Plumbing Experience

Plumbing Defect Expert Witness: Finding the Cause of Plumbing Problems

A plumbing defect expert witness helps explain why a plumbing or water system failed. I review plans, photos, reports, records, and site conditions to find what went wrong. I then explain my findings in simple words. As a sole practitioner and sanitary engineer, I work on cases involving sewage backups, sewer failures, septic problems, pump station failures, wastewater leaks, stormwater problems, and property damage.

My job is to find the facts, understand the cause, and clearly explain the results to attorneys, insurers, property owners, and other people who may not have an engineering background.

What Does a Plumbing Expert Witness Do?

Plumbing problems can start for many reasons. A pipe may break. A system may not have been designed correctly. A pump may stop working. Poor maintenance may also play a role. I look at the whole picture before I reach a conclusion.

I may review:

• Plumbing and sewer plans
• Construction records
• Inspection reports
• Site photos
• Repair records
• Maintenance records
• System test results
• Property damage reports
• Other technical evidence

I use these facts to understand what happened and why.

Plumbing Design and Engineering Experience

A plumbing design expert witness may be needed when someone questions how a system was planned or built. I can review the design and compare it with the conditions found at the site.

My engineering career focuses on water, wastewater, and related civil engineering systems. My experience includes water lines, sewer networks, pump stations, wells, wastewater treatment facilities, and potable water systems.

I have also worked on about 300 water, wastewater, and stormwater projects. My construction management experience includes about 50 water and wastewater projects.

This hands-on experience helps me understand how a system should work and what can happen when something goes wrong.

Plumbing Failure Investigation Service

My plumbing failure investigation service focuses on finding the cause of a system problem.

I have reviewed cases involving sewage backups, septic system failures, sewer pipe problems, pump station failures, wastewater leaks, stormwater drainage, and property damage.

For example, a sewage backup may have more than one possible cause. There could be a blockage, broken pipe, pump problem, poor design, or limited system capacity. I review the evidence to determine which facts support each possible cause.

Plumbing Litigation Expert Witness

A plumbing litigation expert witness must understand engineering and explain it clearly.

My forensic work combines engineering experience with careful investigation. I have more than 25 years of forensic and expert witness experience and have served as a technical consultant or expert witness in more than 100 legal cases involving water, wastewater, sewage, and stormwater matters.

I explain what happened, why it happened, and what the evidence shows. I keep my explanations clear and easy to follow.

Plumbing System Failure Investigation

My plumbing system failure investigation can cover many types of water and wastewater problems, including:

• Septic system failures
• Septic disclosure issues
• Sewage backup investigations
• Sewer pipe failures
• Pump station failures
• Water distribution problems
• Wastewater leaks
• Wastewater treatment facilities
• Sewer and pump station design
• Potable water systems
• Sewer maintenance plan reviews

Every case is different. I build my investigation around the facts and questions that matter.

Get Clear Answers About Plumbing Failures

When a plumbing or wastewater problem becomes a legal issue, I can help uncover the facts. Connect with Bonneau Dickson, PE, to discuss your plumbing investigation or expert witness needs!

Frequently Asked Questions