You’ve found the perfect home and you can’t wait to move in. Before you sign on the dotted line and put up that earnest money, there’s an important task you need to tackle: having the main sewer line professionally inspected. Here are three reasons not to skip this step in the home buying process.

Backups can be terribly destructive.

If there’s a blockage in your main sewer line, the backup into your home can be extensive. Not only will there be water damage, but the bacteria in the sewage can be dangerous, so you’ll have to hire a professional restoration service to ensure the home is cleaned safely. This is just about the last thing you want to deal with when you’re moving in and getting settled. Your inspector will ensue the sewer line is not on the verge of clogging, putting your worries at ease.

Homeowner’s insurance doesn’t always cover sewer line replacement.

If your main sewer line were to back up, homeowner’s insurance would likely cover the cost of restoration. However, most insurance policies exclude the cost of replacing a damaged main sewer line. It’s better to find out that a sewer line is in need of replacement before you buy so you can find a different house or negotiate costs with the current owner.

Repairs may require changes to the landscaping.

One of the main causes of clogged sewer lines is tree roots growing into the line or crushing it. When this occurs, the at-fault tree must often be removed. It’s better to find out this needs to be done before you purchase a home so you can decide if the landscaping still lives up to your expectations after changes are made.

To schedule a sewer line inspection or learn more about what we look for during inspections, contact S.O.S. Drain and Sewer Service.