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Do You Need a Sewer Inspection Before Buying a Denver Home?

By
Real Estate Agent with Bandy Homes

Denver home buyers know to ask for a home inspection (especially those buying older properties). But even the most seasoned home buyer in Denver may not realize that a sewer line inspection should be a high priority on their pre-purchase checklist. Considering the potential expense and headaches involved with replacing a sewer system, the cost of an up-front sewage line inspection is money well spent.

Why should you have the sewer line inspected in the home you’re thinking of buying? Every home sewage line connects to a public sewage system, sometimes as deep as 16 feet below grade. Few property owners are aware of the fact that they are responsible for the sewer line from their home to the city's main.

The most common problem for homeowners is tree roots growing into their system. Roots crawl into tiny openings and expand in the sewer line, latching onto debris (such as hair or cooking grease) that can cause backups. Chemicals can by used to kill the trees roots, but if they reappear, the pipe may be permanently damaged. Additionally, lines that are straight when laid can buckle under 16 feet of back fill, even on newly-constructed homes. Both situations require complete excavation to fix the problem.

Sewer backups into your home can cause thousands of dollars in property damage. And while homeowner's insurance will usually pay for cleanup and restoration within the home, they typically exclude the potential thousands of dollars necessary for repair or replacement of the sewage line itself. Remember that a standard home inspection does not cover either the structural integrity or the condition of sewer lines. Having a sewer line inspection prior to purchasing a property makes your educated home buying decision even more proactive. Planning for upcoming maintenance and budgeting for necessary repairs are critical to wise and happy home ownership.

There are many companies throughout the Denver area which provide home sewer line inspection services. Whether you're buying a home in Littleton, a house in Aurora, or a Denver metro area property, call the experts at the Bandy Team. We can help with all of your relocation needs, including finding a reputable sewer line inspector. Let our knowledge and expertise make buying the perfect Denver home a clean and easy experience.

Marianne Bandy

Read our Denver Home Buyer FAQs

Patti Ann Kasper
EXIT REALTY NEXUS - Blaine, MN
Blaine & North Metro Minneapolis St Paul Real Esta

Crossed Gas and Sewer Lines Minneapolis St Paul Twin Cities Real Estate Market Homes for SaleBoy is this blog about sewer line inspections timely.  I don't know if you have this problem in your area, but in the Minneapolis St Paul Twin Cities area, we have a dangerous problem with the natural gas lines being crossed with the sewer lines.  The contractors that were installing the natural gas lines evidentially didn't have good information or somehow messed up and put the natural gas lines right through the sewer lines in people's yards.  So when you have a sewer problem and you call someone to clear your line, you could possibly hit the natural gas line and blow up the house!  It has happened at least a couple of times here in the Twin Cities.  And I suppose the gas line intruding on the sewer line could also cause the drains to run more slowly or provide a place where a clog can occur more easily than if the gas line had not been there.

Dangerous stuff...  Would be a good idea to also call the gas company when you call the plumber.

Check out this article by our local news media...

Jul 16, 2010 07:22 AM