Pre-Purchase Sewer Inspection in Annapolis, MD

The Problem

A couple purchasing a home in Annapolis, MD (21401) contacted us during the home inspection period. The home was built in 1968 and had never had a sewer camera inspection. Their home inspector had noted the age of the home and recommended a sewer scope before closing.

The sellers were resistant to the inspection, claiming the sewer had "never had any problems." The buyers wanted an independent assessment.

The Diagnosis

We performed a sewer camera inspection from the cleanout access point to the main sewer connection — approximately 65 feet of 4-inch cast iron pipe.

The camera revealed three significant issues: a 6-foot section of pipe with severe root intrusion from a large oak tree in the front yard, a pipe belly (low spot) at the 40-foot mark where sewage was pooling, and a 3-foot section of Orangeburg pipe at the connection to the main — the only section of the original Orangeburg that hadn't been replaced in a previous repair.

The Orangeburg section had deformed significantly and was at risk of collapse. The root intrusion and pipe belly were causing the slow drainage the sellers had apparently been managing with periodic snaking.

The Solution

We provided the buyers with a detailed written report and the video recording of the inspection. The report documented all three issues with their locations and severity.

The buyers used the report to negotiate a $12,000 credit from the sellers at closing — covering the cost of the sewer repair with funds to spare. They proceeded with the purchase.

After closing, we performed the repair: root cutting and spot repair at the oak tree intrusion point, excavation and pipe replacement at the Orangeburg section, and a hydro jetting of the full line to address the pipe belly buildup.

The Outcome

The buyers saved $12,000 at closing and had the sewer issues repaired correctly after closing. The sewer line has been functioning correctly for 8 months since the repair. The camera inspection paid for itself many times over.

Key Takeaways

• A standard home inspection does not evaluate the sewer line
• Homes built before 1975 in Maryland may have Orangeburg pipe — a material that collapses
• A sewer camera inspection before closing can reveal significant repair needs
• Camera inspection findings can be used to negotiate credits at closing
• Root intrusion and pipe bellies are common in Annapolis homes with mature trees