septic tank

[Sabrina]

We moved into our modular home in Nov 2002. Shortly after we moved in, we noticed the backyard had standing water (which we later found out was sewage). The toliets also made bubbling sounds all of the time. We called the company we bought the house from and they sent a plumber to fix the problem. Well, a year later the problem still stands. Recently, our neighbors called the Health Dept and reported that we had septic problems. A representative from the Health Dept has been coming out here regularly to try to figure out what the problem is. He has told us that the system was installed incorrectly and that our house was never put through a final inspection!...The modular company seemed to have forgot that step. So, we should have never moved into our home until that final inspection. Also the health dept representative said that the septic must not have been hooked up when we first moved in, and thats why we started having all of these problems. I called the modular company and they told me the septic tank was only covered for a year. I have had tons of problems with this company and everytime I call, they either avoid me or they are really short with me. Should they be responsible for the damages and repairs since they never got that final inspection on our home? We have thought about getting a lawyer, but I don't know if we even have a case. The Health Dept rep seems to think we do though. He said that he can provide any documentation that is needed to prove we never received that last inspection. Any advice would be appreciated!

[rmurray]

Must be that the home was already set up when you bought it...I assume the home was new..

That said...if you bought the dealer from the original developer..they would be responsible...you are lucky the health department has not ordered you to quit using the tank..

The health department records should show the name of the contractor who put in the tank...If so..call them and get an estimate as to what it will take to get it right..present it to the developer...maybe then you will need an attorney..maybe small claims court is all you need..no attorney will be necessary...just fix the problem and file a suit..You tell your story..they tell theirs...judge decides..This process is cheap and quick..

[James]

If your state has a board for contractors call them, also call the bbb.