replacement of back flow valve
Drainworks replaced my backflow valve in 2009. In 2010 my basement flooded and my insurance company cancelled my coverage right after that. I called Drainworks to determine why the backflow valve they installed did not prevent the flood and the technician, Armando, said it was because I did not clean my back flow valve. My next door neighbour who also had his valve replaced by another company at the same time did not experience any problems, This year I hired another drain service company to clean it as recommended by Drainworks. They said the flapper on the valve did not close properly and that it why water backed up into my basement. I called Drainworks to check it out and they admitted that it did not move freely. They tried to clean it but it still does not fuction they way it should. They are not willing to replace it, they are blaming the manufacturer. I have the other drain company paperwork and Drainworks' paperwork admitting that it does not close properly. I have written a registered letter to Mr. Terry Cord, the President, and left messages and he has not called back or contacted me. I can no longer get flood insurance because of that and if I have another basement flood the repairs will cost me $20,000. Drainworks DOES NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR SERVICE!
This is in response to Drainworks response to me of April 4, 2011 about the backflow valve that they installed in 2009. It is obvious from your response that you do not stand behind your service as you are putting the responsiblity on the City of Toronto and the manufacturer. You should have tested the backflow valve before installing it. As I mentioned in my review, I hired another company, New Canadian Plumbing, to professionally clean my backflow valve as you indicated is required at a cost to me of $200 (which I was prepared to pay each year to maintain it). They are the ones that initially detected the problem with the backflow valve that you subsequently inspected. In conclusion I am now forced to have to my new tiled floor ripped up and a new back flow valve installed at my own cost, after only a year and a half of having it installed by Drainworks. I selected your company from the Homestars site because you claim great customer service and guarantee of your work. If you truly stood behind your service you would replace the backflow valve. All I can say is BUYER BEWARE.
- Approximate cost of services:
- $1,800.00
- Company Response
Nelly, you neglect to mention a few important things here. Firstly, even before you agreed to proceed with the installation of the backwater valve, you were advised in writing that there was no guarantee of future back ups after the installation. You signed this written disclaimer indicating your comprehension of it. Secondly, the service you hired DrainWorks for was for the installation of the backwater valve. As this is a city approved mechanical device with a city funded rebatable program, the installation required a city plumbing inspector to check our workmanship for proper installation, along with full functionality. The city inspector passed our work, which is why you got your rebate from the city. Lastly, you were made aware in writing that the backwater valve needed to be cleaned and maintained, and that it was your responsibility to do so. Again signatures were obtained indicating your comprehension of this. DrainWorks cannot be held responsible for a device we do not manufacturer or the cleaning and maintaining of the device as it is a service we do not offer, and our workmanship was already approved by the city plumber to be fully functional. Your complaint should be either with the city that approved the work, the manufacturer of the backwater valve itself, or the company you hired to clean and maintain the device. It is also important to note that we did send a supervisor to your home to discuss your concern and document everything in writing. However, while onsite, you ignored the disclaimers that you were previously made aware of, and you refused our written documentation. Our response as a company to your concern was communicated in person on that visit; requesting a phone call after that face to face meeting, is a step backwards.