As a real estate agent, your priority is helping clients make informed decisions about their home purchases. While standard home inspections cover many aspects of a property, they often overlook one crucial component—the sewer line. Hidden sewer issues can lead to costly repairs, making a sewer inspection a small but essential step in the buying process. Here’s why encouraging your clients to get a sewer inspection can benefit them while growing your reputation as a trusted agent.
Why Sewer Inspections Matter for Real Estate Agents
A home might look perfect on the surface, but underlying sewer and drain problems can create major financial and logistical headaches for new homeowners. Older properties, in particular, are at risk for sewer line damage due to aging pipes, root intrusion, and blockages. Even some newer homes can experience issues if the sewer system was not installed properly.
Recommending a sewer inspection before closing a deal demonstrates that you are thorough and always looking out for your client’s best interests. It can also prevent potential disputes down the road, ensuring that buyers are fully aware of any hidden issues before making such a significant investment.
What Happens During a Sewer Inspection?
A sewer inspection involves using a specialized high-definition camera to examine the condition of the sewer line. This allows professionals to identify common problems such as:
- Roots growing into pipes (root intrusion)
- Cracks or collapsed sections of the sewer line
- Buildup causing blockages or slow drains
- Misaligned or sagging pipes
These issues might not be immediately apparent, but catching them early can save homebuyers thousands of dollars in repairs and prevent future plumbing disasters.
Sewer Inspections and Seismic Activity in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties
Living in Southern California comes with the reality of frequent seismic activity. In areas like Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, ground shifting due to earthquakes can cause serious damage to sewer lines. Even minor shifts in the soil can lead to pipe misalignment, cracks, or breaks that go unnoticed until a major issue arises. A sewer scope inspection is especially important in these regions to ensure that a home’s plumbing system is structurally sound, functional, and free of hidden damage.
How a Sewer Inspection Protects Your Clients
Many homebuyers don’t realize that they are responsible for any required maintenance or repairs to the sewer line from the home to city-owned sewer main line, which is usually located under a street. If problems arise after closing, the cost of repairs or replacements can be steep—sometimes ranging from $3,000 to $25,000 or more.
By recommending a sewer inspection, you help your clients:
- Avoid unexpected repair costs
- Gain peace of mind about their purchase
- Make informed decisions about potential repairs
Your commitment to transparency and thoroughness will set you apart from other agents and foster trust with both buyers and sellers.
Conclusion
Encouraging homebuyers to invest in a sewer inspection is a simple yet powerful way to protect their financial well-being and homeownership experience. It also reflects positively on you as an agent who prioritizes due diligence and client satisfaction.
For reliable and professional sewer inspections in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, Sewer Scope Pros of San Fernando Valley is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your sewer inspection and ensure your clients have all the information they need before making their final decision.