Is a Sewer Inspection Necessary?

A sewer inspection might seem like something that is relatively unnecessary, but it is something that a lot of people don’t realize can actually be a huge money saver. 

Sewer lines both in and outside of the home should be checked to make sure that they are still in good condition. 

Why is a Sewer Inspection Important?

Getting a sewer inspection is one of the best things that a home buyer can do before they purchase a home. While it seems like a taboo subject, sewer inspections are actually quite common. 

A sewer inspection can save a lot of money for homeowners, because they can avoid buying a home that may have a broken sewer line in a couple months of living there. 

If the home is more than 20 years old, the sewer should definitely be inspected. This is because they can erode over time from constant use. Trees and shrubs are another cause of damage, because their roots can grow into and around pipelines, cracking and damaging them over time.

However, newer homes can have issues too, especially ones that have been built recently, because they could have faulty piping systems or other builder mistakes.  

How Do Inspectors Check the Sewer Line? 

Home inspectors perform non-invasive inspections, so the best way to make sure the sewer line is in good condition without digging it up is to use a camera. 

The camera is attached to the end of a snake and put down the sewer line. The camera records as the snake moves through the pipe, and will show whether there is damage or if the line is in good condition. 

The material that the line is made out of can be determined, as well as whether it is clogged, clean, or stripped and needs to be replaced. 

What Should I Do if the Inspector Finds Sewer Damage? 

If your home inspector finds that the sewer is damaged before you have purchased the home, this doesn’t necessarily mean that the house is a goner and you should back out of the deal. 

You can negotiate with the owner and see if they are willing to repair the damage, or negotiate the price to compensate for the cost of the repairs you will have to make. 

However, if the inspection report finds that there is serious damage, it might be best to walk away from the deal, as this will likely be very costly to fix and can take months to repair. 

Make sure to schedule a sewer inspection before purchasing a home, to ensure that you are getting a home without major issues that could be costly in the future.