Buying a Home in Seattle? Don’t Skip the Sewer Inspection

Buying a home in Seattle is exciting, whether you’re moving into a Craftsman bungalow in Ballard, a condo on Capitol Hill, or a historic property in Queen Anne. With the competitive housing market, buyers often feel pressure to move quickly. But there’s one step that should never be overlooked: the sewer inspection.

It might not be the most glamorous part of home buying, but skipping it could leave you with thousands of dollars in surprise repairs after closing.

🚽 Why Sewer Inspections Matter in Seattle

Seattle is full of older homes, many of which still have original sewer lines made of clay, cast iron, or concrete. These materials can crack, collapse, or deteriorate after decades underground. Add in Seattle’s rainy climate, shifting soil, and abundant tree roots, and it’s no surprise that sewer issues are common.

A standard home inspection typically does not include a sewer scope. That means the home could look perfect on the surface while hiding serious problems underground.

🔎 What a Sewer Inspection Includes

At Jim Dandy Sewer & Plumbing, we use a sewer scope camera to inspect the line from the house to the city connection. This allows us to:

• Identify cracks, breaks, or collapsed sections

• Spot tree root intrusion

• Detect “bellies” (sags in the line that collect waste and water)

• Check for clogs, buildup, or corrosion

• Determine the overall health and lifespan of the pipe

This process is quick, non-invasive, and gives you peace of mind before making one of the biggest purchases of your life.

💸 The Cost of Skipping an Inspection

The average sewer line replacement in Seattle can range from $7,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the location and severity of the damage. That’s not the kind of surprise any new homeowner wants right after moving in.

By investing in a sewer inspection up front, you could:

• Avoid unexpected costs

• Negotiate repairs with the seller

• Make an informed decision before closing

🌳 Common Sewer Issues in Seattle Homes

Here’s what we frequently find during inspections in the Seattle area:

• Tree Root Intrusion: Large trees (common in older neighborhoods) send roots into small cracks in pipes.

• Aging Materials: Clay and cast iron pipes break down over time.

• Ground Shifting: Seattle’s wet climate and hillsides can cause soil to shift, stressing underground pipes.

• Heavy Rain Impacts: Consistent rainfall leads to excess water infiltration, overwhelming old sewer lines.

✅ Protect Your Investment

Buying a home in Seattle is a big financial commitment. Don’t let hidden sewer problems turn your dream home into a nightmare. A sewer inspection gives you the information you need to make a confident purchase.

At Jim Dandy Sewer & Plumbing, we’ve helped Seattle homebuyers for over a century, and we know what to look for in our city’s unique housing landscape.

📱 Buying a home in Seattle? Schedule a sewer inspection today and let us give you peace of mind before you sign on the dotted line.

Jim Dandy Sewer & Plumbing – Trusted by Seattle Homeowners Since 1908