I am extremely disappointed with my experience with Sewer Squad, particularly because I hired them…read moreat one of the most difficult and vulnerable times a homeowner can experience.
After suffering two back-to-back floods, I hired Sewer Squad to install a backwater valve because the City of St. Catharines offers the FLAP grant program. On Sewer Squad's recommendation, I also agreed to have a sump pump installed.
Before proceeding, I brought the FLAP program information directly to Giulian. He reviewed it and assured me they understood the requirements and could support the process. I was also specifically told that Sewer Squad handled the necessary permits and related requirements.
That did not happen.
To my shock, I discovered that no plumbing permit had been applied for, and the requirements necessary for the FLAP program had not been properly completed. I ultimately had to go onto the City of St. Catharines website myself, apply and pay for the plumbing permit, and submit the FLAP application.
This is particularly serious because you cannot simply arrange the required City plumbing inspection without the proper permit.
Even worse, my home flooded for a THIRD time after Sewer Squad completed this work.
Over the following two weeks, I dealt with multiple emails, conversations and explanations from Sewer Squad that simply did not line up with what I was subsequently learning from the City and the inspector.
I discovered that the sump pump did not have the backup I believed was required and that it was not connected to the weeping tile system. Then came the latest unbelievable situation: Sewer Squad did not show up for the plumbing inspection.
The inspection failed. The work necessary for it to pass had not been completed, and Sewer Squad has still not returned to properly resolve the outstanding issues.
I contacted the City inspector myself, and he confirmed to me that Sewer Squad knew what needed to be done before he could return to reinspect the work.
I am also still waiting for the required camera footage that I need for my insurance company and the inspector. Because this remains unresolved, I have now had to hire another company to take over the work and retain a lawyer.
What makes this experience especially upsetting is the timing. Our family was dealing with repeated flooding, sewage damage and enormous stress. This was exactly when we needed to be able to trust the professionals we hired.
I also wish I had been more cautious after hearing discussions about offering "cash" deals to people who did not have insurance coverage. In hindsight, that should have raised concerns for me.
I am sharing this review because homeowners dealing with flooding are already overwhelmed. When hiring a company for a backwater valve, sump pump or work connected to a municipal grant program, verify the permit yourself, confirm exactly what is included in writing, confirm the installation meets the City's requirements, and make sure all inspections are completed before considering the job finished.
My experience with Sewer Squad has resulted in additional expense, additional stress, a failed inspection, another flood, another contractor being brought in to address the work, and now legal involvement.
After everything our family has already been through, this experience has been absolutely awful.
