Sewer Inspection for Home Purchase

When you are in the process of buying a home, it’s important to maintain a positive outlook. If you’re looking at an ugly space with potential, you’ll be more inclined to spend time improving it. That being said, there are bound to be some kinks that need to be worked out before you put in an offer. 

If you’re looking to buy, there are many different types of home inspections that can take place to ensure that you’re getting involved with a good home situation. Having clogged drains or any sort of sewer issue can be detrimental to your financial situation. That’s why having a thorough sewer inspection is so crucial. You will find out just how much work needs to be done and what steps need to be taken right away. 

Here is what you can expect when the inspector leaves your home!

What The Inspector Will Find When He/She Visits Your Home For A Sewer Inspection

When an inspector comes out to your property for a sewer inspection, you can expect them to check a few different things: 

• The exterior of your property. The inspector will check your yard for anything that may be preventing the flow of water. This includes trees, brush, and any items that may be clogging your drainage system. 
• The interior of your home. The inspector will examine the walls and floors to determine whether or not they are outdated. If they are, they may need to be replaced. 
• Drainage systems and pipes. The inspector will check your pipes to determine if it’s in good condition and if it’s capable of meeting current code requirements. If it’s not, it will need to be replaced. 
• The outside fixtures and valves. This includes your water meter, water shut-off valves, and the sewer line from your house to the main.

The Root Cause Of The Clog

The inspector will do a thorough investigation to discover the root cause of the clog. Once they have located the blockage, they will be able to determine what caused it. This is important, because it could have been triggered by something in your home. If that is the case, the owner will be required to repair the issue. 

In other words, the property owner will be responsible for paying for the repairs. If the clog was not caused by something in your home, it will be the responsibility of the homeowner’s insurance company to cover the cost of the repairs.

What Tools Are Used During A Sewer Inspection

A sewer inspection is a thorough inspection of your sewer line. It will determine if there are any problems with it and if it is functional. The inspector will use a few different tools when investigating your sewer line. They include: 

• A camera. The inspector will use a camera to look inside your sewer line. A camera is a small device that connects to a computer. It is inserted into your sewer line and sends images to your computer. This allows the inspector to see inside your sewer line and check for any potential problems. 
• A manhole. The inspector may lift your manhole cover and observe the condition of your sewer line. They will check to see if it is blocked and if it is overflowing. They may also use a video camera and a water flow meter to inspect your sewer line.

Why Having A Complete And Thorough Sewer Inspection Is So Important

A sewer inspection is a crucial step in the home buying process. It will allow you to determine if there are any major issues with the sewer line. If there are, you will be able to potentially negotiate a lower price, or request that the issues be fixed before finalizing anything. If the seller refuses to lower the price, you will know that you will have to hire a professiona yourselfl to fix the problem. 

This can cost thousands of dollars. The seller may not be willing to pay for the repairs, so you may have to walk away from the deal. A sewer inspection can also save you money if your sewer line is in good shape. You will be able to negotiate a lower price because your property will be more desirable with a functional sewer line.

What’s Included In A Sewer Inspection?

A sewer inspection will determine the condition of your sewer line. This includes the main line between your house and the city line, lateral lines running between the main and the house, and the house where the lateral line terminates. 

It will also identify any potential problems with your system. The inspector will note the current condition of your sewer line and suggest any repairs that are needed. 

The inspector will also check the surrounding areas, including the yard and the house foundation. An inspection of these areas can reveal potential problems that could affect your lateral lines and the main sewer line. 

The Initial Inspection

When the inspector does their initial inspection, they will check for signs of a clog. They will look for rotting leaves, debris, and rocks that are lodged in your sewer line. They may also take note of any unusual sounds, like bubbling or gurgling. If there are no signs of a clog, the inspector will take a sample of water from your lateral lines. This water sample will be sent to a lab for testing. 

These tests may detect particles that indicate a clog. The inspector may have to use a camera to completely investigate your lateral lines. Many jurisdictions require an inspection of the lateral lines. If you’re buying a house, you may want to ask the seller if the sewer lines have been inspected recently. If they haven’t, you should consider having them inspected before you make an offer on the house.

The Detailed Inspection

If the inspector finds evidence of a clog, they will investigate the issue further. If there is a clog, they will use a video camera to determine its location. The video camera will show them whether the clog is located at the house or at the lateral lines. 

They will also determine whether it is organic or inorganic. An organic clog is caused by vegetation, like leaves and grass. An inorganic clog is caused by items like coins or toys. The inspector will use a hydro-jet to remove the clog from your lateral lines. They will use a video camera to determine where the clog is located and whether it is safe to remove it. 

If it is not safe, they may have to use snaking equipment. This equipment uses water pressure to unclog the line. The inspector will use the water pressure to remove the clog from your main. They will also take a sample of the water to check for any potential damage.

What to Expect After The Sewer Inspection Is Completed

After the sewer inspection is completed, the inspector should provide you with a report. The report will indicate the condition of your sewer line. It may also suggest ways to repair the system and prevent issues in the future. It will include a list of recommendations for repair work. 

The inspector may also recommend that you hire a professional to inspect your system on a regular basis. This will allow them to catch problems before they become serious issues. You can use this information to negotiate a lower price when buying a house or to determine how much you will need to spend on repairs. 

If you plan to sell your house, you should repair any issues with your sewer line as soon as possible. Doing so will make your property more desirable and will make it easier to sell.

Final Words

If you need help with your sewer system, go no further than Pro Sewer Services! Our specialists have undergone extensive training and are armed with the information, skills, and instruments necessary to resolve most sewage line problems, as well as providing excellent services. Get in touch with us today for your no-cost assessment of the damage!