Why Home-Buyers Should Consider Sewer Inspection
Home buyers commonly enlist the services of a real estate inspector to check the roof, foundation, electrical system, HVAC system and other areas of the property that are readily accessible. Issues uncovered by home inspection services are commonly inexpensive repairs that afford the home buyer leverage to negotiate a lower purchase price. The standard home inspection does not take into consideration the condition of the sewer line and perspective home buyers rarely consider sewer line inspection, which can prove an expensive oversight.
Video Sewer Inspection is Inexpensive
Property owners are responsible for their sewer line from the inside of the home all the way out to the main sewer system. Video sewer inspection is a relatively inexpensive way to check for flat, broken, bellied, offset, or root infested sewer lines; any one of which can cost unwitting new homeowners thousands in repairs when the situation is revealed. Sewer line inspection is a low cost way to proactively spot problems before sewage spill backups occur that can inflict thousands if dollars in property damage, requiring sewage clean up, disinfecting and structural drying. While insurance companies often cover damage to your home, less the deductible, sewer line repairs are typically not covered by homeowners insurance.
Sewer Inspection is Essential
Ordering a video sewer inspection is essential to the enlightened home-buyer’s purchase negotiations. Sewer line inspection will either reveal existing sewer line problems, or will confirm that the sewer line is entirely functional. If the sewage system is found to be in need of repairs before finalizing the commitment to purchase, the buyer will have an opportunity to renegotiate the purchase agreement in light of this discovery.
Tree roots commonly grow into sewer lines. Roots infiltrate tiny openings and expand in the sewer line, often latching on to other debris that typically cause backups. Sometimes chemicals can kill the tree’s roots, but if the roots reappear, the pipe may be damaged and require excavation to fix the problem.
Buildings that were constructed prior to the installation of municipal sewage systems often relied on cesspools. Occasionally, cesspools were left intact and connected to the sewer line. Video sewer inspection will expose such antiquated sewer structures, giving potential real estate buyers the opportunity to make an educated purchase decision.
Many homes built in the 1950’s have sewer lines made from tar paper called Orangeburg pipes, which disintegrate and collapse over time. If video sewer inspection uncovers Orangeburg sewer pipes, the sewer line needs to be replaced.
Property Recovery 911 offers residential and commercial video sewer inspection services in and around Philadelphia. For prompt and professional service please contact us at (267) 808-7200 to schedule a sewer line inspection.