How to Spot the Most Common Plumbing Scams

The most common plumbing scams push expensive replacements you don't actually need, usually a whole main sewer line or a water heater, often after a very cheap drain-cleaning or service-call offer gets someone in the door. The best protection is a local, licensed plumber who explains the test results behind a recommendation, and a second opinion whenever a big replacement doesn't sit right.

We here at Brandenburg Plumbing like to focus on the positive. But we're also absolutely committed to helping homeowners as much as we humanly can, so today we'd like to talk about an all-too-common problem: plumbing scams.

Most, if not all, plumbing scams are centered around unnecessary replacements, especially sewer lines and water heaters.

Main sewer line replacements

The most common scam is using drain cleaning to sell unnecessary main sewer line replacements, anywhere from $4,000 to $15,000. The scam typically goes like this:

1. The company advertises a very low price for drain cleaning, often $99 or less, along with 24-hour service. This gets the plumber/salesman in the door.
2. A technician runs a snake down a sewer line and encounters a blockage. Sometimes, to make the blockage seem severe, the plumber will use no blades on the sewer machine, or smaller blades that can't clear the blockage. The technician then uses this inability to clear the line to sell a full line replacement. If your sewer line is made from schedule 40 PVC, and most are, there are very few instances where a full replacement would be warranted.
3. Some plumbers use the camera to justify the enormous replacement cost. They may find a small belly (a dip in the line where grease and other clogging material can accumulate) or roots, and insist this means the entire line must be replaced. The most grievous example of the camera scam is when the plumber sends a video of an entirely different sewer line, pretending it's yours, in order to sell the replacement.
4. Finally, they may poke a small hole in the clog, which will fully re-form within a couple of days as more grease and debris attach to it. Then, when they return a few days later to address the clog again, the plumber claims that to truly fix the problem they must replace the whole line. It could be that all the line needed was a hydro jetter instead of a snake.

Now, we aren't claiming that sewer lines never need replacing. Especially around older homes, or where roots are extremely prevalent, that may be the best course of action. But be wary of plumbers who jump immediately to the most expensive option. Roots can often be managed with annual drain clearing and root killer, though repairing the spot where roots are growing in is definitely the best option, so the chance of sewage backing up into your home is reduced. Bellies in the line can be big issues or minor ones. It takes an experienced plumber with your best interests at heart to know the difference, and a camera inspection you can watch for yourself.

Note: we do not recommend renting a sewer machine and trying to do it yourself. They are dangerous pieces of equipment that can easily take off a finger or worse, and they should only be used by licensed plumbers. We always err on the side of caution when telling customers what they may be capable of handling themselves, because there's no way for us to judge any one person's experience with equipment like this.

Water heater replacements

This scam is a little simpler. It may be that a simple heating element is out, or a thermostat needs to be replaced. Sometimes the problem is with the electrical system, like a failing breaker that isn't sending the correct voltage to the water heater. These are all testable conditions, and whether it comes from a lack of knowledge or a thirst for the larger sale, it ends with the same result for the customer: more money out of pocket for an unnecessary replacement.

This one comes with a large caveat, though: the warranties. If the warranty on your water heater has run out and you're experiencing leaks or a lack of hot water, it's often less expensive, not to mention safer, over the long run to replace the water heater. Again, a licensed professional you trust can explain their reasoning thoroughly and simply. If you're weighing it, our water heater team can walk you through what an honest quote should include.

Why do plumbers scam?

The obvious reason is money, but it's a bit more complex. For one, replacements often mean the plumber won't need to worry about their proposed solution not working. A brand-new sewer line or water heater likely won't present further issues and additional costs down the line. Replacement can at times be a legitimately less risky offer, especially for less experienced technicians who don't know how to test and diagnose a specific issue. A replacement guarantees all of their bases are covered.

But the main issue is commission pay. If a plumber makes more by selling more, they will almost inevitably bend the truth to make more money. Many are so heavily commission-based that the technicians have little choice but to recommend unnecessary work. If they don't, their pay plummets and they can no longer support themselves and their families.

How do I avoid being scammed?

First, think local. The national chains often grew to the size they are by pushing the commission-based model, which inevitably leads to some less-than-scrupulous practices.

Second, ask for referrals. Oftentimes the plumber who helped your friends or family will be far more honest and fair than national companies with big advertising campaigns focused on maximizing the short-term dollar.

Finally, if a bid seems off to you, get another one! We'd be happy to provide a free competitive quote with a licensed plumber. Just get in touch.

The takeaway

We aren't saying that sewer lines or water heaters never need replacing; they often do. Heavy scale from hard water that makes a fix impossible, or a fixture or appliance nearing the end of its life, could easily mean a replacement is warranted. But many times a less costly repair would work just as well. Finding a trustworthy plumber who will be honest and explain their reasoning is an essential part of owning a home or business.