I rent a space in a strip mall style building for my restaurant. There is a recurring sewer line backup because the line is old and makes a 90° turn. This gets clogged a few times each year. The turn is about 160 feet from my shop. Despite this affecting at least four other tenants, I am always the person who calls to get it fixed.
The landlord knows what the problem is and will not fix the pipes because it is “cost prohibitive.” They have a contract with a local plumber to come blast hot water down the line periodically.
Even with that plumber coming out, we have backups a couple times a year still. The sewage backs up onto my floor through a floor drain, through my utility sink, and my toilet. Other tenants are similarly affected. Earlier this year it backed up so bad one of the other tenants closed for two days to have professional cleaner come in and clean up their store.
I am wondering what options I have here. I have a lawyer who helped me with my lease who I could contact. But I figured I would ask and see if anyone here had any suggestions before I make that call.
I worked for ten years as environmental program manager for our county’s air quality division. Part of our responsibilities was addressing malodor complaints.
This could be from spreading manure around fruit trees, sick chickens at egg processing plant, tire burning, back up sewers and septic systems, chemical spills, etc.
Alleged violators were issued 30 day notice to clean things up without penalty.
Perhaps your county has program that can assist you.