
An inspection is a standard part of the home buying process and should never be overlooked. However, some home inspectors forget the importance of examining the sewer pipes before completing their assessment report. Many home inspectors don’t have the equipment or training needed for these inspections, so you may need to find an experienced plumbing professional for the job, but it’s a worthwhile investment.
What is a Sewer Pipe Camera Inspection?
With a special camera, trained technicians can visually inspect the inside of the sewer pipes located underground. They can take both still photos and videos that can be saved if needed when negotiating the price of the home, for example, or even when making a homeowner’s insurance claim. These inspections typically take about an hour to complete.
Why Check the Sewer Pipes?
Because sewer pipes are deep underground, a leak or break can catch you off guard. This is especially true if you purchase a new home and know nothing of its’ history and past plumbing problems. A visual inspection of the pipes will give you a better idea of what to expect in terms of long-term upkeep costs of the home and prepare plumbers for future repairs by locating the areas most likely to cause trouble in the future. If you run into a problem, they will know where to start looking.
What Are Your Next Steps?
If the sewer pipes get an excellent grade from the technicians, you can sign on the bottom line and feel confident about your future in the home. However, suppose there are any problems noted. In that case, you can bring those up in the negotiations to determine whether the repairs should be completed beforehand, or the purchase price should be adjusted. You also have the option of withdrawing your offer on the home if the plumbing problems are severe.
Call Marvel Sewer and Drain to schedule a sewer pipe inspection before purchasing your new home. It will give you a better picture of the home’s plumbing so you can walk into the home buying process equipped with as much information as possible about the property.