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    Not the expert Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Aug 11, 2011, 11:58 AM
    Sewage lines
    I am selling my house (closing next month). Even though the buyer waived the sewage inspection, our municipality requires it. I have never had any problems with my sewage, so this really irritates me since I have to do this at my expense.
    Anyway, we started the video cam of the lateral line only to see a back up. The plumber is guessing it's probably from roots of the maple tree. They stopped the video inspection and are coming back to snake the line, hoping to clear the blockage.
    My question is, if it is roots and the have snaked them, do I have to replace the sewage line, or just maintain it? I have no more money to put into my house. I, absolutely, cannot pay for a line replacement.
    Please put me at ease as I feel like my heart is going to explode out of my chest right now. I'm so worried about this ruining our sale. :(
    cdad's Avatar
    cdad Posts: 12,700, Reputation: 1438
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    #2

    Aug 11, 2011, 07:04 PM

    Is the sewage inspection a pass/fail style of inspection or is it a condition report? Who will be seeing the final documentation ?
    Fr_Chuck's Avatar
    Fr_Chuck Posts: 81,301, Reputation: 7692
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    #3

    Aug 11, 2011, 07:08 PM

    If the buyer merely gets a copy of the report, if required, and they have already waived that inspection, it is a touchy area.

    Does the buyers have the right to cancel depending upon home inspection ?

    Also when you say "snake" do you mean an electric machine with cutting blades on the end of the shaft ?
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    #4

    Aug 23, 2011, 11:59 PM
    We cleared out some small roots and then did the inspection. Other than two, very small root intrusions, the pipe is clean and looks good. We had to take the video tape and plumber's report to the township... it would be reviewed by the "New" building inspector and the public works director. They would then let me know if it passed or failed. If they deemed it not to pass, then they, the township would require that I repaired/replaced the pipe. If they deemed the pipe "Passed", only then would they submit the certificate of compliance to the closing company... I can't close on the house without that. Plus, I would have to add to the house disclosures anything the plumber finds. If it is a fail, the buyer, once again, has the option to walk away from the sale.
    Fortunately, we "passed" the inspection and the certificate of compliance was sent to the closing company... as for me? I'm out another 500.00 dollars, just for snaking and inspecting thanks to our township sticking their noses into the neighborhood sales.
    So much unnecessary stress and upset!
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
     
    #5

    Aug 24, 2011, 06:45 AM
    Had this gone unnoticed until afetr closing and the new buyer got the backup you would have had even more stress. Obviously there was a problem with your sewer line and you got it fixed for $500. That is a great price for camera work and snaking, just pay the bill and move forward. The roots will eventually return in a few years and you will no longer be liable.
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    #6

    Aug 24, 2011, 07:48 AM
    I did pay the bill and I am moving on. That advise had nothing to do with my original question.
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
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    #7

    Aug 24, 2011, 08:49 AM
    Sorry, did not mean to avoid your question but since you are selling there is nothing more for you to maintain. If you stay in the home for any length of time I'd flush some copper sulphate don't the toilet twice a year. This will kill the root tips while they are still little hairs. You can buy this at most garden centers or on the net http://www.coppersulfaterootkiller.com/home.html

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