You don’t expect to have problems with a sewer line when you buy a home, but the truth is, not all problems with a home’s systems are visible at first glance. If you are buying a pre-owned home, you need to pay attention to these hidden problems to save yourself money down the road.
Sewer lines are buried underground and with time and age, they can crack or leak. Roots of large trees, earthquakes, or other types of ground movement can also cause damage to sewer lines. When this type of damage occurs, the repairs can be very expensive.
You can’t rely on homeowners insurance to cover the cost
Homeowners insurance is a great protection to have, but you can’t rely on it to cover everything that may go wrong with a new home such as problems with a septic line. While homeowners insurance covers things like a burst pipe caused by freezing temperatures, it won’t cover sewer lines buried on your property outside of your home unless you purchase additional coverage to specifically cover sewer lines. Another thing to remember is that if you cause a sewer line problem through negligence such as disposing of grease down your sink, the insurance company can deny your claim.
Signs of sewer line damage
You may not immediately realize you have sewer system damage when you purchase your home, but there are signs to look for including:
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Wastewater pools in the yard
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Foundation cracks
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A foul smell
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Infestations of rodents or insects
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Bathtubs or sinks that drain slowly
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Sunken areas in your yard
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The presence of mold
The importance of regular sewer line maintenance
If you discover a problem with your sewer system, once you have it repaired, there are steps you can take to keep from experiencing the same problems. Regular maintenance is the best remedy for preventing sewer line backup and damage. Also, make sure you never pour grease down your drain and have overgrown tree roots removed. Keep your plumbing lines clear with regular maintenance and hire a professional plumber if you experience any unexpected problems like slow draining sinks or bathtubs.
Why not get a home inspection and protect yourself from sewer line problems? A home inspection can reveal hidden problems with your plumbing system and save you from expensive repairs down the road. Let us take the worry out of buying a new home. Contact us to schedule your consultation. You can visit our website here: https://rvminspections.social5.net/.
