Engineering manager: Send to owner for 1st & 2nd Major sewer backup, in more than 1 room caused by failing pipes vs one off issue . Engineering manager to create ticket "123 Main St.- Sewer Backup Strike #1 or #2"
Greetings Owner Partner,
Mike Flannery, Acme founder & 20 year General Contractor, authored this article. I wrote this article to help in a unique position to provide insights and strategies following your recent major plumbing backup.
Definition of serviceability related major plumbing backup is more than 1 room backup, caused primarily by old pipes, failing pipes, pipes installed incorrectly, or caused by root intrusion. These backups on pipes like this, are almost always exacerbated by someone's heavy use of the pipes for instance flushing wipes. However vacation rental homes require serviceable drain ways, for this typical type of use because guests are heavy users, and by nature of their private use, we cannot prove who flushed the bundle of wipes, or too much toilet paper or too heavily used the garbage disposal. Therefore if wipes are going to clog your drain lines, fixing the drain lines is the only strategy that works.
In other words,
Acme is in the guest service business, we are also partners to our owners, with a fiduciary responsibility to ensure we do not give you advice which may cause you undue expense or hardship. We have 15 years of hosting experience, in over 400 properties. We know what to expect when plumving A major backup occurs when multiple rooms are affected or when issues arise from aging pipes or root intrusion, rather than from a blockage caused by misuse. Acme requires that any problems related to old pipes be fully addressed after the second incident. If a third backup occurs and is connected to previous issues, we will need to block the calendar and relocate guests until the problem is completely resolved. This policy is in place to protect your home from unexpected costs, refund requests, and negative reviews, while also safeguarding Acme staff and vendors from hazardous bio-materials.
We are here to assist with incidental and preventative maintenance, but large-scale repairs or project management fall outside our scope. In these situations, we encourage you to take the lead and engage directly with vendors to ensure your needs are met. Acme has a network of recommended vendors through our service agreements, who offer discounts to Acme homeowners. However, it is crucial that you evaluate their bids for completeness and fairness in pricing.
Please note, clearing, hydro jetting, or using root killer chemicals will not resolve issues caused by deteriorating pipes or root intrusion. If the problem stems from these factors, recurrence is inevitable. For this reason, we strongly advise investing in permanent solutions.
Plumbers often approach residential plumbing differently than commercial plumbing, which can lead to temporary, expensive repairs. These might be acceptable in a home where you’re willing to endure occasional breakdowns, but they are not suitable for rental properties. Guests expect a higher standard of care and will not tolerate issues such as backed-up sewage, especially when a plumber acknowledges that the pipes should have been replaced years ago. These events can result in significant losses, including lost bookings and emergency service costs, which may exceed the cost of replacing the sewage lines. Thus, it is essential to consider long-term solutions from a business standpoint. Our team is available to guide and support you, as we have likely encountered similar issues in other homes.
Note on Pipe Relining: While relining pipes can fix cracked or collapsed pipes, it is more complex when dealing with root intrusion. If you plan to keep your property long-term, replacing the pipes is generally a better option than relying on relining, which may only provide temporary relief. To eliminate root intrusion effectively, a landscaper must address the trees impacting the pipes and ensure the roots are killed to prevent further issues.
Our goal is to help you save time, money, and frustration by taking a proactive approach to plumbing problems. Considering the long-term impact and costs of plumbing issues, investing in permanent solutions will reduce the likelihood of future backups and improve your guests' experience.
Steps to Take:
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Choose a Reliable Plumbing Partner: Work with a trusted plumber to identify a permanent solution. Acme House Company can provide a list of recommended contractors.
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Set Expectations with the Plumber: Inform the plumber that you expect the pipes to function properly for 5 to 10 years.
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Conduct a Comprehensive Assessment: Have the plumber conduct a thorough assessment, which may include camera inspections. Compensate them for this service to avoid conflicts of interest. It is advisable to have someone present to ask questions and ensure your interests are represented, as Acme House Company cannot fulfill this role. You will also want to be on-site during the camera and locator work.
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Get an Estimate for a Permanent Solution: Request a price estimate for a permanent solution, such as adding cleanouts or replacing sewer lines.
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Review the Estimate: Have the Acme team review the price estimate and scope with our Director of Engineering.
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Schedule During the Off-Season: Whenever possible, schedule the work during the off-season to minimize the impact on bookings.
- 3rd strike Occurrence: If the backup issue recurs, related to the same problems from strikes 1 and 2, Acme House Company will proceed with implementing a third strike action."
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Seek Further Assistance: Let us know if you need any additional help or guidance.