We have heard from a few people lately who feel they were caught in a Sewer Scope Scam
This would include what is called a Sewer Replacement Scam, Video Sewer Scope Scam, Sewer Snake Scam, or Sewer Camera Scam.
Here are some red flags to look for if you are worried you are being or have been scammed:
1. You are not allowed to have a copy of the video that was taken without an additional charge.
If you have your line scoped (video camera inspection performed), and you paid for that service, it should include a copy of the DVD. You are free to take this DVD and use it to get a second opinion. Call your local Sanitation Department, or another sewer company and ask if they will watch the DVD and give a second opinion. This should cost little to nothing.
2. You are pressured to make an immediate decision.
The pain of having a sewer line that is not functioning is significant enough without the pain of being pressured into a large purchase. Most sewer replacements and sewer repairs we have heard about lately have been between $3500-$25,000. This is a HUGE hit to any budget. Make a quick decision, but make it after you have gotten a second and even third opinion.
3. You haven’t ever had a sewer issue, or this is your first sewer issue.
Rarely have we seen a sewer line that backs up once and is broken. Usually there is a troubling, on-going problem. There are, however, times when there were no problems and the ground settled, or roots built up slowly and systematically until nothing could get through. There are times that preventative maintenance could have kept something in check, that is now a massive problem. Sometimes, it is hard to get through the line and a suggestion is made to replace the area of pipe that is clogged. The price and headache to continue laboring to remove the clog should be checked against that of replacing the line.
4. All your neighbors (or some of your neighbors) had their sewer lines replaced.
Peer pressure is no reason to get a sewer line replaced. Just because someone tells you that your neighbor needed a new sewer line, doesn’t mean you need to. Unless the neighborhood is sitting on a sinkhole, or part of a class action suit against the builder, get a specific look at your own line and determine if the need is there. Would you get a cast on your arm if your neighbor broke theirs?
Have more questions? Contact the Denver-area sewer cleaners who believe in integrity. Give Garvin’s Sewer Service a call today!
