Almost everyone knows that an inspection is a crucial piece of the home buying puzzle. However, there is one important system that is not included in the standard home inspection that is often overlooked by buyers: the sewer pipes. However, this critical system should not be an afterthought. Here are just a few reasons why you should keep an eye on a sewer inspection the next time you buy a home.
Why do I need a sewer inspection?
While sewer problems can occur in any retirement home, a sewer inspection is especially important if the home you buy was built before 1970, according to Jason Murton of Accurate Inspections, LLC.
“Before that time, many homes used cast iron pipes, and while they are designed to last, those pipes tend to start to deteriorate long before the end of their life,” he said. “Clay tile pipes were common before 1970 and these had small gaps at every pipe joint, creating opportunities for roots to enter.”
Murton says another sign that a sewer inspection might be needed is if your prospective property has a lot of well-established trees.
“Certain tree species are more of a threat than others, but in general, tree roots can destroy sewers,” he said. “They are attracted to the water and find the smallest crack in a row to force their way through. They grow pretty quickly, so over time they can clump together and be quite an obstacle. ”
Settling, ground shifting, substandard materials, and poor installation are other common problems that, if not detected, can later lead to extensive and expensive problems. Murton has also seen problems from inadvertent damage to sewer lines from construction or gas pipeline work.
“We saw an incident where workers unknowingly hit a homeowner’s main sewer while working on nearby gas pipes,” he said. “While everything was in order in the house, water ran into the floor and the sidewalk slowly fell.”
What happens during a sewer inspection?
Of course, during a normal home inspection, the inspector runs water through the faucets. But remember, you will only be home for a limited time. A partially clogged or damaged sewer is a problem that doesn’t happen overnight, so your home inspection may not show the problem. However, your inspector is likely to point out red flags and may recommend a sewer inspection if there are any concerns.
A sewer inspection is a relatively straightforward process. The plumber or inspector attaches a camera to a serpentine pipe that he maneuvers through the sewer lines. You can usually see everything in real time on a video monitor and your inspector will likely explain how they work and allow you to ask questions. This process not only lets you know if the sewer is clogged, it also shows the overall condition of the system, including the type and quality of the material used.
All sewer inspections come with a written report and some professionals even provide a flash drive with the video footage. If the inspection report has a problem, you can discuss options with your REALTOR®, whether that means negotiating repair costs or, if the problem is worrying enough, abandoning the deal altogether.
It is important to note that not every clogged sewer line is a major problem, and many sewer lines will go through their entire lifespan without problems. A sewer inspection, however, is just another tick on the responsible homebuyer checklist. In some cases, it might be the best prevention money you can spend.
“A typical sewer inspection costs about $ 200 to $ 300, but it’s really a small price to pay to have peace of mind,” said Murton. “The average sewer replacement costs about $ 5,000. If the problem is bigger, the amount increases from there.”
For a list of local service providers, see the Greater Lansing Association of REALTORS® website at www.lansing-realestate.com.
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