Extortion by City to Update Plumbing

[Carrie Smukal]

I have heard of two occurrences in my city where someone purchased a home and the city would not turn on the water unless the plumbing was brought up to code. Typically these homes are purchased without inspection and the plumbing not being to code may not be known.

These are typically foreclosures in which the city has removed the water meters from the home. What I understand is that the city may not turn on the water unless they are allowed to come into the home to inspect the plumbing first. I do not know these people so I cannot ask them about it; so I am asking all of you if you know what the circumstances may be in which the city can force themselves into your home like this.

It totally seems to be extortion to me. If I purchase a home, nobody should be able to come into my home and make me do anything. It is MY home. If I wanted someone to control me I would have joined the armed services.