Here’s a story from the United States of America that serves as a warning for all plumbers, no matter where they are from.

A Nantucket Superior Court jury issued a $723,516 judgment against Macca’s Plumbing & Heating, a Bridgewater, Mass. company that was found negligent in its work on a Chuck Hollow Road home that suffered extensive water damage during construction in May 2008.

The judgment is likely the largest damages award in the history of Nantucket Superior Court, or at least in the 30 years clerk magistrate Pat Church has been on the job.

The lawsuit was filed by Kenneth and Denise Riseborough, who purchased the property in January 2006, hoping to complete the unfinished dwelling on the lot and list the property for sale and rent by 2008. The couple retained Macca’s Plumbing in April 2007 to perform plumbing installation work, and the company president, David MacLellen began the job the following year.

On May 30, 2008, MacLellen called Riseborough to inform him that the cold water supply line had pulled away from the valve on the second floor of the home, sending water throughout the home.

This is a timely lesson for everyone. Plumbers should take note that shoddy workmanship can lead to legal proceedings and residents need to be aware of who they are hiring. The message for consumers is always hire a licensed plumber.