Sewer Inspection Checklist for Home Buyers

Written by Steven Shipler, Texas Licensed Master Plumber, Responsible Master Plumber (RMP), MBA, and host of The 4 Guys Education on YouTube.

This sewer inspection checklist for home buyers helps you ask the right questions before closing. The sewer line is underground, expensive to repair, and often not fully evaluated during a standard home inspection.

A sewer camera inspection gives buyers video evidence before the option period ends. That evidence can help you negotiate, request repairs, obtain estimates, or move forward with a better understanding of the property.

Before you close, know what was inspected, what was found, and what still needs to be verified.

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Home Buyer Sewer Inspection Checklist

Was a sewer camera inspection performed?
Was the sewer video recorded?
Where was the camera inserted?
Are exterior cleanouts visible and accessible?
Was the line inspected toward the city tap?
Was the under-slab section inspected?
Could the camera pass through the accessible line?
What pipe material was visible?
Were roots found?
Was standing water found?
Were bellies, offsets, or pipe separations found?
Was cast iron deterioration visible?
Were previous repairs visible?
Does the line need cleaning, repair, locating, or further testing?
Should the seller provide repair records?
Should the buyer request a repair estimate before closing?

What to Do With the Checklist

Use this checklist during your option period. If the seller cannot provide sewer information, do not assume the line is fine. Order a sewer camera inspection and review the video before closing.

What Buyers Should Not Accept

Buyers should be careful with vague answers such as “the drains work,” “the seller never had a problem,” or “the home inspector checked the plumbing.” Those statements do not replace a sewer camera inspection.

If there is no sewer video, you may still be guessing about one of the most expensive hidden systems in the home.

Helpful Internal Links

Sewer Inspection Videos

FAQs

What should be on a sewer inspection checklist?

The checklist should include cleanout access, camera video, pipe material, roots, standing water, bellies, offsets, separations, repair history, and recommendations.

Should buyers inspect the sewer line before closing?

Yes. Buyers should inspect the sewer line before the option period ends so they can negotiate or request repairs if defects are found.

ewer Inspection Checklist for Home Buyers