ComplaintsforC J Plumbing & Contracting LLC

• Initial Complaint

  09/24/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  April–July 2022: C.J. Plumbing installed new water service line, & PVC drain lines & PEX water lines to new first-floor bathroom. Work was deficient in multiple respects & supplies specified in contract were not provided. ***** ****** was contacted multiple times over a year to fix the issues. Outside professional plumbers & contractors were consulted & confirmed deficiencies. Homeowner has written & photo evidence of claims. C.J. Plumbing did not honor contract: •Did not supply gravel to backfill trenches to ensure proper fall •Did not backfill exterior to grade with gravel •Did not cover excavated tree lawn with grass seed & straw •Hydraulic cement not used to patch water service areas, causing water to enter basement when it rains •French drain channel concreted over. Water runs onto basement floor instead of flowing to sump pump •O-ring in shower assembly not properly installed causing shower heads to leak •Bathroom sink not centered, sink caulking & new drywall damaged during recentering •Shower trim damaged, shower base chipped when C.J. Plumbing tried to fix leaking shower heads 4.18.22: French drain channel filled with concrete. Mr. ****** notified. 6.8.22: Shower heads leaking. C.J. Plumbing installs new cartridge 7.1.22. Shower heads continue to leak. 7.26.22: Water comes into basement at old & new service lines & concreted French drain. Mr. ****** notified. 10.26.22: Follow-up email sent to Mr. ******. Reply: “We will have a crew chip out and patch the foundation around the water service.” Repair not done. 1.11.23: Outside plumber discovers O ring not installed properly causing shower heads to leak. 4.11.23: Certified Demand Letter sent to Mr. ******. No resolution. C.J. Plumbing to pay the following: •Refund for gravel not supplied •Shower assembly repair: $105.00 •Water service areas/French drain repair: $150.00 •Bathroom drywall/caulk repair: $375.00 •Moen M-Core Integrated Transfer Valve Trim: $538.64 •Onyx shower base: $634.56

  Business response

  09/25/2023

  Our company was hired by **** ******** with ******** Restorations to perform work at **** ********. We were not hired by the property owner nor were our contracts to the property owner. Our work was completed and passed inspections by the city of St. Louis Plumbing Department.  Our contracts were fulfilled to the satisfaction of our customer ******** Restorations.

  As a courtesy we have responded to all correspondences from the owner of the property addressing each & every one of her claims. We have asked for proof that alleged damages were caused by our plumbers or paid invoices to other plumbers to back her claims. She has failed to produce anything other than a list of complaints that continues to grow even through our work was completed in June of 2022.

  We have provided photos of the work that was completed and passed inspection reports for all of the work that was installed. 

  We responded through our attorney in detail when she had an attorney send a letter of demand.

  She has contacted multiple city offices/departments and been informed by all that our work was installed properly and passed inspection. She has refused to accept everyone's input and recommendations.

  Her lack of understanding of thework that was installed have combined her refusal to accept anyone else's input that does not coincide with her views have made any resolution unobtainable. 

   

   

  Customer response

  09/26/2023

  HOMEOWNER RESPONSE TO C.J. PLUMBING
  
  C.J. PLUMBING: As a courtesy we have responded to all correspondences from the owner of the property addressing each & every one of her claims.
  HOMEOWNER RESPONSE: Not all claims were addressed.

  C.J. PLUMBING: We have asked for proof that alleged damages were caused by our plumbers or paid invoices to other plumbers to back her claims.
  HOMEOWNER RESPONSE: Homeowner sent photos of damages to C.J. Plumbing on October 26, 2022. C.J. Plumbing never requested photos or receipts. If so, please provide proof.

  C.J. PLUMBING: She has failed to produce anything other than a list of complaints that continues to grow even through our work was completed in June of 2022.
  HOMEOWNER RESPONSE: C.J. Plumbing was at the property on July 1, 2022. C.J. Plumbing contacted multiple times and provided with photos.
  
  C.J. PLUMBING: We have provided photos of the work that was completed and passed inspection reports for all of the work that was installed. 
  HOMEOWNER RESPONSE: Homeowner has not seen photos. In an email dated December 5, 2022, ****** ***** requested C.J. Plumbing provide photos. C.J. Plumbing did not respond.
  
  C.J. PLUMBING: We responded through our attorney in detail when she had an attorney send a letter of demand.
  HOMEOWNER RESPONSE: Response was received, but not all demands were addressed.

  C.J. PLUMBING: She has contacted multiple city offices/departments and been informed by all that our work was installed properly and passed inspection. She has refused to accept everyone's input and recommendations.
  HOMEOWNER RESPONSE: I have been in contact with the City of St. Louis. On September 9, 2022, ****** ****, *** ***** **** ******** supervisor, came to the property to review damages. He agreed the old and new service lines had not been patched correctly and that the French drain channel had been concreted over. Mr. **** said he would call ***** ****** and offer advisement but that he could not make Mr. ****** make the repairs.
  
  C.J. PLUMBING: Her lack of understanding of the work that was installed have combined her refusal to accept anyone else's input that does not coincide with her views have made any resolution unobtainable. 
  HOMEOWNER RESPONSE: This has nothing to do with the homeowner’s views. The homeowner has consulted multiple contractors and plumbing professionals. It is ***** ******s’ refusal to take responsibility and accept that his crew did not do the work correctly. He was not present during any of the work being performed.
  
  HOMEOWNER RESPONSE: C.J. Plumbing did not fulfill contract:
  •Did not supply gravel to backfill trenches to ensure proper fall
  •Did not backfill the exterior to grade with gravel
  •Did cover the excavated tree lawn with grass seed & straw
  
  Additional deficiencies in C.J. Plumbing's work:
  •Hydraulic cement not used to patch old & new water service areas in the basement, allowing water to enter basement when it rains. In an email dated October 26, 2022, Mr. ****** replied: “We will have a crew chip out and patch the foundation around the water service.” Repair never made.
  •French drain channel concreted over. Water runs onto the basement floor instead of going to sump pump. See photos.
  •O-ring in shower assembly not properly installed, causing shower heads to leak
  •Bathroom sink not centered, sink caulking & new drywall damaged during the recentering. See photos.
  •Shower trim damaged, shower base chipped when C.J. Plumbing tried to fix leaking shower heads. See photos.

  Customer response

  10/04/2023

  April–July 2022: C.J. Plumbing was hired to install a new water service line, and PVC drain lines and PEX water lines to new first-floor bathroom at **** ******** Ave., St. Louis, Missouri 63139. The work was deficient in multiple respects and supplies stated in contract were paid for but not provided. ***** ****** (owner) was contacted multiple times by the contractor (******** Restoration) and the homeowner (****** *****) for over a year to fix the issues. Multiple outside professional plumbers & contractors were consulted & have confirmed deficiencies. Homeowner has written & photo evidence of claims. See provided documentation.
  
  In an April 18, 2023 email response to a demand letter sent to him regarding the damages, ***** ****** claims they did not deal directly with ****** ***** (homeowner) throughout the project and that she did not issue any directives or instructions throughout the project. The following points prove otherwise:
  •C.J. Plumbing accepts final project payment directly, in person from ****** ***** (homeowner) at the C.J. Plumbing office July 22, 2022. Paid by check signed by ****** *****. (See provided documentation)
  •In an October 26, 2022 email, ***** ****** responds directly to ****** ***** (no one else copied) saying he would send a crew out to patch the water line areas. (Repair not made) (See provided documentation)
  •In the same October 26, 2022 email, ***** ****** states that ****** ***** instructed the foreman where to install the drain pop up. (See provided documentation)
  •On September 7, 2022, C.J. Plumbing emails ****** ***** the lien waiver for the project. No one else is copied on the email. (See provided documentation)
  •In an April 18, 2023 email sent only to ****** *****’s lawyer, ****** ********, ***** ****** says he will send out a crew to fix the damaged sump pump discharge to the downspout connection. (Repair made) (See provided documentation)
  
  C.J. Plumbing did not fulfill contract:
  •Did not supply gravel to backfill trenches to ensure proper fall
  •Did not backfill the exterior to grade with gravel
  •Did cover the excavated tree lawn with grass seed & straw
  
  Additional deficiencies in C.J. Plumbing's work:
  •Hydraulic cement not used to patch old & new water service areas in basement, allowing water to enter basement when it rains – In an email dated October 26, 2022, Mr. ****** replied: “We will have a crew chip out and patch the foundation around the water service.” Repair not made.
  •French drain channel concreted over. Water runs onto basement floor instead of going to sump pump.
  O-ring in shower assembly not properly installed, causing shower heads to leak
  •Bathroom sink not centered, sink caulking & new drywall damaged during the recentering
  •Shower trim damaged, shower base chipped when C.J. Plumbing tried to fix leaking shower heads

  Homeowner attempts to resolve issues:
  
  April 18, 2022: C.J. Plumbing crew covers French drain channel with concrete. Mr. ****** notified by contractor and homeowner.
  
  June 8, 2022: Shower heads leaking. C.J. Plumbing installed new cartridge on July 1, 2022. Shower heads continued to leak.
  
  July 26, 2022: Water comes into basement at old and new service lines and where the French drain had been concreted over. Mr. ****** notified by contractor and homeowner. No response.
  
  October 26, 2022: Follow-up email sent to Mr. ******. Reply: “We will have a crew chip out and patch the  foundation around the water service.” Repair not done. Advises homeowner to contact another plumbing company for other repairs. 
  
  April 11, 2023: Certified Demand Letter sent to Mr. ******. No resolution.
  
  C.J. Plumbing to pay ****** ***** (homeowner) for the following:
  •Refund for gravel not supplied
  •Shower assembly repair: $105.00
  •Repair of water service areas & concreted French drain channel: $150.00
  •Bathroom drywall & caulk repair: $375.00
  •Moen Brushed Nickel M-Core 3-Series, integrated Transfer Valve Trim replacement: $538.64
  •Onyx Glacier Gloss Smooth 60x30 mid-height shower base replacement: $634.56

   

  Customer response

  10/10/2023

  In an October 26, 2022 email to ****** ***** ***** ****** states: “We will have a crew chip out and patch the foundation around the water service.” Why was this repair not done?
  2. Why was clean gravel backfill not provided for the excavated trenches and the excavated exterior as stated in the contract and required by Uniform Plumbing Code 315.4 – ”Trenches shall be backfilled in thin layers to twelve (12) inches (305 mm) above the top of the piping with clean earth, which shall not contain stones, boulders, cinderfi11, frozen earth, construction debris, or other materials that would damage or break the piping or cause corrosive action.” See provided images.
  3. On April 19, 2022, ***** ****** tells **** ******** they will check the French drain channel. Why was the French drain channel not looked at?

  Business response

  10/11/2023

  Proposal #0745 Ground Rough

  C.J. Plumbing did not supply gravel to backfill the trenches to ensure proper fall and did not backfill the
  exterior to grade with gravel.

  Our contract stated we were to back fill the trench in the basement that was excavated by others with gravel to ensure proper fall. This was done and can been seen in the attached photo. Our proposal also states - CJ Plumbing will back fill interior with excavated soil & gravel and replace all concrete excavated. Note proposal does not state that we will haul off excavated soil and supply & install gravel for back fill throughout the trenches excavated. 

  We did haul off the spoils excavated from theexterior (driveway) and back fill to grade with gravel. 

  Violates Uniform Plumbing Code 315.4 – Trenches shall be backfilled in thin layers to twelve (12) inches
  (305 mm) above the top of the piping with clean earth, which shall not contain stones, boulders,
  cinderfi11, frozen earth, construction debris, or other materials that would damage or break the piping or
  cause corrosive action.

  The code stated above refer to drain laying which is the installation of sewer only. It does not apply to installation of ground rough (building drain) or water services. It is not possible to cover a ground rough pipe with 12" of gravel when the pipe is less that 12" below grade of the basement floor. 

  Proposal #0790 Water Service

  C.J. Plumbing:
  • Did not supply gravel to backfill the trenches to ensure proper fall Not sure how this applies to a water service that does not require fall
  • Did not backfill the exterior to grade with gravel. Correct we did not back fill the tree lawn to grade with gravel as it was not included in our proposal. See line in our proposal that states - CJ Plumbing will back fill tree lawn with excavated soil and cover excavated area with grass seed & straw.
  • Did not cover the excavated tree lawn with grass seed & straw We did seed & straw the tree lawn. See attached photo showing the grass growing in the tree lawn. The dirt settled due to a sewer lateral issue that has since been fixed through the City of St. Louis Sewer Lateral Program. 

  C.J. Plumbing did not fulfill contract:
  • Ensure drain tile is properly backfilled around and above drain tile with
  clean gravel. There is no mention of drain tile in our proposal nor was anything requested of us in regard to the drain tile pipe prior to or during the completion of our work
  • Did not supply gravel and clean earth to backfill trenches to ensure proper fall. Not applicable in regard to the drain tile and addressed above 

  April 19, 2022
  ***** ****** tells **** ******** they will check the French drain. C.J. Plumbing does
  not check French drain or resolve issue. This is not accurate. The owners initial concern was that we filled the drain tile pipe with concrete because the sump pump was not running as frequently as it did prior to the pipes being replaced. We informed **** that the pump will not be running as frequently as before because the cast iron pipe we replaced was no longer leaking into the drain tile pipe which caused the pump to cycle whenever the owner used the kitchen sink or washer. Now that the pipe wasn't leaking the pump would only cycle on when ground water was present. We informed **** that it would be nearly impossible for the concrete to get into the drain tile pipe due to the slits in the pipe being so small. We recommend having a 3rd party inspect the drain tile pipe with a camera and offered to pay for the inspection and complete any repair if concrete was found to be blocking the drain tile pipe. However, the owner would have to pay for the inspection if the drain tile pipe was clear of concrete. 

  Later the owner shifted her complaint to the fact that we did not leave a gap between our concrete patch and the foundation to allow water leaking through her foundation from entering into the drain tile below grade. However, we were not giving any instructions to do so, nor did we include doing so in our proposal. We informed **** that the best course of action would be to seal the stone foundation where the water was leaking above grade prevent the water from seeping through. None of which was discussed during the bid or installation process.

  Hydraulic cement not used to patch old and new service line areas. Water
  streamed into basement on July 26, 2022, at these locations.
  • C.J. Plumbing was notified on July 26, 2022, but did not fix problem.
  • October 26, 2022: Homeowner sent C.J. Plumbing follow-up email.
  Response: “We will have a crew chip out and patch the foundation around
  the water service.” C.J. Plumbing did not repair.

  At the time that **** contacted us we had not been paid for work that was completed. We informed him that we had already made several billable trips for issues that were not related to our work, waiving the service call fees and that we would not return for anything else until we were paid in full for the past due invoices. Once paid we did contact **** to coordinate a time to do this as the owner had proven to be difficult to work with. **** informed us that he was no longer involved in the project and that we was satisfied with the services we provided. We did not follow up with the owner who at this point had proven to be unreceptive & difficult to work with. 

  Water leaking at shower head and shower handle – After installation of the
  shower fixtures, water was leaking from the main shower head and the handheld shower head. C.J. Plumbing claimed it was a faulty cartridge and replaced
  it with a new cartridge. The shower heads began leaking again.
  Another plumbing company (Joe’s Plumbing) discovered the O ring was not
  properly in place, which caused the leaking. It was not a faulty cartridge, as C.J.
  Plumbing claimed.

  Text confirmation from **** ******** saying he contacted C.J. Plumbing

  We did not supply the shower valve or cartridge. The owner provided the shower valve that comes with the cartridge. We did not assemble the cartridge as it comes pre-assembled by the manufacturer (see attached photo of a replacement cartridge identical to the one provided with the valve). We simply slide the cartridge into the valve body. The invoice provided by the owner for the repair from Joe's Plumbing states the cartridge was bad. Note the invoice is a carbon copy and that there is different handwriting in ink stating O-Ring secure. Once again we did not assemble the cartridge or install the O-Ring that was the cause of the shower drip. 

  In Summary

  - We uncovered the void beneath the sidewalk while excavating the tree lawn to install the water service and contacted the STL Street Department. General Contractor **** ******** was present when Mike Burke w/STL Street Department was onsite and instructed us to back fill the tree lawn to the best of our ability without removing. The owner refused to accept the settling in the tree lawn & sidewalk was due to a sewer lateral issue and demanded we replace the sidewalks that were damaged/settled due to the later issue that was fixed by Ervin's Construction through the sewer lateral program.

  - We returned to address the owners concern about lower water pressure in her 2nd floor bathroom where not work was performed. Spent over an hour clean the sink aerator and flushing the faucets but did not bill for the service call.

  - We returned to inspect the new water heater due to the owner's concern that there was a delay getting hot water through her faucet. Found the water heater to be at the correct temperature and working properly. Informed the owner that the cooled water heater in the hot water lines had to flush out prior to hot water getting from the water heater to the faucet and did not bill for the service call.

  - We returned to investigate the owners claim that her cold water was warm and would not get cold. After spending over an hour trouble shooting it was determined that there had been a water main break in the neighborhood and the water department was using jumper hoses running across the hot streets to connect fire hydrants to keep the water on while they completed the main repair. Another billable service called that we waived the fee.

  - We returned again to replace the faulty shower cartridge that was provided by the owner. Another billable service called that we waived the fee. Note we made two other trips to her home that were scheduled through **** ******** but she was not home which are also billable trip charges but waived the fee. 

  - The owner claims we did not back fill the basement in accordance with our proposal, yet we have provided photos showing we did.

  - The owner claims we did not seed & straw the tree lawn, yet we have provided a photo showing the grass growing in the area we excavated. 

  - The owner claims we did not properly back fill the tree lawn with gravel, but it was in our proposal to do so. 

  - The owner claims we did not properly back fill around the drain tile with gravel, but it was in our proposal to do so. 

  - The owner claims we did not leave a gap between our concrete patch and the foundation but it was in our proposal to do so. 

  - The owner claims to have paid someone to touch up the paint that was scuffed when we moved the sink to her preference yet we have provided an email from **** ******** who stated that he touched up the wall and did not bill for it. 

  - 10 months after we completed the work the owner claims that we scratched her shower base & trim but never mentioned this to her General Contractor or to us through email or directly during any of the several trips to the house.

  - The owner claims that we have not responded to her but she herself has provided proof of correspondence as have we. 

  We will not be re-imbursing the owner for work that we did not include in our proposals. We feel the fees waived for the multiple billable trips are more than generous compensation for the small portion of the $150 fee paid to Ervin's Construction to repatch the foundation around the water service.

   

  Customer response

  10/17/2023

  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because: ***** ****** said he would fix the water service line patching and did not. And he admits to not doing the repair. He did not honor the warranty and I had to worry about water flooding my basement every time it rained. This went on for over a year. I paid the remaining project balance in full in July 2022 and provided the estimates and invoices Mr. ****** requested, and he still refuses to do the right thing. C.J. Plumbing was ok with accepting the final payment from me in person at his office and emailing me directly saying they would fix the foundation around the water service but would not contact me directly to set up a time to do the repair work. 

  These issues caused water flooding into my basement which damaged stored items and required hours of clean up. For over a year, I had to worry about water coming into my basement and I was unable to use portions of my basement. Cody’s negligence on the leaking shower, wasted my time and caused me multiple trips to get new cartridges that were not needed.

  The “multiple trips” Mr. ****** refers to are part of providing good customer service and do not in any way compensate for C.J. Plumbing’s negligence on the incorrect water service line patching and the concreted over French drain channel. In all my correspondence with C.J. Plumbing I have been professional and amicable. I had major plumbing work done and had valid concerns. As a plumber I thought I could trust, I looked to C.J. Plumbing to provide the answers. 
  
  • C.J. Plumbing  did not provide materials stated in the contract
  
  • Multiple instances of poor workmanship

  I have provided the following documentation:
  • Proof of direct correspondence between C.J. Plumbing and ****** *****
  • Email from Corey ****** stating he would repair the water service areas
  • Texts from **** ******** confirming he contacted C.J. Plumbing regarding the issues
  • Estimates and invoices from outside contractors confirming the incorrectly patched water service areas and concreted over French drain channel
  • C.J. Plumbing contracts stating they would provide gravel backfill
  • Photos of all damages and issues
  
  I am requesting the following from C.J. Plumbing:
  • Reimbursement for water service area patching and French Drain Channel repair $150.00
  • Reimbursement for the shower assembly repair $105.00
  • Refund for clean gravel backfill not provided (If new, clean gravel was provided, it would not be covered in dirt and mixed with the existing soil.)
  • Refund for seed and straw not provided (In photo – no straw present, weeds are growing in void, not grass. Any grass visible was existing.)

  Details

  • Incorrect patching of water service areas – water flooded basement on July 26, 2022.
  CJ Plumbing was notified of water entering my basement on July 26, 2022. When **** ******** (contractor) contacted ***** ******, he replied, “No payment, no warranty.” I dropped off the final payment in person, at the C.J. Plumbing office, the next day on July 27, 2022. I have emails and texts from **** ******** proving he was not satisfied with the work. If he is stating otherwise, he is falsifying information. ***** ******’s email on October 26, 2002 proves admission of poor workmanship and states he will fix the problem – “We will have a crew chip out and patch the foundation around the water service.” C.J. Plumbing did not do the repair and did not honor warranty.
  
  • Concreted over French Drain Channel – in the provided photos it is clearly visible the existing French drain channel was incorrectly filled with concrete. As a plumbing professional, why would C.J. Plumbing damage and fill an existing French drain channel system with concrete? The photos clearly show the untouched and clear drain channel on either side of the area that was concreted over.
  As requested, I have provided estimates and invoices from Dannegger Brothers and Ervin Construction confirming the water service line areas were not patched correctly and that the French Drain channel was concreted over.
  
  • C.J. Plumbing did not supply gravel and backfill a portion of the trench excavated by others. The gravel pictured in the provided photos was existing gravel that was excavated along with the existing soil. If new, clean gravel was provided, it would not be covered in dirt and mixed with the existing soil.
  
  • C.J. Plumbing did not provide gravel to back fill the exterior to grade. When the new sewer lateral and new sidewalk were installed, new gravel was not present. Gravel was also not used on drainpipe/pop up in driveway.
  
  • CJ Plumbing did not cover excavated area with grass seed and straw – CJ Plumbing foreman can confirm seed and straw was not provided. In the photo, that is not grass growing in the tree lawn, those are weeds. You can also clearly see there is no straw present.
  
  • Leaking shower head – The invoice does not state the cartridge was bad, it states the cartridge was replaced and the O-ring was found not to be secure, which was causing the leaking. I had purchased another cartridge because Cody (C.J. Plumbing) told me it was a faulty cartridge causing the leaking. Since I had the cartridge and the other plumber had the shower assembly apart, he went ahead and replaced the cartridge. During the initial installation, Cody did not check for leaks before leaving. I discovered the shower heads were leaking after he left. That is the reason you had to come back to the property.

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** *****

  Business response

  10/18/2023

  We have made our position clear and have nothing else to add. 

  Customer response

  10/18/2023

  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because: ***** ****** and C.J. Plumbing did not honor the warranty and did not do the repair they said they would do. “We will have a crew chip out and patch the foundation around the water service.” Because of the poor workmanship, I had water coming into my basement for over a year every time it rained. Please explain why you won't honor the warranty or your written word to fix the issue.

  Please also explain your comment "No payment, no warranty," especially since you were paid in full.

  You requested payment, I paid it.
  You requested proof from other contractors that the work was faulty, I provided it.
  

  Sincerely,
  ****** *****

  Customer response

  10/18/2023

  Hi, ***** ****** and C.J. Plumbing have not honored their warranty and did not do the repair they said they would. (Stated in writing) The negligence could not be more clear.
  I truly don't understand how a company can take advantage of a customer like that and get away with it. 

  Customer response

  10/18/2023

  Hi, ***** ****** and C.J. Plumbing have not honored their warranty and did not do the repair they said they would. (Stated in writing) The negligence could not be more clear.
  I truly don't understand how a company can take advantage of a customer like that and get away with it. 

• Initial Complaint

  03/21/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I signed a contract with CJ plumbing to replace a clay sewer trap and clay sewer pipe "4 feet south" of the trap for $3200. They dug out and replaced only the trap and then filled everything back in. An independent camera inspection revealed that cracked clay pipe remained in the section of the pipe directly south of the trap that was supposed to have been replaced according to the contract I signed. They demanded an additional $2700 to return, dig up the same spot in the driveway for a second time, and replace the section that already should have been replaced.

  Business response

  03/22/2023

  Customer provided us with two independent 3rd party video inspections & written reports of the condition of the existing sewer. Neither of the two reports provided called out any damaged pipe prior to the trap as the sewer was holding water at the time of both inspections. Both reports called for the trap to be cleared or replaced. Our company provided a proposal based on the inspection reports provided. We completed the work as proposed, provided the customer with photos of the work completed and a passed inspection report from the local municipality.

  Customer had the line re-inspected after we completed the repair and found damaged clay pipe (original sewer) 2' & 4' south of our repair. Customer contacted us on Fri 3/17 in the late afternoon about the damaged clay sewer. After reviewing the re-inspection video and we explained that our proposal was based on the report provided and we had no way of knowing the pipe was damaged as we do not have camera equipment to inspect the sewer. Monday morning on 3/20 we provided her a proposal at a discounted rate and offered to have a crew work the coming weekend to install the repair to help make her closing date for the sale of the property.

  If an email is provided we can forward photos of the completed work as well as a passed inspection report from the city of *** ***** ********************

   

  Customer response

  03/22/2023

  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  By their own admission the cracks in the clay line are within 4 ft of the trap. The contract I signed says this section would be replaced with 6 inch diameter PVC to replace the old clay pipe. The inspection video prior to the work by CJ plumbing explicitly did suggest replacing the line south if the trap, all the way back to a green mark spray painted clearly on the ground. This spot, approximately 4 ft from the trap was marked because ****** ***** could not get the camera beyond that point.
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******* *****

  Business response

  03/23/2023

  We connected 4' south of the trap at the marked location determined by a 3rd party inspector. What the owner fails or refuses to understand is that two separate 3rd party sewer inspectors did not call out the pipe in question in either of the reports and that the damaged pipe is beyond the area we proposed to replace in the contract that was accepted. We connected to the existing sewer at the marked location determined by the 2nd sewer inspector and completed the repair as he recommended and as our contract stated.

  I will be emailing the original inspection video provided by the owner as well as a re-inspection video performed by the same 3rd party inspector to [email protected]. The inspector clearly states that he was not able to see the damaged line that is in question and that we installed the repair as he recommended in his first inspection report. We will also provide photos of the work as well as the passed inspection report. 

  Business response

  03/24/2023

  Passed Inspection Report
  
  *******************************
  To:************************
  Tue, Mar 14 at 1:47 PM
  - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
  Attached Link: View Inspection
  - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
  
  The following permit inspection has passed:
  Contractor: CJ Plumbing & Contracting, LLC
  Type: Ground Rough
  Address: **** ********
  Description:
  
  Permit Number: **********
  
  Inspector
  Name: ****** *******
  Phone: ***** ********
  Email: *********************
  Notes: Replace old tap with new one inch tap.
  
  - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
  Please do not reply to this email, it is sent from an unmonitored address.
  
  
  
  Sewer inspection prior to the repair
  
  
  This report covers service work completed at **** ******** by ****** ***** Service on 3-1-23.
  
  
  Ran camera out from the stack to investigate blockage. Found there were bricks in the sewer that fell in from the downspout drain. Cabled to move the bricks around then pushed the camera out to locate and expose the yard vent riser. The house trap was also full of bricks. Tried to cable out and hit mud. Cabled out from the downspout several more times to push all of the bricks and debris out to the house trap. Inspected from the stack to the house trap after cleaning and found no visible cracks, breaks, offsets, or obstructions.
  
  
  I recommend having the house trap replaced with 6" SCH 35 PVC. The trap depth is about 8'. This will remove the bricks and debris from the system plus the house trap sits at the alley edge where the homeowners responsibility for sewer repair ends. If any potential problems are found in the alley this would qualify a claim to the city's sewer repair program.
  
  
  The video for this report is available to view at the following link:
  
  
  ****************************
  
  
  
  Attached are some frame grabs from your video.
  
  
  Thanks again for your business, it is greatly appreciated.
  
  
  ***** ******
  
  
  
  ************************
  
  
  
  
  Sewer inspection after the repair
  
  
  This report covers service work completed at **** ******** by ****** ***** Service on 3-1-23.
  
  
  Ran camera out from the stack to investigate blockage. Found there were bricks in the sewer that fell in from the downspout drain. Cabled to move the bricks around then pushed the camera out to locate and expose the yard vent riser. The house trap was also full of bricks. Tried to cable out and hit mud. Cabled out from the downspout several more times to push all of the bricks and debris out to the house trap. Inspected from the stack to the house trap after cleaning and found no visible cracks, breaks, offsets, or obstructions.
  
  
  I recommend having the house trap replaced with 6" SCH 35 PVC. The trap depth is about 8'. This will remove the bricks and debris from the system plus the house trap sits at the alley edge where the homeowners responsibility for sewer repair ends. If any potential problems are found in the alley this would qualify a claim to the city's sewer repair program.
  
  
  The video for this report is available to view at the following link:
  
  
  ****************************
  
  
  Attached are some frame grabs from your video.
  
  
  Thanks again for your business, it is greatly appreciated.
  
  
  ***** ****** ************************
  Please be advised that due to the economic uncertainty caused by the pandemic we will not be starting work without having received the deposit stated on the contract provided. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
  
  *If we do not have a signed contract the work will not be scheduled. Please be sure to sign & send it upon accepting a proposal*
  -We thank you for your time & your business-
  
  C.J Plumbing & Contracting, LLC 
  Office: 9 am-2 pm ************ Invoicing. Ins Certificates Permits & Lien Waivers 
  ***** ************  Finance & Advertising
  ****** ************ Bidding, Contracting & Scheduling     
  **** ******* *** ** ** ** *****
  *If you are a new customer, please confirm that the email has been received.
  
  CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This transmittal is a confidential communication or may otherwise be privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you have received this transmittal in error and that any review, dissemination, distribution or copying of this transmittal is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify this office, and immediately delete this message and all its attachments, if any.
  
  ---- Forwarded Message -----
  From: ****** ***** <************************>
  To: *** ************ **************************
  Sent: Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at 05:03:59 PM CDT
  Subject: **** ******** ***** 3-22-23
  
  
  These are the findings from the main lateral sewer inspection done at: by ****** ***** Service on 3-22-23.
  
  
  Was contracted to re-inspect the exterior pipes after a recent completed repair.
  
  
  Upon inspection it appears the repair was done properly per my requests from a previous inspection done on 3-1-23.
  
  
  During that visit the system was full of bricks and debris. I was able to push past a previous inspector's stopping point to locate the house trap where it was full of bricks and needed replacement.
  
  
  The repair work was completed but there is still lots of debris in the drainway that needs to be removed. I observed one slightly shifted section of clay about 2' upstream from the end of the PVC. This does not appear to be cracked or broken but there is a lot of loose debris.
  
  
  I recommend having someone cable out from the downspout drain with a 5" cutter to push out the remaining debris and then do a dye test to confirm if the slight offset is leaking and in need of repair or not. These clay tiles don't have any sealant and it is quite common for them to shift. This would only need repair if it leaks.
  
  
  The video for this report is available to view at the following link:
  
  
  Attached are some frame grabs from your video.
  
  
  Thanks again for your business, it is greatly appreciated.
  
  
  ***** ******More Information...

• Initial Complaint

  05/04/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Owner and contractor entered into a contract to install sewer, water, and downspout lines related to a new detached garage being built. Owner currently owes $1,781.25 on the contract. This hasn't been paid since contract has not been completed. Here are the items at issue: 1. The only downspout line that was part of the contract was changing the one in the east side of existing house to new PVC. The contract specifies this and CJ Plumbing has stated in an email that this is correct. There was no reason to connect an old out of use clay downspout pipe in the front of the yard especially without consulting owner who was home. Specifically, I paid CJ Plumbing to remove that clay pipe in 2013 when I added the new plastic downspout pipe in the front of the house. I did not request that line to be reconnected during this project. Since the garage sewer line was installed by CJ Plumbing, I have been having major new water issues in my basement. The video taken of this clay pipe shows a hole in the top of it not too far from where I am seeing water bubbling up from the sidewalk during heavy rains. The evidence shows that gutter water is getting in this old clay downspout pipe and causing me major water issues in the basement. On January 22nd and March 18th, I was emptying shop vacs with approximately 10-12 gallons of water (from basement) every 15-30 minutes to keep basement from flooding and ruining drywall, custom cabinets, bathroom, furniture, etc. Before this project, the basement was completely dry during heavy rains. Even without these issues, one of the reasons for this overall project was to convert all of my plumbing lines to PVC and there was no reason to connect an old clay downspout line that was out of use. Please disconnect this old clay line and repair the property to existing current condition which includes recently installed sod and concrete sidewalk repair. Finally I disconnected the downspouts from the sewer line on March 19th and have had no water bubbling up from the sewer or water basement issues since then. Please see below picture of water coming up from below the sidewalk that had to be removed by the plumber to complete the sewer work. 2. In addition, the contract calls for a bathroom vanity sink and utility sink to be installed. Per the contract, the owner was supposed to provide the sinks and faucets. Currently, the bathroom sink (that is attached to the wall with sink only) and faucet installed was provided by CJ Plumbing. This was done since the 4 kW tank less heater recommended by CJ Plumbing was not able to pass inspection with normal bathroom faucets. The plumber onsite first installed my faucet and then brought in a 2nd faucet with a reducer/aerator that still would not work with the tank less heater. In addition, the utility service sink was decommissioned to pass inspection since the 4 kW heater also was not rated for the average flow utility or service sink faucet. The reason I hired CJ Plumbing is to rely on the expertise of a licensed plumber to recommend the correct heater to be installed that will pass the City's inspections with the fixtures that I bought. The bathroom vanity, service sink, and both faucets were either on site or the specifications were provided to the plumber on site during rough in before drywall had been installed. Contractor has continued to say that the water heater issue is due to a lack of communication and/or change by the owner but this is not true. The plumber never asked for flow rates of the planned faucets during negotiation of this contract. Owner would have provided this if it was asked. In addition, all this information was provided at rough in when the correct tank less heater could have been installed.

  Business response

  05/24/2021

  There were two issues that have explained to the owner and both are thoroughly described/expand below. 

  Issue #1

  While excavating the front yard to install the sewer in the contract agreed to we uncovered a 4" clay downspout line at an elevation of 18" below grade of the yard. Unsure of what was connected to the clay we connected it to the sewer we installed, which was over 4' below grade of the yard. We then installed sewer pipe to a rear window well and downspout that was 24" below grade of the driveway (which was at or below the elevation of the 4" line we connected to). Months after completion of the work there was a period of heavy rain and the owner saw water coming up between the basement slab and the front foundation wall. He contracted a 3rd party to inspect the sewer and downspout lines and found that the 4" clay we connected to had a hole in the top of the pipe several feet from our connection to it. It was also determined that the 4" line in question was no longer connected to anything meaning the line has no water running through. Even though the 3rd party that inspected the downspouts and sewer said there was no blockage or issue with the sewer we installed. As well as us informing the owner it was physically impossible for water to jump from a depth of over 4' feet to a depth of 18" without the line being blocked or the water filling up the rear window well (the low spot in the system) he refused to accepted the water issue was not related to the work we completed. We even had our Journeyman Plumber that installed the sewer meet the owner onsite the morning after a heavy rain to address his concerns. Our plumber ran water through the the 4" PVC downspout riser we installed in 2013 and to the 4" clay downspout riser (the pipe in question) that was that was no longer in use an no water came up through the basement floor. Our plumber pointed evidence the the gutter was over flowing, a low spot in the flower bed at the front of the house that was within 2' of a window well poorly covered with plywood & patio blocks as well as gaps between the sidewalk and concrete porch at the foundation. He suggest the owner clean the gutters and adjust the grade of the flower bed to slope away form the foundation. Even though we have replied to numerous inquiries, pointed out several points of concerns that could be causing his issues as well as offered recommendation to help resolve the issues the owner refuses to accept that the issues he is having are not due to the work we completed. He has since demanded we return to do additional work (not covered in our agreed contract) free of charge in order to receive payment for work that has been completed.
  
  Issue #2
  
  We provided & installed a small point of use water heater that ended up not being large enough to handle the demand of the sinks the owner provided to be installed.  The issue is that the water heater in question was selected based on the information the owner provided prior to the contract being issued or the work being installed. The owner was provided the technical specifications (which include flow rates & and temperature rise based on the gallons per min of demand) for the water heater we proposed prior to the installation of the drywall or to him selecting/purchasing the sink faucets. Then after the rough in work (pre-drywall) was installed and passed inspection the owner selected sink faucets that required a larger water heater. We installed the fixtures per the owners request then failed the finish plumbing inspection because the water heater that was installed was not large enough to handle the demand of the faucets the owner selected. We offered to remove the drywall and rework the water supply system to to accommodate a larger water heater that would handle the demand of the faucets the owner provided for an additional charge. The owner refused that and opted to have us remove the utility sink, provide and install a different bathroom sink faucet to be in compliance with local code and pass the inspection. Once our inspection passed and our permit was closed out the owner demanded we return to install the fixtures that he provided even though they were not legally allowed to be installed being that they were not in compliance with local code and there was no longer an open permit.
  
  We informed the owner we will not install any work without permits or work that is not in compliance with local code. We provided the owner with the Chief Plumbing Inspector of the City of St. Louis (Curtis Bell) contact information as well as the contact info for a State/AO Smith Water Heater rep. He has not contacted either but has refused to pay for the work completed and even tried to return materials/fixtures we left onsite to our supplier. 

  In short we are a licensed plumbing contractor that is governed by the City of St. Louis Plumbing Department and have maintained a good standing with the city, county and state for nearly 20 years. We take pride in quality work as well keeping an open line of communication, but will not compromise our integrity by installing plumbing illegally or work that is not in compliance with the authority having jurisdiction. Tell us why here...

  Customer response

  05/26/2021

  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  

  Please see attached for a response.  My responses are highlighted in red.  

  In addition, I am in process of hiring contractor(s) to complete this project since the contract has not been completed.  

  Issue #1

  While excavating the front yard to install the sewer in the contract agreed to we uncovered a 4" clay downspout line at an elevation of 18" below grade of the yard. Unsure of what was connected to the clay we connected it to the sewer we installed, which was over 4' below grade of the yard.  During contract negotiations, I told CJ Plumbing that at completion of this project, only PVC plastic sewer pipes would be in use.  I was home while CJ Plumbing was doing this work.  Why did CJ Plumbing not ask owner?  We then installed sewer pipe to a rear window well and downspout that was 24" below grade of the driveway (which was at or below the elevation of the 4" line we connected to). Months after completion of the work there was a period of heavy rain and the owner saw water coming up between the basement slab and the front foundation wall. He contracted a 3rd party to inspect the sewer and downspout lines and found that the 4" clay we connected to had a hole in the top of the pipe several feet from our connection to it. It was also determined that the 4" line in question was no longer connected to anything meaning the line has no water running through.  Again, I knew this was out of service all along.  Actually, CJ Plumbing took this clay pipe out of service in 2013 at my request. Even though the 3rd party that inspected the downspouts and sewer said there was no blockage or issue with the sewer we installed.  Has CJ Plumbing paid a 3^rd party to inspect the downspouts?  I have paid a third party to inspect the sewer lines but I have not shared those videos with CJ Plumbing.  I do agree that the sewer lines do not show any issues or blockage under calm conditions.  My issue is during heavy rains with the water bubbling up through the sidewalk with the downspouts connected. As well as us informing the owner it was physically impossible for water to jump from a depth of over 4' feet to a depth of 18" without the line being blocked or the water filling up the rear window well (the low spot in the system) he refused to accepted the water issue was not related to the work we completed. We even had our Journeyman Plumber that installed the sewer meet the owner onsite the morning after a heavy rain to address his concerns. Our plumber ran water through the 4" PVC downspout riser we installed in 2013 and to the 4" clay downspout riser (the pipe in question) that was that was no longer in use an no water came up through the basement floor.  Running hose water through the downspout lines is not the same as the amount of water that flows through the system during heavy rains.  This point is irrelevant.  Will CJ Plumbing explain why water bubbles/shoots up through the sidewalk that they had to demo during heavy rains when the downspouts are connected to the sewer system.  This bubbling of water does not happen when the downspouts are diverted from the sewer line. Our plumber pointed evidence the gutter was over flowing, a low spot in the flower bed at the front of the house that was within 2' of a window well poorly covered with plywood & patio blocks as well as gaps between the sidewalk and concrete porch at the foundation. He suggest the owner clean the gutters and adjust the grade of the flower bed to slope away form the foundation.  I have lived at this house since 2011 and the referenced gutters have never overflowed nor have they ever been clogged due to the gutter guard.  In addition, water does not puddle or hang around the area near the window well and there has never been an issue related to this.  The basement was completely dry until there has been water bubbling up from the sidewalk where the clay pipe was connected.  How could this not be plumbing related?  Even though we have replied to numerous inquiries, pointed out several points of concerns that could be causing his issues as well as offered recommendation to help resolve the issues the owner refuses to accept that the issues he is having are not due to the work we completed. He has since demanded we return to do additional work (not covered in our agreed contract) free of charge in order to receive payment for work that has been completed.  The issue is that work was done that was not included in the contract without consulting me.  I did not want the clay pipe connected to the sewer system since it was not in use and there is no reason for it to be connected.  This is the issue that I keep describing. 
  
  Issue #2
  
  We provided & installed a small point of use water heater that ended up not being large enough to handle the demand of the sinks the owner provided to be installed.  The issue is that the water heater in question was selected based on the information the owner provided prior to the contract being issued or the work being installed.  The owner stated he was buying a bathroom vanity sink and utility sink to be installed.  Both sinks and faucets were provided to CJ Plumbing at rough in which is also the first time this information was requested.  The owner was provided the technical specifications (which include flow rates & and temperature rise based on the gallons per min of demand) for the water heater we proposed prior to the installation of the drywall or to him selecting/purchasing the sink faucets.  I agree that I was provided this since the electrician asked for the specifications.  I am not a plumber and was paying CJ Plumbing to provide/recommend the correct heater.  Since going through this process, it seems to me that the most important information to select the heater is the flow rate of the faucet, not the type of sink installed (bathroom vanity, utility, service, etc.)  CJ Plumbing included the point of use heater in the contract without ever asking me what the flow rate of faucets I was buying would be.  This seems to be the major issue on the heater not being sized correctly.  Then after the rough in work (pre-drywall) was installed and passed inspection the owner selected sink faucets that required a larger water heater. We installed the fixtures per the owners request then failed the finish plumbing inspection because the water heater that was installed was not large enough to handle the demand of the faucets the owner selected.  We offered to remove the drywall and rework the water supply system to accommodate a larger water heater that would handle the demand of the faucets the owner provided for an additional charge. The owner refused that and opted to have us remove the utility sink, provide and install a different bathroom sink faucet to be in compliance with local code and pass the inspection.  I did agree to have the utility sink removed.  I was never consulted about removing the bathroom vanity.  I was told a different faucet would be installed.  I still don't understand why my vanity needed to be removed.  It was a standard bathroom vanity.  Once our inspection passed and our permit was closed out the owner demanded we return to install the fixtures that he provided even though they were not legally allowed to be installed being that they were not in compliance with local code and there was no longer an open permit.  Regarding issue #2, I do agree that communication could have been better on both sides between Owner and CJ Plumbing.  However, I don't agree with CJ Plumbing's stance that they have no fault with the incorrect heaters being installed. 

   

   

  
  Sincerely,
  
  **** *******

  Business response

  05/26/2021

  As I stated in my previous rebuttal, it is physically impossible for the water to flow to an elevation higher than the lowest point of the drainage system without flooding the lowest point. In this case the window well at the NE side of the building is the lowest point of the line we installed. If the line was as overcharged as the owner believes, the window well would flood prior to the water entering the existing clay line in question. The fact the owner makes this claim shows his lack of understanding with how this system works. Which is why I suggest he contact the head of the St. Louis City Plumbing Department as the owner has proven to disregard all the information we have provided. The only storm water connection to the 6" PVC pipe we installed is a 3" window well drain that, due to location, is exposed to minimal rain fall and one 4" riser. It is not possible for a 4" line nor a 3" trapped window well to overcharge a 6" PVC pipe. At an unprecedented rate of 6" of rain per hour a 6" PVC pipe with 1/8" of fall per foot can handle 3,566 GPM (gallons per min). While a vertical 4" downspout riser can only handle 3,070 GPM prior to overflowing the gutter it is connected to. The maximum flow rate for a 3" trap (window well) is 45 GPM. So it is physically impossible for the 6" pipe to be overcharged by the load generated by one 4" downspout & 3 window well unless the 6" pipe is blocked which the owner agreed is not blocked. The owner has refused to listen to any of our suggestions on how to resolve the issue even though we have explained thoroughly several times how it is not possible for the water to enter from the sewer line we installed. 

  I would also like to point out that we completed this work in September of 2020, yet the issue did not arise until February of 2021 well over 4 months later.
  

  The owner did not provide his fixtures selection prior to accepting our contract. He did not make the fixtures selections until after our rough in was installed and inspected. He was provided specs for the water heater we included in our proposal (per his request) prior to us installing the water supply system. However, he did not ask if the water we included in our contract prior to him accepting it would handle the demand of the fixture he later selected. He purchased fixtures that were well beyond the load capacity of the water heater we included in our contract and provided specs for. We offered to remove the drywall and rework the supply system as well as provide the water heater that would meet the demand of the fixture he selected for cost (material & labor cost only waiving any profit for the company). He instead opted to have us remove the fixtures he provided and install a bathroom sink faucet to pass the inspection. For no additional charge, we returned and removed the fixtures he provided, supplied and install a lavatory sink w/faucet as well as paid for an additional inspection. Once the inspection passed we were told he would not pay us for the work contracted unless we returned to install the fixtures he provided even though he knew they were not code compliant and that the permit was now finaled/closed out. The owner wanted us to return free of charge to install plumbing that was in violation of local code without a permit which is illegal. 

  In short, after the issue arose, we gave the owner the option to install a system/water heater rated for the fixtures he selected after our work was completed, at cost. Then were denied payment and instructed to violate the local authority having jurisdiction risking our plumbing license at our own expense. 

  Customer response

  05/27/2021

  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

   

  So, you are saying the window well is lower than where the clay pipe is connected to the 6 inch PVC?  According to the 3rd party video, the clay pipe is connected to the PVC underneath the sidewalk that was demoed in the middle of my front yard that is sloped towards the street.  The connection is approximately 16 inches underneath the sidewalk according to the locator.  There is no way that this is higher than the window well.  My ground is sloped to the street, not towards the house.  That being said, water will always follow the path of least resistance.  This is generally the lowest point but may not be depending on the other factors involved.  You continue to not answer or explain my one major question.  During heavy rains with the downspouts connected to sewer system, there is water bubbling up from below the sidewalk that was demoed by CJ Plumbing.  If this is not a result of water getting into this clay pipe (which you keep saying is impossible), please answer what else it could be?  This did not happen before this project nor did I ever have water flooding into my basement.  It has also not happened since I removed the downspouts from the sewer line on March 19th.  This situation happened on January 22nd and March 18th and CJ Plumbing was contacted after each event.  In addition, as I've stated several times, there is no place in the contract that gave CJ Plumbing the authority to connect an out of service old clay downspout pipe.  The solution I am asking for is to disconnect this clay pipe and return yard back to existing condition or reimburse me since I am currently contracting with a different company to have this done.

  
  I cannot control the lack of heavy rains from September 2020 to January 2021. 
  

  Again, I was never told nor did I agree to have the bathroom vanity removed.  I was told by CJ Plumbing that they just needed to install a different faucet to pass inspection.  This clearly was not the case.  Actually, I did have the fixtures picked out or at least the type I was planning to buy at acceptance of contract.  I was never asked about the details of the fixtures.  Based on what I now know about these tank less heaters, any plumber would need to know the flow rate of the fixtures before recommending and sizing the heater.  In my opinion, this is what I was paying a licensed and expert plumbing company to do.         
  
  
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  **** *******

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