Getting Ready to Buy a Home? Don't Overlook the Sewer Line
A home's sewer line is underground and usually out of sight, but problems with it can lead to expensive repairs. Before buying a home, it's worth understanding what type of sewer system the property has, who maintains it and whether a separate inspection is needed.
Public Sewer vs. Private Septic
First, determine how the property handles wastewater.
Public sewer: Wastewater travels through a sewer lateral connecting the house to a municipal collection system.
Private septic: Wastewater flows into an onsite septic system with its own maintenance and inspection requirements.
If the property uses septic, read Buying a Home With a Septic System? Here's What Buyers Should Know.
What Is a Sewer Camera Inspection?
A sewer camera inspection, also called a sewer scope, uses a specialized camera to examine the inside of the sewer line.
According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), a sewer scope can identify visible defects such as:
Tree roots entering through cracks or joints
Broken, cracked or collapsed pipes
Separated or misaligned pipe joints
Heavy buildup or blockages
Standing water or low sections of pipe
Corrosion and deterioration
A sewer scope is typically a separate service from a standard home inspection. It also has limitations, including inaccessible portions of the line and defects that aren't visible during the inspection.
Does the Age of the Home Matter?
Older Michigan homes may have sewer lines made from materials that are less common in newer construction.
Clay: Can develop separated joints, cracks and root intrusion.
Cast iron: Can experience corrosion and buildup.
Orangeburg: A bituminous fiber pipe used in some older installations that can deform or deteriorate.
PVC or ABS: Plastic piping commonly used in newer installations, although damage and installation problems can still occur.
An older sewer line isn't automatically defective. The important factors are its material, condition, maintenance and previous repairs.
For more information about evaluating older properties, read What Should You Inspect Before Buying an Older Michigan Home?.
Who Is Responsible for the Sewer Line?
Many buyers assume the municipality maintains everything beyond their property line. That isn't necessarily true.
In many Michigan communities, homeowners are responsible for maintaining their private sewer lateral, potentially including portions beneath the sidewalk or street.
Responsibility varies by municipality and utility provider.
Before purchasing, consider:
Where does the homeowner's responsibility end?
Has the sewer line ever been repaired or replaced?
Are previous inspection or repair records available?
Does the municipality offer sewer lateral protection programs?
Is optional service line coverage available through the homeowner's insurance provider?
Contact the local sewer or public works department to verify responsibility for the specific property.
What Happens if the Inspection Finds a Problem?
Not every sewer line problem requires complete replacement.
Depending on the condition, possible solutions include:
Cleaning the line or removing root obstructions
Repairing a damaged section
Installing an approved pipe liner
Replacing a severely damaged or collapsed line
Repair costs depend on the location, depth, pipe material, accessibility and extent of the damage. Work beneath a driveway, sidewalk or street may involve additional excavation, permits or restoration expenses.
A qualified sewer contractor can evaluate the findings and recommend appropriate repairs.
Before You Buy
A sewer line inspection can provide useful information about a part of the home that buyers rarely see.
During your Due Diligence / Inspection Period, try to establish:
Whether the home uses public sewer or septic
Whether a sewer camera inspection is appropriate
The pipe material and approximate age, if known
Whether significant defects were identified
Who is responsible for repairs
Whether previous repairs or replacements were documented
The goal is to understand the condition of the sewer line and potential repair responsibilities before buying the property.