What to Do If a Sewer Problem Is Found During the Option Period

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

If a sewer problem is found during the option period, do not panic and do not ignore it. The option period is exactly when a buyer should discover hidden issues, review evidence, get estimates, negotiate repairs, ask for credits, or decide whether the property still makes sense.

A sewer problem found before closing is information. A sewer problem found after closing may become your repair bill.

Step 1: Get the Sewer Video

Do not rely only on a short verbal summary. Ask for the sewer camera video, inspection report, access point used, pipe material observed, and defect locations.

Step 2: Identify the Defect

Determine whether the issue is roots, standing water, a sewer belly, offset, pipe separation, cast iron deterioration, broken pipe, collapsed pipe, Orangeburg pipe, or a limited inspection.

Step 3: Locate the Problem

The location matters. A repair in the yard is different from a defect under the slab, driveway, sidewalk, landscaping, or near the city tap.

Step 4: Get a Repair Estimate

If the defect is serious, ask for an estimate before the option period expires. The estimate should explain scope, access, permits, testing, restoration exclusions, and whether post-repair camera inspection is included.

Step 5: Negotiate Before Closing

Depending on the defect, the buyer may request seller repair, seller credit, price reduction, further evaluation, cleaning and reinspection, or termination if the risk is too high.

What Buyers Should Ask the Seller

• Has this sewer problem happened before?
• Are there prior sewer repair invoices?
• Has the line been cleaned before?
• Was the sewer line repaired with permits?
• Can the seller provide a post-repair camera video?
• Will the seller repair the issue or provide a credit?
• Will the repair include cleanouts, testing, inspection, and restoration terms?

When Walking Away May Make Sense

Walking away may make sense when the sewer problem is severe, the cost is unknown, the defect is under the slab, the camera cannot pass, the seller refuses to negotiate, or the buyer cannot accept the repair risk.

Buying may still make sense if the defect is understood, repair cost is known, the seller participates, and the buyer is comfortable with the risk.

Helpful Internal Links

• Sewer Inspection Checklist for Home Buyers
• Should I Buy a House With Sewer Line Problems?
• What Does a Sewer Inspection Report Look Like?
• Testimonials
• Contact Us

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