chances in court.

I'd also check with some different repair people about the costs to fix your problems. unless there are details you haven't provided, those costs are simply outrageous.

I wish you well.

2007-10-06 18:20:04 · answer #2 · answered by rlloydevans 4 · 2 0

You MIGHT have a claim against the seller and possibly the selling agent. Proving who knew what and when they knew it can be difficult, however. The plumber's name being scratched off of the water heater is a tell, as well as the neighbor's report of a plumber being at the property. However prevailing in court will probably be difficult.

This isn't the type of thing covered by homeowners insurance. Ask your agent, but this is probably on you. My policy certainly doesn't cover this type of problem.

Consult with an attorney about the likelihood of success in proceeding against the seller. If you're "only" looking at $8,000 it may not be worth going after him. That's pretty cheap as that type of repair goes.

2007-10-06 18:20:29 · answer #3 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 2 1

Definitely get some licensed contractors out to estimate the jobs. The $8,000 sounds very high, at least where I live. I would also consult with an attorney to get professional advice on how to proceed. Good luck!

2007-10-06 20:44:37 · answer #4 · answered by Christiane 3 · 0 0

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