1998 Ford Escort 2.0L Break Lines Zip Tied

I have an interesting situation with my escort that I am looking for advice on. When I first got this car about 6 months ago it had a fuel leak. I took it to a mechanic and they explained that the break line would also need to be replaced because they were so rusty. I had no problem with this because they were indeed rusty. Mechanic gave me what I thought was a good deal, he patched the fuel lines, ran new break lines, put a new flex pipe on along with a muffler and welded it all in place. When I first crawled under the car I notices that the break lines were not straight and not in the original brackets. In fact they were attached to the fuel lines with plastic zip ties. My problem now is the car has a fuel smell again and I would assume that it is the same issue. My question at this point is are there any state (MI) or federal laws that would prohibit this? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks for your time! yikes.

did he 'patch' the fuel line as in repairing it, or did he replace it? if he patched it with something like epoxy its likely its failed again which explains the new fuel leak. there aint a good way to fix a leaky fuel line, its gotta be replaced.

theres a reason them clips are there for the brake and fuel lines, and they need to be used. if they aint secure, they can vibrate or rub against each other or the frame. that can cause metal fatigue and cause leaks.

sounds to me like that guy took too many shortcuts. i dont know about the laws, but if i was u, id take the car to a competant shop and have them find the leak and replace whatever part is leaking. without seeing the car i dont know if they can properly route the brake lines in the clips, if not they may have to be replaced again. i know its expensive and a pain in the ass to deal with, but your safety depends on getting it fixed the right way.

while your at it, u should have them look at the exhaust work the other guy done, to make sure he didnt take shortcuts there too. Do you have the repair order or invoice? If you had a friend who is a mechanic do this in his back yard under a tree, you probably don't have any recourse.

If it was done at an automotive repair shop and they have a business license, you should go after them.