Stories from the Trade Show: Do You Even Need Sewer Replacement?

They say fact is stranger than fiction…

An older woman approaches me at a recent trade show and says, “How much do you guys charge for sewer replacement?”

“It depends on a bunch of things,” I reply. “Can you tell me a little about what’s going on?”

I always ask that question when people ask me things because a lot of times they have misinformation and have already made diagnosis about what’s happening based on that.

“Well, I live in a cul-de-sac with four houses and two of my neighbors have gotten sewer replacement. I figure it’s just a matter of time.”

I smile and ask, “How often are you having sewer backups?”

This is important because most the time, there are signs it is bad or going bad.

“Oh, never. We haven’t had them in the time me and my husband have been in the house,” she answered.

“Ok, and how long have you been in the house?”

“Twenty-two years,” she pauses and then adds, “I’m sure it is time to get it replaced.”

I looked at her with gentleness. “The sewer line isn’t an appliance — it isn’t just going to stop working. I have seen 100-year-old sewer lines that are in perfect condition.”

She looked at me a little surprised. I continued, “Let me ask you something, if your neighbor broke their arm, would YOU get a cast?”

She smiled at me, “Heavens no!”

“Ok, so, if you would like to have peace of mind, we can come clean the line and see if everything is ok. It sounds like it probably is. After that long maybe just a sewer cleaning is in order.”

“Thank you dear. I will take your card… and this piece of candy.”

You know what? She did give us a call. Hope you will too.