Should I Get a Sewer Inspection Before Buying a House in NJ?

Should I Get a Sewer Inspection Before Buying a House in NJ?

Buying a home is exciting — but it's also one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make. While most buyers focus on appraisals and traditional home inspections, there's one hidden system that's often overlooked: the sewer line.

If you’re asking, “Should I get a sewer inspection before buying a house in NJ?” — the answer is absolutely yes. At NJ Sewer Inspector, we’ve helped countless homebuyers avoid costly surprises with affordable, fast, and detailed sewer scope inspections.

Why Sewer Inspections Aren’t Part of a Standard Home Inspection

Most home inspectors don’t go underground. That means they can’t see the condition of the sewer line — even though it’s one of the most critical parts of your home’s infrastructure.

Without a sewer scope inspection, you could unknowingly buy a home with tree root intrusions, collapsed pipes, or outdated materials like Orangeburg or clay — all of which can cost thousands to repair.

What Can a Sewer Camera Inspection Reveal?

Using a high-resolution video camera, our technicians inspect the full length of the main sewer line — from the house to the city connection. A video pipe inspection can reveal:

• Tree root intrusion
• Pipe cracks or breaks
• Low spots or “bellies” in the line
• Misaligned joints
• Grease, sludge, or debris buildup
• Collapsed or deteriorated pipes

Once the inspection is complete, we provide you with the video footage and a full written report. You can use this to negotiate repairs or credits before closing.

How Much Does It Cost in New Jersey?

In NJ, a sewer camera inspection typically costs between $250 and $500 depending on the location, access point, and length of the line.

Considering sewer line replacements can cost $5,000 to $20,000+, this small upfront investment is worth every penny — especially for older homes.

What Types of Homes Need It Most?

All homes can benefit from a sewer inspection, but these are the highest-risk situations:

• Homes built before 1980
• Properties with large, mature trees
• Homes with unknown or unpermitted renovations
• Homes with cast iron, clay, or Orangeburg pipes

Even homes that have passed a general inspection may have underground issues that no one sees — until sewage backs up into the house months later.

Will Sellers Let Me Do a Sewer Scope?

Yes. In fact, many smart buyers include sewer inspections in their offer or due diligence checklist. Some sellers even offer it upfront as a sign of transparency. If the seller resists, that may be a red flag.

A proper pre-purchase sewer inspection gives both parties peace of mind — and ensures you're not buying a problem buried beneath the ground.

Real Stories from NJ Buyers

We’ve inspected homes in Jersey City, Montclair, Clifton, and throughout North and Central Jersey — and in many cases, we’ve uncovered major root blockages, cracked pipes, and even sections of pipe that were completely missing.

One client in Bloomfield was able to negotiate a $12,000 credit after we documented a partially collapsed line. Another in Union backed out of the deal completely when they learned the entire sewer lateral needed replacement.

Helpful Internal Links

• Sewer Inspection Before Home Purchase
• Why Sewer Inspections Matter
• Plumbing Inspection in NJ
• Main Sewer Line Inspection

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Investment

Buying a home without a sewer inspection is like buying a car without looking under the hood. You might get lucky — or you might be stuck with a major repair bill after closing.

At NJ Sewer Inspector, we help New Jersey homebuyers make informed decisions with reliable, affordable, and fast sewer scope inspections. You’ll know exactly what you’re buying — and what you’re not.

Ready to book your home sewer inspection in NJ? Call 973-601-5954 or schedule your inspection online. Peace of mind is just a camera away.