Many homeowners and prospective buyers are unaware that a home’s sewer lateral line – the sewer line that runs from the house to the publicly owned main line – is the property owner’s responsibility. Standard home inspections do not include a sewer lateral assessment.

Hire a Trustworthy Sewer Inspector

An inspection is only as good as the inspector. Video sewer scopes are the best way to find problems with your sewer lateral. There are, of course, disreputable companies that will use this technology to sell you on expensive repairs that you don’t need. Watch along with the inspector as the video is recorded, and get a copy for yourself. If an inspector tries using high pressure sales tactics, send them away and call another company.

To protect yourself from scams, only hire sewer inspectors from reputable firms with a history of service in your area. See if they are accredited with the Better Business Bureau. Do some online research on sites like Yelp and Angie’s list.

Signs You Might Have a Sewer Lateral Problem

If the drains in your home regularly back up, or if they are slow to drain even after cleaning, then you should have a sewer lateral inspection. If you have noticed a sewer odor somewhere on your property, or if an area is sunken, you might have a problem. Another sign of trouble is a patch of grass that is a brighter green than the rest of your lawn. If you suspect that your home has a sewer lateral problem, please Contact Us.

Ashley Michels of Fox 31 in Denver, Colorado filed this story: “Sewer line break in home couple bought 4 weeks’ earlier costs thousands.”