“As a homeowner who is about to sell their home, it is essential that the systems and structures in your home are in good condition before you put it up for sale,” reminds BridgeHaus Managers. A major issue that can scare off potential buyers is when the home inspection reveals problems the seller did not disclose or even know about.
If you let this happen to your home, it will not only force your property to stay longer on the market (which will affect its market value), but you are likely to get offers far below your desired selling price. This is why, before you list your home, you want to know the condition of the critical structures of the building in order to fix any problems.
The sewer system is an essential feature of your home that should be in top shape. Most buyers do not want the hassle of dealing with a broken sewer system because of the potential cost of fixing the problems and how disruptive sewer issues can be. Sellers who can prove the health of their sewer line will be at a huge advantage.
Since your home’s sewer system is underground, how can you know the actual condition of the pipes? A sewer video inspection is the best way to check your sewer line for problems. Sewer video inspections are quick and non-invasive. Moreover, they provide accurate information that makes fixing the sewer line problems easier.
What is a sewer video inspection?
A sewer video inspection is a procedure used to visually examine the inside of a sewer line or drain pipes. A sewer video inspection is described as non-invasive and non-destructive because it does not require digging up the pipes, and your sewer line will not be harmed during the inspection. Here is how the inspection is done.
A professional plumber will insert a rod with a waterproof plumber camera at its tip into the sewer line. The insertion point is usually an outside cleanout or in the absence of that, a cleanout or floor drain inside the house. Once inside the sewer line, the live camera is guided through the pipes by the operator.
As it travels through the line, the high-resolution camera records the pipe’s condition while the plumber monitors the live feed from an above-ground monitor. Because the line is flexible, it can navigate the turns in the sewer line. This method allows for close scrutiny of the inside of the line, and the plumber is able to detect the smallest problems.
At the end of the inspection, a detailed report is sent to the homeowner with the following info:
Benefits of sewer video inspection for sellers
Given that a sewer video inspection is an additional cost, why should you do this inspection before listing your home? A sewer video inspection will help you make more money on your home than without the inspection. How?
A sewer video inspection provides vital information on the current state of your sewer line. It helps you avoid the embarrassment of being surprised by sewer line problems you didn’t know about.
By making the results of the sewer video inspection available to buyers, you inject transparency into your interactions. Even if you don’t fix the problems in the sewer line, buyers will be more confident when dealing with you.
Knowing the problems in your sewer line helps you price your home correctly. You will not leave room for a buyer to price your home down when they find issues you did not know about or disclose.
A sewer video inspection gives you an edge when talking to potential buyers. Due to the absence of major or unknown problems in your sewer line, buyers cannot push you into a corner during negotiations.
Doing a sewer video inspection is an investment, not a cost. It helps you make more money on your property.
Before you do a sewer video inspection
This inspection should be done by a licensed plumber or certified home inspector. A licensed and experienced inspector will interpret the information from the camera accurately to help you save money.
Whether you intend to repair sewer line issues or not, it is essential to include the inspection report in the documents you present to potential buyers. Buyers value this kind of information.
Lastly, how much does a sewer video inspection cost? That depends on your location and the length of your sewer line. You can expect to pay between $200 and $400 for this inspection, and it will be money well spent.