Plumbing Nightmare: Toronto Family's $300 Repair Turns into $50,000 Flooding Disaster

Toronto Family Faces $50,000 Bill After Plumbing Issue Causes Massive Flooding A Toronto family is facing a hefty financial burden after a seemingly minor plumbing issue in their Scarborough home led to widespread basement flooding and significant property damage. The incident began on April 29th when homeowner Linda Mangalathu called a plumber to address water seeping into her furnace room. The plumber discovered blocked pipes leading to the street, requiring excavation. "They said, 'Oh, Linda, now we need an excavator, so it will cost you $500 more,'" Mangalathu recounted, describing the escalating costs. The excavation revealed a collapsed sewer line blocked with sand. Benjamin Sarault of Henry's Bobcat Service, who was eventually hired, stated that the weeping tile was intact, but a damaged storm pipe may have been spilling water back into the soil around the house, causing the flooding. City staff are investigating and are on-site working to repair the city sewer pipe. However, they claim the leak isn't from the city's water supply and that there are no hidden underground streams in the area. The city's investigation continues, and Mangalathu is left to grapple with the $50,000-plus bill and the uncertainty of her home's structural integrity. Neighbor Dilvir Kalsi expressed worry, stating, "You kind of get scared, right? You're wondering, 'Oh, is our house next?'." The incident highlights the potential for unexpected and costly consequences from seemingly minor plumbing issues and underscores the importance of well-maintained city infrastructure. The ongoing investigation promises to shed light on the exact cause of the collapse and determine responsibility for the significant damages.