May 2007; home owner discovers he does not have any running water; called general contractor (John Kunkel Jr, dba Cypress Builders, LLC); contractor recommended Nemic, Inc; upon examination/ evualation, Nemic stated the submersible pump had failed/ "burned up", moreover, the pressure tank was dysfunctional. Whereupon, he replaced both.
Subsequently, the home owner had the original pump tested. The pump was bench tested (re electrical) and subjected to a practical test, that is, it was submersed and tested. Moreover, these test were preformed by Nemic's supplier (Milby Company); same is an authorized reseller of referenced pump.
The results of the pump test are as follows: " Testing the Sta-Rite pump, model 5SP4E02HL-03, C/D, 1M02J, The motor checked out good, tested the pump in well, runs good, shows little wear & tear, found the motor lead has damage."
Furthermore, the technician stated he would have no hesitation reusing the pump; it did not need replacing.
And regarding the pressure tank: Nemic misrepresented its condition. He reported to the home owner that it too had failed. He also stated that in order to remove it, he had to drill several drain holes, thus, allowing trapped water to escape, and thereby, lightening it for ease of removal. The home owner retrieved the tank from his trash and inspected it; there were no associated holes. However, the home owner did observe a corroded and apparently dysfunctional recharge air valve.
Total C. Nemic, Inc. expense, $3825.00, and the contractor requested an additional $1000 for "calling the plumber."
Telephone calls and a letter to C. Nemic, Inc were not answered. Moreover, a complaint filed with the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) was denied. MHIC advised, "The Commission concluded that your claim is illegally insufficient because well pumps are not defined as a home improvement under Title 8 of the Annotated Code of Maryland."
The home owner sincerely believes that the aforementioned case/ personal experience satisfies and epitomizes the definition of fraud - criminal deception designed to facilitate theft.