Recently, a story out of Florida caught national headlines — and for good reason. A family purchased a $3,500 refrigerator from Costco that came with “free installation.” Sounds great, right?

Except just six hours after that fridge was installed, disaster struck.

Their daughter called in a panic: the entire house was underwater. Investigators later discovered that the water supply line was installed incorrectly, cracked, and flooded the home.

The damage? More than $700,000.

Floors, walls, electronics, furniture, even the foundation of the home were destroyed. Mold began growing just days before Christmas, forcing the family to vacate their home entirely.

Costco and their third-party installer offered $175,000 in compensation. But the family had already spent around $300,000 out of pocket and knew the numbers didn’t come close to covering the reality. They’ve since launched a website, costcowaterdamage.com, to document the ordeal and are preparing to sue.

What This Really Means for Homeowners

It’s easy to look at this story and think, “That would never happen to me.” But the truth is, free or rushed installations are often handled by third-party contractors with little accountability. And when something goes wrong, it’s the homeowner who pays the price—literally and emotionally.

This isn’t just about money. Imagine being displaced, dealing with mold exposure, losing family heirlooms or electronics, and fighting a corporate giant during the holidays. That’s trauma no “free install” is worth.

Why The Repair Tech Doesn’t Play That Game

This story hit me hard because it’s exactly why we do business differently. At The Repair Tech, we’re not about gimmicks, smoke, or mirrors. We’re about:

• Accountability: When we install, we’re the ones standing behind the work. No finger-pointing, no hiding behind a third-party contract.
• Certification & Care: Our team is licensed, insured, and trained to do things right the first time—whether that’s connecting a fridge water line, installing a dryer vent, or soldering in a new HVAC compressor.
• Advocacy: We don’t just install. We call manufacturers, fight for your warranty coverage, and make sure you’re protected long-term.
• Heart: At the end of the day, we’re a family-run business serving other families. We treat your home like our own—because we know what’s at stake.

The Takeaway

That Florida family thought they were saving money with a “free install.” Instead, they’re facing lawsuits, displacement, and nearly three-quarters of a million dollars in damages.

Let their story be a reminder: when it comes to your home, cheap and free can turn out to be the most expensive choice of all.

If you ever feel unsure about who’s working in your home or what “free” really means, let’s talk. At The Repair Tech, our promise is simple:
✨ Honest work.
✨ Real accountability.
✨ People-first service.

Because peace of mind should come with every install—not panic six hours later.

—
Andreina Leal-Carrillo
CEO • Mom • Community Leader
The Repair Tech Inc.