Florida Family's Water Turned Orange After Repairman Fails to Replace Softener System

Water Softener System Issues

• 💧 A Pasco County family experienced orange, undrinkable water after a repairman removed their water softener system and failed to replace it.
• 💡 The family's attempt to upgrade their water softener system led to the discovery that their existing system was allegedly hooked up backward and filled with iron buildup.
• 💸 The repairman, Charles Walzac of Tri County Water, was paid an $800 deposit for a new system but never returned to install it, leaving the family without a functioning water softener.

Impact on Family and Horses

• 🐴 The family's horses, kept to honor their deceased daughter's memory, were at risk of colic and death due to the lack of clean drinking water.
• 🏠 The orange water caused significant problems, including staining toilets, leaving a film on skin after showers, and turning the mother's hair orange.
• 💰 The original water softener system removed by the repairman was valued at almost $9,000, and the family ended up paying nearly $3,000 for a new system.

Consumer Protection Law Concerns

• ⚖️ The family discovered that Florida law, which requires contractors to complete work within 60 days (with a potential 30-day extension), might not adequately protect consumers in such situations.
• ⚠️ The mother felt the law was not on her side, as it would require her to endure 90 days with undrinkable water before potential prosecution of the contractor.
• 🗣️ An investigator from Seniors Versus Crime suggested the law is "a little weak" and that customers need to be aware of their rights and the statute's limitations.

Previous Incidents and Call for Change

• 🔍 This is not the first time Walzac has been accused of similar behavior; another customer reported a water softener being taken for repairs and never returned.
• 📢 The family hopes lawmakers will review and change the current consumer protection laws to better safeguard customers from contractor negligence and theft.
• 📰 The story gained attention after the family saw a previous consumer investigation report and reached out for help.