“I Have Two Indoor Outhouses”: Florida Retiree Battles Plumbing Disaster in New Home — Builder Claims No Problem Exists

Buying a brand-new home is supposed to be a dream come true especially when it comes with the promise of everything being in pristine condition. But for Florida retiree Patty Wood, her dream turned into a plumbing nightmare just days after moving into her new house in Apollo Beach.

Wood, a former radio host, purchased a freshly built ranch-style home constructed by D.R. Horton, a well-known national builder with a decades-long track record. But rather than enjoying the worry-free experience that new construction typically promises, she’s been battling what she describes as an unacceptable plumbing issue since almost the moment she stepped through the door.

A New Home With Old Problems

Only three days after moving in, Wood says her toilets began overflowing. Since then, she’s faced ongoing clogs, with waste backing up and an inability to flush toilet paper without risking a major blockage. The result? She has to throw used toilet paper in a trash can.

“I paid a lot of money for this house. It should work,” she told ABC Action News. “I have two indoor outhouses and that’s unacceptable in any house let alone a new one.”

As part of her new home warranty, Wood reached out to D.R. Horton, who referred her to Northwest Plumbing, the contractor responsible for the installation. After a single visit, the company reportedly cleaned the pipes and conducted a video inspection, but concluded the problem was due to the toilet paper she was using. Ironically, they recommended the same brand she already had in her bathroom.

Their advice? Get a roommate. In an email, the plumbing contractor claimed that clogs are less common in homes with more occupants because more frequent flushing pushes solids through the system. Wood wasn’t amused. “I’m not going to find a family to move in with me just so I can flush my toilets,” she said.

A Second Opinion Reveals a Bigger Issue

Frustrated with the builder and the contractor’s lack of resolution, Wood decided to consult her own expert master plumber Thomas Flynn, who has over 47 years of experience. Flynn discovered a much more serious issue: the waste pipe from the toilet to the sewer wasn’t installed with enough slope to allow waste to drain properly.

“To fix it the right way, you’d need to cut up the floor, dig down to the pipe, and reset the angle,” Flynn explained. “It’s a massive job and could cost tens of thousands of dollars.”

Despite Flynn’s findings, D.R. Horton stood firm in their position. In a statement to ABC Action News, the builder said, “We and our vendor, Northwest Plumbing, have investigated this matter extensively, including performing a video camera line inspection, and we have not discovered any issues in the home’s plumbing system. We have provided guidance to Ms. Wood on how best to prevent future clogs.”

Unsatisfied, Wood who is trained as a paralegal has since filed a formal complaint with the Florida Attorney General’s Office against both D.R. Horton and Northwest Plumbing.

What This Means for Future Buyers

Wood’s situation is not as rare as many might hope. According to a 2022 survey by Real Estate Witch, 66% of new-build buyers expressed regret about the process, and 88% experienced repair or maintenance issues shortly after moving in.

The assumption that new means flawless can lead buyers into a false sense of security. Inspections often don’t catch everything especially if the problems are hidden beneath the surface, like with plumbing lines. While warranties are supposed to protect against construction defects, they don’t always ensure a timely or satisfactory resolution.

How to Protect Yourself When Buying New Construction

If you’re considering a new-build home, here are some critical steps to take before you sign on the dotted line:

• Vet Your Builder Thoroughly: Look up reviews, request references, and speak with other homeowners who purchased from the same builder. Ask about their experience not just during the construction phase but also after moving in.
• Hire Your Own Inspector: Even if the builder offers inspections, having your own trusted inspector evaluate the property at multiple stages of construction adds a layer of protection.
• Negotiate Contract Terms: Work with a real estate attorney to ensure you can walk away from the deal if major issues are uncovered and that the warranty terms are clearly defined and enforceable.
• Set Aside Emergency Funds: If things go wrong and the builder won’t take responsibility, you may need to cover costly repairs yourself before pursuing legal or regulatory action.
• Don’t Ignore Red Flags: If you hear multiple complaints about the same builder or contractor, take them seriously. If the builder’s reputation is shaky, it’s safer to walk away.

Final Thoughts

Patty Wood’s story is a cautionary tale about the hidden risks that can come with buying a brand-new home. Just because a house is new doesn’t mean it’s free of problems and in some cases, those problems could cost you dearly.

Before investing in a newly constructed property, do your homework, protect yourself legally, and always plan for the unexpected. For Real Help on Finance Visit Nadlan Capital Group.