Home buyers should know that the sewer line from the house to the street is usually the owner’s responsibility, and that a standard home inspection often does not look inside it. A sewer camera inspection before closing can reveal cracks, roots, or sags that would be costly to fix later.
Why the Sewer Line Matters
The sewer line carries all of the home’s wastewater. If it is damaged, repairs may involve digging up part of the yard, driveway, or sidewalk. These problems are hidden underground, so they are easy to miss during a walk-through, even when the house looks well kept.
Questions to Ask the Seller
- How old is the sewer line, and what is it made of?
- Has it ever been repaired, replaced, or lined?
- Have there been backups or slow drains?
- Are there large trees near the line?
- Is there a backwater valve or cleanout?
Ask for any receipts or reports from past sewer work. Written records can save you from paying for the same repair twice.
The Camera Inspection
A plumber feeds a small camera through a cleanout and records video of the line. The video can show the pipe material, roots, cracks, sagging sections, and offset joints. Some buyers use the results to plan repairs or discuss price with the seller.
Red Flags
Older clay or cast iron pipes, signs of roots, past backups, and soggy spots in the yard are worth a closer look. Very old fiber pipe found in some mid-century homes can soften and collapse over time.
A clean camera inspection is not a guarantee, but it gives you a much clearer picture before you buy.
If you are buying a home, a camera inspection of the sewer line can be scheduled before closing. For other plumbing questions during a home purchase, you can get a plumber’s opinion on the house at (833) 603-1840.