I woke up to the most ungodly stench I've smelled in years this morning. I found the source...drain backing up in my basement.

I had a pro come out and clear the line as best as he could, but the clay pipe is falling apart and needs replaced. He told me that it's going to cost anywhere from $7-10k to replace.

I have insurance in place for issues such as this, but am getting a bit pissed at the one who sold it as it wasn't on the disclosure form. The house inspection didn't note it, as it's falling apart a bit from the house and couldn't be seen.

This particular plumber claims that he's been aware of it for some time, as he's been out here in the past and informed the PO of the issue.

What I'm wanting to know is this...since my wife and I really like this house and have started renovation work, as well as repaired the existing plumbing at our cost, what are the possible legal steps I can take to make it fall on the PO? We have a clause in the contract of the house that allows us to walk away from it and have the purchase price returned if we do it within the first 90 days. We've been in the house now for 3 weeks, so we still have time.

The house is worth the effort and money...it's the only property in the neighborhood that has a driveway, and that is very desireable here.

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1987 560SL
85,000 miles