Do You Need a Sewer Line Inspection If Your Home Has Public Sewer?

By Bryan Suarez, Local Real Estate Agent Serving Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Rancho Santa Margarita, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Niguel, and Surrounding Areas

When you’re buying a home in Orange County, you might assume that if the house is connected to a public sewer system, there’s no need for a sewer line inspection. After all, it’s not like having a septic tank that needs regular checks and pumping, right?

Here’s the truth: Even homes connected to public sewer lines can have serious (and expensive) sewer problems you won’t know about until it’s too late.

What Does a Sewer Line Inspection Actually Check?

A sewer line inspection uses a special camera to look inside the lateral sewer line – the pipe that runs from your home to the main public sewer line under the street. This inspection checks for:

Tree root intrusions (very common in mature neighborhoods)
Cracks or breaks in the pipe
Offsets where pipe sections have shifted
Clogs or buildup that could lead to backups
Pipe deterioration, especially in older clay or cast iron pipes

Why Bother If The Home Has Public Sewer?

Because the lateral line is your responsibility as the homeowner – not the city’s. If it collapses, cracks, or becomes blocked, you’re the one paying for the repair or replacement, not the public utility company.

And these repairs aren’t cheap. Fixing a damaged sewer line can cost anywhere from $4,000 to over $20,000, depending on where the issue is and whether it requires digging up driveways, sidewalks, or landscaping.

When Should You Get a Sewer Line Inspection?

I always recommend it! Especially if:

✅ The home is over 20-30 years old
✅ There are large trees near the sewer line route
✅ You notice slow drains or gurgling toilets during your tours
✅ The seller hasn’t done a recent inspection

For a few hundred dollars, a sewer camera inspection provides peace of mind – or gives you leverage to negotiate repairs before closing escrow.

Final Thoughts

Even with public sewer, it’s smart to protect yourself from costly surprises lurking underground. If you’re buying in South Orange County and want referrals to trusted sewer inspection companies, reach out anytime. I’m here to help you avoid unexpected homeownership headaches and buy with confidence!

-Bryan

📞 (949) 522-7502
📧 [email protected]

Bryan Suarez Real Estate | Top Realtor in Mission Viejo, Orange County

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