Ohio City Ends Sewer Crisis After Years of Struggle

AKRON, Ohio – Thomas and Tiffany Smith have lived in their home for 21 years. The house features four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and offers a stunning view of Summit Lake from three scenic lots.

“My forever home, my paradise for my family,” said Thomas. “It’s the best piece of property in Akron. Look at the view, it’s beautiful.”

Three years ago, everything changed.

“In February 2023, our toilet in the basement began to back up with muddy water and sewage,” Tiffany told Nexstar’s WJW. “I called the city because I knew the issue was tree roots from a tree on what was considered a vacant city lot.”

The Smiths contacted two drain companies, but neither could unclog the line.

“They attempted to jet our line. Jetting means they take something that looks like a fire hose and push it down your sewer lines,” Tiffany explained. She noted there was disagreement over whether or not to perform the procedure, considering the sewer lines were nearly century-old clay pipes that might not withstand the pressure.

“As they were doing it, within about 20 minutes, right where you see this tree, water erupted like a volcano and raw sewage spilled out onto a neighbor’s house. We’re talking about 100 gallons,” said Tiffany.

The sewage also flooded their home and garage.

After that, the city of Akron brought in a contractor to dig up the sewer line. However, there was another discussion about liability involving the property on a hill and the houses below.

Tiffany said the contractor left the excavation already underway, promising to return, but in the middle of the night, they removed their equipment and never came back.

Nearly three years later, the sewage problems remain unresolved.

The Smiths were told not to flush toilet paper, so they now place used toilet paper in bags and throw it in the trash. In a home where they once hosted many outdoor gatherings, they have not had anyone over for the past three years due to the ongoing water and sewage issues.

During an emotional address to the Akron city council last week, Tiffany alleged she has been harassed and threatened by the city over the past three years.

According to Tiffany, the letters claimed she and her husband are responsible for repairing the damage caused by the city’s contractors. They have also dealt with threats of arrest, suggestions that they try to get supplemental insurance coverage by lying about not knowing the problem existed, and a demand for $30,000 for the city to send its own contractor to complete the job they failed to finish three years ago.

Tiffany said the money would have been added to their taxes over the next 10 years, or the water would be turned off and a lien would be placed on the property.

“I am in imminent danger of losing our home of 21 years,” Tiffany told the Akron city council. “The city came and dug up my sewer line, marked it off with spray paint, and then told me they are washing their hands of it. I have a dug-up sewer line, nobody will help me. They came and busted my sewer line, and I’m out of thousands and thousands of dollars.”

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The Smiths were ushered out of the council chambers to meet with Akron city administrators.

On Thursday, Mayor Shammas Malik issued a statement that read in part: “In the interest of resolving this situation that has been going on for more than two years, and because the city initially attempted to make repairs, the city is now planning to cover the cost of the replacement of the line.”

The Smiths met again on Friday with Malik, a representative of the city’s law department, Ward 9 Council Member Tina Boyes, and others. Also present for the meeting was the Smiths’ attorney, Imokhai Okolo.

“The city has made a commitment to paying for fixing what has been happening with the sewer line, and I think it’s just about figuring out the logistics of how that is actually going to happen,” said Okolo. “On one hand, people looking at it is a very simple thing, but it’s more complicated than just going in and fixing the line.”

The Smiths said their sewer line does not run to the street in front of their house, but extends more than 200 feet down the hill behind their home, where it merges with a downhill neighbor’s, possibly one of the longest such sanitary sewer lines in the city.

As such, there remains a number of logistical and engineering details to be worked out before the repairs resume. However, the Smiths are pleased that the mayor has at least made a commitment to finally do something to help them.

There also remains the matter of damage still inside the house from the sewage that backed up into the home, which was built in 1928, that needs to be repaired as well.

When asked what he felt was the catalyst for the city making a 180-degree change in their willingness to help them, Thomas said, “the court of public opinion.”

“It’s been a nightmare for us,” said Tiffany. “When people know that other people are going to know your wrongdoings, when the light shines on the dark, that’s when you are going to get action. This isn’t just for me and my family. This is for all of the people who have been wronged and don’t have the wherewithal to stand up and fight.”