The City of Los Angeles
Rewrote the law. The homeowner is $responsible for maintainence of sewer lines in city streets beyond property boundaries. California

Upon discovery of backed up plumbing in my homebuilt in 57', yet again, I Called a plumber. After the usual snaking, they scoped the lines with a camera. To fine a blockage. They recommended a cleanout installed for greater access. I agreed. My bill went from $100.00 to $585.00. Upon futher scoping thet discovered the line blocked at tree roots. Recommending front yard line replacement to fix and prevent future occurances. Can't afford it.$2,600.00But it makes sense.

I am trying to be responsible. Opening up the line. Roots removed. But discovery of additional blockage outside property boundaries leading into and deep under the street, (9'). Try to rooter through and high pressure water4000psi. Doen't work. So now the bad news. After the 1970's big earthquake and massive repairs to lines, the city decides to make the lines from curbside to center connect at manhole under paved city taxed streets (appox18'), the homeowners responsibility$. But you must use city permits, certain empoyees and rules to how it's done. Now my additional cost at a discount is $8,000.00. Total to unblock the sewer line, $10,000.00! And still they require reinstall of the same clay pipe that allowed this to happen in the first place. The problem exsisting and progressing from before I took ownership of the property. You can't place the exsisting dirt back into trench it must be put into rental dumpster and halled away. All sorts of inspectors must check the work$. City workers must dump new special soil and repave the road on my dime. Upon calling Dept of Sanitation, they were sympathetic. But the law is the law. A law which most of the public is unaware until they're in my postion. I can't afford this repair. Especially in this economy. Nor can you sell a home in this condition. But, I have to do it to use water utilities and toliets. So I signed a contract with the plumbing company. To make payments on money I don't have. For work I feel should not be my responsibilty. Why should I most likely loose my home over such a scam. The CITY MAFIA! I am behind the eightball. I am now told stories of others trying to fight City Hall only to be ignored. I have been taxed for a sewer too backed up to use. Taxed for a roadway I use and others in my community, (city streets), but do not have ownership to. But this law and the sky high city fee cost is unfair and a ripoff!!!
Please let the people know. And please try to help me get back the additional $8,000.00. Are there any local media contacts to put this on T.V. Or the papers. I want to help change things! -

Darrell
Tarzana City of Los Angeles, California

Company: The City of Los Angeles
Country: USA
Address: City Hall East, 200 N. Main St Los Angeles CA 90012
Phone: 2134852121

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