A Home Turned Into a Nightmare
Thomas and Tiffany Smith have lived in their home for 21 years. The house, located in Akron, Ohio, features four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and is situated on three scenic lots that overlook Summit Lake. For the couple, it was more than just a house—it was their forever home, a paradise for their family.
“My forever home, my paradise for my family,” Thomas said. “The best piece of property in Akron. Look at the view, it’s beautiful.”
However, three years ago, everything changed.
In February 2023, the couple experienced a major issue when their basement toilet began backing up with muddy water and sewage. Tiffany reached out to the city, believing the problem stemmed from tree roots growing into the sewer line from a nearby vacant lot.
“We called the city because we knew the issue was tree roots from the tree on what was considered a vacant city lot,” she explained.
Two drain companies were sent to address the problem, but neither was able to clear the blockage. The process involved using a high-pressure hose, commonly referred to as jetting, which is typically used to unclog sewer lines. However, there was some disagreement about whether this method was appropriate, especially since the Smiths’ sewer system consists of nearly century-old clay pipes that might not withstand the pressure.
As one of the companies performed the jetting, something went terribly wrong. Within 20 minutes, water and raw sewage erupted from the ground like a volcano, flooding the neighbor's house and spilling onto the Smiths' property. According to Tiffany, around 100 gallons of sewage spilled out.
The sewage also flooded their home and garage, causing significant damage. In response, the city of Akron brought in a contractor to dig up the sewer line. However, the excavation came with its own set of complications, particularly regarding liability and the property's location on a hill with homes below.
Tiffany said the contractor started the work but then left, promising to return later. But in the middle of the night, they removed their equipment and never returned.
Nearly three years later, the sewage issues remain unresolved. The Smiths are now unable to use their toilet without risking further damage. They have been instructed not to flush even toilet paper, so they now dispose of used paper in bags and throw them in the trash.
Their once-beautiful home, which they used to enjoy for outdoor gatherings, has become a place they avoid. The couple has not hosted any visitors for the past three years due to the ongoing water and sewage problems.
Ongoing Struggles and Uncertainty
The Smiths’ situation highlights the challenges of dealing with aging infrastructure, especially in older neighborhoods where the plumbing systems may not be equipped to handle modern demands. Despite multiple attempts to fix the issue, the problem remains unsolved, leaving the family in a constant state of uncertainty.
They continue to live with the consequences of the failed repair efforts, both financially and emotionally. The stress of dealing with a broken sewer line has taken a toll on their quality of life, forcing them to make difficult adjustments to their daily routines.
For now, the Smiths are waiting for a resolution, hoping that the city or another responsible party will step in and finally fix the problem. Until then, their home remains a symbol of what once was—a paradise turned into a nightmare.
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