What was supposed to be a routine refrigerator installation turned into a homeowner’s worst nightmare for one Jacksonville family. A simple appliance upgrade reportedly caused catastrophic flooding and $700,000 worth of property damage, leaving their dream home in ruins and sparking a legal battle with both Costco and the installation contractors.
According to reports, the homeowners, identified as a local couple who had recently remodeled their house, purchased a high-end refrigerator from Costco. The appliance came with a professional installation service, which was handled by a third-party contractor. However, within hours of the installation, disaster struck.
“It started as a small leak under the fridge,” the homeowner explained in an interview. “Then, before we knew it, water was gushing through the floors, walls, and even the ceiling. It destroyed everything — our flooring, cabinetry, electrical systems — everything.”
Experts later determined that the installer had improperly connected the refrigerator’s water line, causing it to rupture under pressure. The leak went unnoticed for several hours, saturating drywall and wooden supports throughout the property. By the time the family discovered the issue, extensive water damage had already compromised multiple rooms.
To make matters worse, the family’s home insurance initially denied full coverage, citing “installer negligence.” The family is now stuck in a legal limbo, pursuing compensation from the installation company and Costco’s corporate team.
“This was supposed to be a $2,000 purchase — not a $700,000 disaster,” said the homeowner, still emotional weeks after the incident. “We trusted that the job would be done professionally, but now our home is unlivable. We’re staying in a rental while repairs drag on.”
Photos from the aftermath show warped floors, crumbling drywall, and black mold growth spreading in multiple areas. Restoration experts estimate that repairs could take up to a year due to the extent of structural and electrical damage.
Consumer protection advocates say this case highlights the hidden risks of third-party contractor partnerships often used by big-box retailers. “When large retailers outsource installations, accountability becomes blurred,” explained one consumer rights attorney. “Customers think they’re dealing directly with the store, but in reality, the installation is handled by subcontractors who may not meet the same quality standards.”
Costco has reportedly launched an internal investigation into the incident and released a brief statement expressing regret over the situation: “We take customer safety and satisfaction seriously and are working with the involved parties to resolve this matter.”
Meanwhile, the Jacksonville family hopes their story serves as a warning. “Always double-check your installers, even if it’s through a trusted retailer,” the homeowner advised. “We never imagined something like this could happen over a simple fridge installation.”
As legal proceedings continue, the case has sparked widespread debate on social media about corporate responsibility, insurance loopholes, and the real costs of “free” installation services. For one Florida family, what began as a small home upgrade has turned into a financial and emotional nightmare that may take years to recover from.
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