A sewer line inspection is often an overlooked step in the home-buying process. However, it’s a crucial one that can save you thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs down the line. Here are four compelling reasons why you should prioritize a sewer line inspection before finalizing your home purchase:
1. Uncover Hidden Sewer Line
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cracked sewer line
Many sewer line problems are not visible to the naked eye. Tree roots, cracks, blockages, and collapsed pipes can lurk beneath the surface, waiting to cause havoc after you’ve moved in. A sewer line inspection, using a specialized camera, allows inspectors to thoroughly examine the entire pipe, identifying these issues before they turn into costly repairs.
2. Avoid Expensive Sewer Line Repairs
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flooded basement due to sewer backup
Repairing or replacing a sewer line is a major expense that can easily reach tens of thousands of dollars. By getting a sewer line inspection, you can uncover these problems beforehand and negotiate with the seller to fix them or adjust the purchase price accordingly.
3. Protect Your Investment
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happy family moving into their new home
Your new home is a significant investment, and a failing sewer line can quickly depreciate its value. A sewer line inspection provides peace of mind, ensuring that the home’s essential systems are in good working order and safeguarding your investment.
4. Ensure Your Family’s Safety and Health
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hazardous sewage backup
A malfunctioning sewer line can lead to sewage backups, posing health risks to you and your family. Raw sewage contains harmful bacteria and pathogens that can cause serious illnesses. A sewer line inspection helps identify these potential hazards, allowing you to address them before they compromise your family’s well-being.
What to Expect During a Sewer Line Inspection
A sewer line inspection typically involves inserting a waterproof camera attached to a flexible cable into the sewer line. The camera transmits video footage to a monitor, allowing the inspector to visually assess the condition of the pipe. The inspection usually takes about an hour, and the inspector will provide you with a detailed report outlining any findings.
How Much Does a Sewer Line Inspection Cost?
The cost of a sewer line inspection varies depending on the location, the length of the sewer line, and the company you choose. However, it’s a relatively inexpensive investment compared to the potential costs of sewer line repairs.
Is a Sewer Line Inspection Worth It?
Absolutely! A sewer line inspection is a small investment that can save you from a major financial and emotional burden. It’s a crucial step in the home-buying process that can protect your investment, ensure your family’s safety, and give you peace of mind.
Consider this: the cost of a sewer line inspection is typically a few hundred dollars. In contrast, the cost of repairing or replacing a sewer line can range from $5,000 to $25,000 or more, depending on the severity of the problem and the accessibility of the pipe. In some cases, if the damage is extensive, you may need to excavate your yard, which can add to the overall expense.
By investing in a sewer line inspection, you’re essentially paying for valuable information that can help you make an informed decision about your home purchase. If the inspection reveals significant issues, you can negotiate with the seller to have them repaired before you move in, or you can factor the cost of repairs into your offer.
In the long run, a sewer line inspection can save you thousands of dollars and prevent the stress and inconvenience of dealing with a major plumbing problem in your new home.
Don’t leave your new home to chance. Get a sewer line inspection and make an informed decision.
Check out mercyplumbing.com for scheduling information
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- International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI): https://www.nachi.org/
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- American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI): https://www.homeinspector.org/