Don’t Let Hidden Sewer Problems Turn Your Dream Home Into a Financial Nightmare
Buying a home is one of the most significant investments you’ll ever make, and while you’re carefully inspecting every visible detail, there’s a critical system lurking beneath the surface that could cost you thousands if overlooked. The condition of the sewer line is often overlooked during the home-buying process. This can be a costly oversight. That’s why smart home buyers are increasingly turning to pre-purchase sewer camera inspections to protect themselves from expensive surprises after closing.
What Is a Pre-Purchase Sewer Camera Inspection?
CCTV inspection companies use specialized camera systems to assess underground sewer and drain lines without excavation, providing detailed footage for diagnostics and repair planning. During this process, a small waterproof camera attached to a flexible cable is fed through the home’s cleanout or drain, capturing real-time footage of the sewer line all the way to the city connection or septic tank. This type of inspection helps identify problems that aren’t visible during a standard home inspection, and can save buyers from costly surprises after move-in.
A sewer inspection should take no more than an hour from start to finish. The sewer camera inspection itself should only take about 5-10 minutes. The process is completely non-invasive, meaning no digging or disruption to the property is required.
Why Standard Home Inspections Aren’t Enough
Standard home inspections do not include a sewer scope. While a home inspector will examine the plumbing pipes in the home, they won’t go out of their way to check the sewer line. This leaves a significant blind spot in your understanding of the property’s condition.
Some homeowners or plumbers may attempt to use a drain snake instead of a camera inspection to clear blockages. However, this method is primarily for unclogging and does not detect cracks, corrosion, or root intrusion—making it a poor substitute for a true visual sewer inspection.
The High Cost of Sewer Problems
The financial implications of undiscovered sewer issues can be staggering. Sewer repairs and replacement are not cheap and can be anywhere up to $25,000. Sewer repairs often cost thousands of dollars, and complex replacements in Southern California can reach tens of thousands, depending on pipe depth, access, and method (trenchless vs. open-cut).
For the sake of a few hundred dollars is it worth taking the risk on something that may potentially cost you multiple thousands of dollars after closing? When you consider that a sewer camera inspection will generally cost around $125 – $350, with the price varying based on factors like the inspection’s complexity and location, the investment becomes a no-brainer.
What Problems Can Camera Inspections Detect?
Modern sewer camera technology can identify a wide range of issues that could affect your new home:
- Pipe corrosion, root intrusion, grease buildup, and shifting soil
- Clogs, cracks, tree root intrusion, or pipe collapse
- Root intrusion, offsets, breaks, and bellies
- Blockages, leaks, tree root intrusions, pipe corrosion, misalignments, and even collapsed sewer lines
Roots are the most common defect found during a sewer camera inspection. This is particularly important to know since sewer lines can be aged, damaged, or clogged with tree roots.
When You Should Definitely Get an Inspection
While every home purchase could benefit from a sewer inspection, certain situations make it absolutely essential:
- If your home is more than 50 years old, as older homes are more likely to have problems with their sewer lines
- If you’re buying a home that’s more than 20 years old
- If the property is older and may have older clay or Orangeburg pipes, or if there is a long-distance between the house and the street sewer connection
- Whether old or newly installed, no sewer line is impervious or exempt from issues
Surprisingly, home buyers should consider getting a sewer inspection done even if the home is newly constructed. Sewer line failures occur regularly with new developments due to human error but are rarely the topic of conversation.
Your Options When Problems Are Found
If your sewer camera inspection reveals issues, you have several options:
- Use the camera plumbing inspection to negotiate and knock some money off of the selling price
- Ask the seller to remedy the issues shown during the inspection – on their dime – before closing the deal
- Walk away, if you think the house isn’t worth the plumbing hassles or risks
You’ll receive a detailed report and video footage after the inspection, which outlines any defects or areas of concern. This report is crucial for understanding the sewer system’s condition and planning for any necessary repairs or negotiations during a home purchase.
Professional Sewer Camera Inspections in Monmouth County
When it comes to protecting your investment with a professional sewer inspection, choosing the right company matters. AME Plumbing Heating and Cooling is Monmouth County, NJ’s premier plumbing and HVAC service provider. With years of experience and a dedication to excellence, our team of licensed professionals delivers unmatched expertise and quality service to every homeowner and business. Specializing in a wide range of plumbing services and HVAC solutions, we pride ourselves on our ability to handle any challenge, ensuring your home’s systems run smoothly and efficiently.
For homebuyers in the area, a professional Sewer Camera Inspection in Monmouth County, NJ from AME Plumbing provides the peace of mind you need before making this major investment. At AME Plumbing Heating and Cooling, we specialize in providing comprehensive sewer camera inspection services to residents and businesses throughout Monmouth County, NJ. Our experienced technicians use the most cutting-edge equipment and state-of-the-art technologies to conduct thorough inspections of your sewer lines, identifying any issues such as blockages, leaks, or damage. By utilizing state-of-the-art technology, we ensure accurate diagnostics without the need for invasive measures, saving you time and money.
With competitive pricing, extended warranties, and a satisfaction guarantee, we stand behind our work, making us the preferred plumbing and HVAC company in Monmouth County, NJ. Our commitment to exceeding our clients’ expectations sets AME Plumbing Heating and Cooling apart. We go above and beyond to ensure that every service call is met with a solution that is both effective and lasting.
The Bottom Line: Prevention Is Worth Every Penny
Should you get a sewer inspection before buying a house? Absolutely. It’s a small cost upfront that can prevent a large financial headache later. Not only can you make sure that your new home’s plumbing system is in good condition, but an inspection can also help you relax, knowing that you won’t face unexpected sewer system failures.
A home’s plumbing system is often one of its biggest unknowns, and hidden problems can lead to unexpected expenses after closing. With this information, buyers can negotiate repairs, request seller concessions, or avoid a costly mistake altogether.
Don’t let a hidden sewer problem turn your dream home into a financial nightmare. Investing in a pre-purchase sewer camera inspection is one of the smartest decisions you can make as a homebuyer. What lies beneath can eat up your savings and an ounce of prevention is worth every penny.