Sewer Backup More than 1 Room - 1st & 2nd Strike

Engineering manager to send to owner, when 1st & 2nd Major sewer backup happens in more than 1 room, when it was not a clog unrelated to failing pipes. Engineering manager to create ticket "123 Main St.- Sewer Backup Xnd Strike"

Hello Owner Partner,
Mike Flannery, founder of Acme House Company and experienced vacation rental manager and contractor, here to share insights and policies following your recent major plumbing backup.
 
  • A major backup occurs when more than one room is affected or is due to failing pipes or root intrusion, not a plug based on misuse use. Acme requires that issues related to old pipes be fully resolved by the second occurrence. If a third backup happens, and it is related to previous incidents, we will need to block the calendar and relocate guests until the problem is fully resolved. This policy helps protect your home from unanticipated costs, refunds, and negative reviews, and Acme staff & vendors from dangerous bio hazards.
  • We are here to assist you with incidental and preventative maintenance. We leave large-scale repairs or project management. We encourage you to lead in these situations and engage with vendors directly to ensure your interests are met.   Acme has recommended vendors under our service agreements, who offer discounts to ACME homeowners. It is essential to evaluate their bids for comprehensiveness and fairness in pricing.
  • Roots and deteriorating pipes cannot be resolved by clearing, hydro jetting, or using root killer chemicals. If the issue stems from old pipes or roots, recurrence is guaranteed. Therefore, we strongly recommend investing in permanent solutions.
  • Plumbers often treat residential plumbing issues differently than commercial ones, which can lead to advice to limp it along with expensive temporary repairs.  These can work if you live in home, and are willing to endure breakdowns.  Guests are not, and have a higher standard of care, not accepting of backed up sewage in the home with the plumber admitting to them the pipes should have been deal with years ago.   These events cause significant costs from lost bookings and emergency services, sometimes surpassing the cost of replacing sewage lines if it keeps happening. Therefore, it's crucial to consider long-term solutions from a business perspective. Our team is here to provide guidance and resources, as we have likely encountered similar issues in other homes.
  • Note on Re lining:  While relining pipes can address cracked or bellied pipes, it is more complex with root intrusion. If you plan to keep your property, replacing the pipes is generally a better option than relying on relining, which may only provide temporary relief. To effectively eliminate root intrusion, a landscaper must address the trees impacting the lines and ensure the roots are killed to prevent recurrence.

Our goal is to save you time, money, and frustration by promoting a proactive approach to plumbing issues.

Consider the long-term impact and costs of plumbing issues. Investing in permanent solutions will reduce the likelihood of future backups and enhance the experience for your guests.

 

What steps should you take?

1. Find a reliable plumbing partner to help identify a suitable permanent solution; Acme House Company can provide a list of recommended contractors.

2. Inform the plumber that you expect the pipes to function properly for 5 to 10 years.

3. Inform the plumber that you have two projects: first, a comprehensive assessment of the problem, for which you should compensate them to avoid conflicts of interest. This may include camera inspections, so it's advisable to have someone present to ask questions and represent your interests, as Acme House Company cannot fulfill this role. and to do it right, you will want to be there to ask questions while the camera & locator work is underway.

4. The second project is to obtain a price estimate for a permanent solution, such as adding cleanouts or replacing sewer lines.

5. Request that the Acme team review the price estimate and scope with our Director of Engineering.

6. Whenever possible, schedule the work during the off-season to minimize the impact on bookings.

7. Please inform us if you need further assistance.

Sincerely,

Mike Flannery & your partners at Acme House Company

 
Link to 3rd or more strikes article 3 Strikes