The homeowners tasklist of responsibilities span all the way down to the sewer line from the structure to the city main. Any malfunction to these sewer laterals can result in sewage backing up into the house, which can cause costly property damage to the home. This is not just a few hundred dollars worth of damage; but potentially thousands of dollars worth of property damage, which can be a very unpleasant and unexpected upset for a family that has just dropped quite a bit of money moving in.
In order to better understand just what an inspector should be looking for in a sewer line inspection, a prospective homeowner should know the difference between backups and backflows:
Backups:
A backup happens when waste or debris collects and obstructs a home’s plumbing system, which results in clogged, slow moving drains. The backup occurs on the homeowner’s property and the expense and responsibility of cleaning the backup and repairing the damages lie with the homeowner.
Most backups can be fixed with a plunger or plumber and will not cost more than a plumber’s cost.
Backflows:
Backflows tend to be much less common. They occur when water or waste materials come up through the drain in the sink, bathtub, or toilet when the home’s plumbing system is not being used. Typically this happens when the city main is blocked and wastewater is backing the home’s lateral line. When this happens, the local sewer sanitation district should be called immediately. Regardless of who’s responsibility it is, the homeowner must take action quickly in order to prevent the damage from getting out of control. Backflows can cause serious damage such as flooding the entire home. This can even cause a homeowner to move off the property during the restoration. The stress and hassle of dealing with the insurance company after the cost of restoration can be a major headache, especially after just having moved in.
The typical home inspection that many new homeowners employ prior to purchasing does not include the structural integrity or condition of the sewer or septic lines. Hiring local plumbing services for inspecting the sewer lines and to perform a careful examination is a proactive way to make an educated buying decision, prepare for upcoming maintenance and properly budget for any necessary repairs.
Distributed by New Flow Plumbing Inc.
Media Contact
Company Name: New Flow Plumbing Inc.
Contact Person: Arman Grigoryan
Email: info@newflowplumbing.com
Phone: 818-538-4958
Address:6718 Katherine Ave.
City: Van Nuys
State: California
Country: United States
Website: www.newflowplumbing.com