Hey there, real estate experts. I (Ben DeReus) have had the opportunity to work with the Wiemanns and their team since January 1. As their sewer scope specialist, I’ve seen my fair share of what lies beneath the surface – literally. What we’ve quickly learned is that you, our real estate professionals, greatly appreciate the additional service of sewer scopes we’re providing. I want to share with you a few important items in regards to your sewer scope reports.
Think of the sewer line as the unseen plumbing highway of a home, diligently carrying waste away. When it’s functioning properly, you don’t give it a second thought. But when there’s a blockage, a crack, or root intrusion, it can quickly turn into a costly and unpleasant nightmare for homeowners. Trust me, it’s not always fun to have a conversation with an excited homebuyer about the sewer findings. Thus, the importance of a clear scope, report, and video, which we provide to our clients and their agent.
This summary and report are a goldmine of information. It outlines the condition of the pipes, identifies any existing or potential issues, and often provides recommendations for repair or cleaning if needed.
We at Wiemann Home Inspection do not do any sewer cleaning, so if you are on the selling side, you’ll be asked to contact a sewer company that specializes in cleaning. Some companies do not televise the line before cleaning, so they aren’t always sure of the condition or the issues present. We highly encourage sharing the pictures/video with all parties involved if cleaning or if repairs are being requested. This provides clarity on why the requests were made.
Why Read the Sewer Summary?
- Transparency Builds Trust: Providing a sewer scope summary upfront demonstrates transparency and builds trust with potential buyers. It shows you’re not trying to hide any potential issues and allows them to make an informed decision.
- Negotiating Power: If the summary reveals minor issues, it can be addressed and factored into the negotiation process. This can prevent last-minute surprises and keep the deal on track.
- Avoiding Post-Closing Headaches: Imagine your clients moving in only to discover a major sewer line blockage. The blame often falls back on the selling agent who “should have known.” A pre-emptive sewer scope can significantly reduce this risk.
- Understanding the Property’s History: The sewer line’s condition can offer insights into the property’s maintenance history. Neglected pipes might indicate other potential hidden issues.
Go the Extra Mile
Here’s a tip I highly recommend: If the sewer scope reveals a blockage or significant buildup of roots and/or debris, don’t just request the line to be cleaned. Request the sewer cleaning company to re-televise the line after the cleanout. This ensures the cleaning was effective and thorough. It also provides additional clarity on the condition of the sewer line and if any other damage is present. This proactive step can save everyone a lot of frustration and expense down the line. We’ve encountered many sewer lines this year that have been cleaned recently or repaired, only to discover that there are still issues. Some lines are still obstructed, have large amounts of debris remaining, large roots/growths that got missed, or sections of the sewer line that didn’t get repaired that should have.
As always, our entire team wants to provide everyone with excellent customer service and expertise to those involved in a real estate transaction. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact our office. We are here for you all! Happy home selling ~Ben