On 8/01/2020 fluid from the septic system backed up into the bathroom and bathtub on the lower level or our house, with the alarm not triggering. After several failed attempts to contact septic companies, SDS answered the phone, and they came out to open the cleanout and allow excess sewage to drain out. Our septic system is a low pressure dosing system with the leach field nearly 30 feet higher than the tank, requiring a specialized pump. We had the tanks pumped, and on 8/6/20 the new pump was installed (see photo for invoice) and we were told the alarm was repaired. The system came with a 3 year pump and 1 year parts and labor warranty.
On 9/5/2020 the sewage again backed up into the house, and the alarm did not go off. I opened the drain myself, and arraigned for the tanks to be pumped. The company representative was called, said he had a pump in his truck, and on 9/07/2020 installed a second pump( see photo for invoice). After installation, he told us that there was an electrical problem and the pump was not working.
We called our builder, who came out to evaluate the problem. He had the electrical system replaced along with a new alarm. After the electrical system was repaired, he noted that the pump was having difficulty pumping. The pump on the invoice was a Zoeller Model E820 ($1,100.00), and the pump installed was a Zoeller Model 1261 (see photo). This is a submersible pump sold at Lowes and similar chain outlets for $224.00.
I called the store on 9/16/2020 and asked why the pump in my system and the one on the invoice were different. I talked to Shane Preston, the individual who installed the pumps. In between F-bombs, he said I was accusing him of being a crook, I should be grateful that he came out and did me a favor, he could charge anything he wanted to on the invoice, and finally there was nothing I could do since the check was cashed. I told him I would file a complaint with the BBB and hung up.
He then texted my wife apologizing for cursing and asking what he could do to make it better. She told him if he gave us the warranty money for the first pump and the difference of the value of the second pump and the one on the invoice we would not pursue it further.
Further texts:
9/22/2020 Mailing your check today, will know about warranty this afternoon.
10/02/2020 I'll take care of it Monday, my mother passed away and I have been out of town.
10/6/2020 get it to you first thing in the morning.
10/8/2020 the secretary took money from the company and didn't pay any bills, give me until next Monday.
10/7/2020 I haven't heard anything about the warranty.
10/14/2020 will have this job done and your money will be delivered to the doctor's (my) office tomorrow.
Today is 10/22/2020 and we have not heard from him or received any money in the past week. I contacted the individual who designed my septic system and purchased and had installed the appropriate pump.
