This week I’m happy to discuss that question burning in the minds of all would-be homebuyers: why should I be thinking about the sewer? The answer is of course the number one answer to most burning questions: money.
Believe it or not (and you probably don’t want to test this theory) a faulty sewer line can be one of the most expensive repairs undertaken on a home and can cost upwards of $10,000 in repairs. According to Ashley Myers, Insurance Consultant with ReeceNichols, the biggest sewer line claim she has seen was $12,000 on a homeowner’s property in Kansas. When you are in the market and about to purchase a home you may (and really, probably SHOULD) hire a home inspector to try to identify any potential repairs which may be needed so that you can be prepared in advance for the repair bills. A savvy homebuyer will invest a bit more and hire a plumber or sewer inspector to take a sneak peak with the aid of a “sewer cam.”
Typically, a sewer cam inspection will cost approximately $200, give or take a little. And that’s often worth it – because better safe than sorry when it comes to the sewer. We don’t often think about the noble sewer line when it’s serving us, but common problems include: pipe corrosion; blockage; broken, misaligned, or cracked pipes; leaking joints; and even tree root intrusion into the sewer line.
If a problem is detected, depending on the market, a buyer may be able to negotiate sewer line replacement or repairs as a part of the purchase contract. Even when it’s more of a seller’s market, at the very least, a buyer may choose to make repairs to their new home before they’re “in too deep.” The housewarming party is not the time for this discovery. And, it’s often “buyer beware” when it comes to the home’s sewer line because the Seller probably hasn’t taken a peek down under recently, and is under no obligation to do so prior to listing their home. (Though a seller should disclose any known problems).
One last piece of advice for all homeowners out there – buyers and sellers alike – regarding their sewer: check in on your homeowner’s insurance policy. Often a homeowner can add “sewer line insurance” for the cost of a cup of coffee per month. If you ever find yourself deep in it, you’ll be glad you have this coverage.
Johnson County market update
This week in Johnson County there were 1099 active listings, and 1428 listings went under contract (Source: Heartland MLS, June 22, 2023).
About Maggie
Maggie is a ReeceNichols real estate agent and a third-generation realtor. It’s her passion to provide a professional and positive buying and selling experience to her clients. Maggie has been featured in Realtor.com, Apartment Therapy and in other publications. https://maggief.reecenichols.com/
Follow her on Instagram and Facebook for updates on the local market.
