When a buyer purchases a new home, the bank or mortgage company typically requires an inspection that covers the condition of such things as the home’s structure and its heating, cooling and internal plumbing systems. What it does not always cover, however, is what you can’t see: the sewer lines that run underground from the house to the municipal sewage lines out on the street.
For a house that is older than 20 years old, a sewer line inspection at the point of sale is an absolute must. This inspection, conducted by a sewer septic professional contractor, will tell you what the lines are made of, what condition they’re in and if there are any breaks or blockages that could cause very costly problems down the road. If there are indeed issues with the lines, you may even be able to resolve them during the property transaction.
What is the best way to assess the condition of sewer lines? Obviously, short of digging up the yard, you have to get the best possible picture of the ground below, something that is best done through a camera inspection conducted by a sewer septic contractor. In this process, a fiber optic video camera is attached to the end of a very long probe that is sent directly from the house through the sewer lines and out to the street. The mini camera then transmits back to a monitor images that are so accurate, you can actually see the debris inside the lines, along with any cracks, breaks or blockages.
So if you’re looking for a new home, be sure to make your own checklist of what to inspect and definitely include a sewer line video analysis. For a relatively nominal fee now, it literally could save you thousands of dollars in the long run!
