Smart Home Buying - Sewer Lateral Inspection

One inspection that home buyers often choose to waive - and shouldn't - is the Sewer Lateral Inspection.

Why is a Sewer Lateral Inspection important? A homeowner is responsible for the maintenance of the sewer lateral (the sewer line) from their home to the sewer main at the center of the street. This can be a very expensive repair.

The sewer lines in many Contra Costa County cities (including Alamo, Concord, Clayton, Lafayette, Martinez, Moraga, Orinda, Pleasant Hill and Walnut Creek) are made of clay and are reaching the end of their intended useful life. Some additional problems include:

Clay pipes are not sealed at the joints allowing the tree and bush roots to infiltrate the line and block the flow of the sewer pipe. The photo to the left shows a sewer that is more than 60% blocked with roots.

A healthy tree growing over the sewer line is likely getting the richest of fertilizer!

In many cases, drought conditions have contracted the ground surrounding the sewer pipe causing it to break or collapse, shown in the photo to the right.

Photos provided courtesy of PipeCam Inc. whose inspection process includes a video of the entire sewer lateral and a supporting written report. They are "In The Know About What's Below".

Here are some common reasons to inspect the sewer line during your inspection contingency timeframe:

1. The home was built on or before the early 1970's
2. Mature trees or bushes in front or on the side of the property
3. Cracked or raised concrete
4. The home has been vacant for a period of time
5. The buyers have a greater number of occupants than currently occupy the home or will entertain large groups at their home.
6. The seller has disclosed past sewer problems or maintenance
7. $250 is cheap compared to a surprise sewer repair!

Additional items to review during your inspection contingency timeframe:

• Habitat Sensitivity Area

• Homeowners Association Documents