Citizens Energy - Navigating a $60k Drainage Dilemma: Permits, Pipes, and Public Road

[Andrew Harrill]

Hello everyone,

I recently became the owner of a home on Rural Street in Indianapolis, Indiana, and have encountered a significant issue that I hope some of you might have insights on.

When I bought the house, I noticed some water in the basement. It didn’t seem like a deal-breaker at the time, especially since the previous owners appeared eager to sell. They disclosed that there was a blockage in the drain and hired a plumber who used a water jet to clear what they claimed were flushable wipes causing the issue. They suggested adding an external cleanout for about $8,000, and we agreed to split the cost by adjusting the home’s price.

However, after installing the cleanout, we discovered that the actual problem was far more severe. The clay drainpipe from our house has collapsed under one of the neighboring homes. Moreover, it turns out our drain connects to the main sewer line six houses away, on another street, at the end of the block.

The only solution provided by Citizens Energy is to reroute our connection to a lateral drain across the street. This requires about seven permits to shut down a four-lane street for over a week, with an estimated cost of $60,000 due to the need to dig 12 feet deep.

I’m reaching out to this community to ask if anyone has faced a similar infrastructure challenge or has experience dealing with such extensive utility work. Any advice on managing this situation, reducing costs, or navigating the permit process would be greatly appreciated. Have you dealt with Citizens Energy or similar situations before? What was your approach, and how did you resolve it?

Thank you in advance for your insights and advice.

[Melanie P.]

Quote from @Andrew Harrill:

That is a great suggestion. I will reach out to the insurance and see what they might be able to do. I wonder if that will cause an issue in the future. No HOA. There is no doubt in my mind that the seller knew what was going on. It will be hard to prove however.

Thank you.

I don't know that it would be so difficult to prove. First ask the utility how far the notes go back on your account or for your address. Ask them to go over with you the first time they were asked about the drainage lines. Contact the vendor who did the repair and ask them if they noted any problems with the drain. Or see if the service call notes match what was said when they "disclosed" flushable wipes. Don't get into the whole story when you call these places just tell them you're a new homeowner, the last owner didn't keep good records and you're putting together a binder of service records for the home so you can get ahead on maintenance. People like to help. Pull the original and any added disclosures out - they have questions about community water system - might be worth your while once you get all this data together to consult with an attorney to see if you have a claim. 

If none of this bears fruit and you don't care to spend $60,000 you can get a septic system put in for around $6500.