Buying my first property (roots in sewer ) should I buy it

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Buying my first property (roots in sewer ) should I buy it

Adan Saavedra
Portland, OR · Member since 2016 · 7 posts · 1 vote

Hi everyone I'm new here I'm about to buy my first property but we are having some issues ,I'm puying a small bungalo 1943 its been remodel in and out last owner really cared about his  home but wearehaving issues on the sewer line roots in it and we asked him to replace it he just got back to me saying they can be cleaned and he will pay extra 2500 $ toward the closing cost my plummers said these could cost me 4to 5 grand what should I do?what would you guys do?

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JD MartinBusiness Member
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Rock Star Extraordinaire · Northeast, TN · Member since 2015 · 10k+ posts · 17k+ votes
10y

I would call your local sewer utility and ask if they have a jet truck with a root cutting head, and would they be willing to do the work for free or for fee? The problem with roots in the sewer line is that the line is compromised, and anything you do will just be a stop gap solution. Once roots or anything else have broken into the joints of the pipe, it is a matter of time before the pipe fails completely. Worst case scenario is a cave-in, where the pipe is unable to support the soil above it any more. That gets you a crew and a backhoe and a new sewer line. If the line is only compromised in a few places, it can sometimes be slip-lined in place if it's big enough and it can be made whole again (i.e. get all the roots and debris out of the way). 

Someone should have CCTV'd the sewer line and you should be able to see what you are getting into. There's no way the plumbers know for sure one way or the other if they haven't sent a camera in. 

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  • Lelith Walker
    Investor · New York City, NY · Member since 2013 · 263 posts · 141 votes
    10y

    There are commercial products that can kill the root of the tree and not harm the rest of your yard. 

    http://www.geeksonhome.com/how_12075271_rid-root-sewer-line.html

    A lady from one of my classes had this problem and used to pay plumbers but she ordered one of the products on line (I forgot the name) and it did the job.  She had to use the one that did not kill the tree because in her area trees were protected. 
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  • JD MartinBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Rock Star Extraordinaire · Northeast, TN · Member since 2015 · 10k+ posts · 17k+ votes
    10y

    I would call your local sewer utility and ask if they have a jet truck with a root cutting head, and would they be willing to do the work for free or for fee? The problem with roots in the sewer line is that the line is compromised, and anything you do will just be a stop gap solution. Once roots or anything else have broken into the joints of the pipe, it is a matter of time before the pipe fails completely. Worst case scenario is a cave-in, where the pipe is unable to support the soil above it any more. That gets you a crew and a backhoe and a new sewer line. If the line is only compromised in a few places, it can sometimes be slip-lined in place if it's big enough and it can be made whole again (i.e. get all the roots and debris out of the way). 

    Someone should have CCTV'd the sewer line and you should be able to see what you are getting into. There's no way the plumbers know for sure one way or the other if they haven't sent a camera in. 

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    Skyline Properties
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    1Reply
  • David Luetkemeyer
    Investor · Stillwater, OK · Member since 2016 · 36 posts · 17 votes
    10y
    I realize that your first property and it's a very scary process. But if you back out of the deal because of a little problem you will always back out deals. There is never a deal that doesn't have some kind of problem. But with that being said I would definitely ask for more than a $2500 that he is willing to consent. Get a quote from the plumber that told you four to $5000 and show that to the seller. I don't know any numbers on your Bungalo but my guess is if the numbers work before they will probably work with an additional two or $3000 cost. If the deal is too tight to work with this additional cost it's probably not a good deal. Don't get paralysis by analysis.
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  • Adan Saavedra
    OP
    Portland, OR · Member since 2016 · 7 posts · 1 vote
    10y

    I'm still in the proses of negotiating with the seller and trying to have him clear the sewer line and 4000 off the price , I like what  David said I probably won't find a house with no issues thanks

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  • Thomas S.
    Member since 2016 · 13k+ posts · 12k+ votes
    10y

    Make a counter offer based on the cost to dig up and replace entire line. Have a qualified contractor  provide a estimate. If he take it fine if not move on to your next property.

    1Reply
  • Adan Saavedra
    OP
    Portland, OR · Member since 2016 · 7 posts · 1 vote
    10y

    after dealing with the seller for 10 day they finally agreed to fix the sewer line, he was giving me diferent options for the last couple of days I  just needed a couple days to just  cool down,and posting and listening to what BP members had to say helped me , finally told him you either fix it or we are done and it worked thanks 

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  • Thomas S.
    Member since 2016 · 13k+ posts · 12k+ votes
    10y

    How was it fixed. If the lines are not replaced once you have roots they will continue to grow back.

    You will need to redo it every couple of years to stay ahead of the root growth.

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  • Adan Saavedra
    OP
    Portland, OR · Member since 2016 · 7 posts · 1 vote
    10y

    he will be replacing the sewer line from the house to the street

    1Reply
  • Adan Saavedra
    OP
    Portland, OR · Member since 2016 · 7 posts · 1 vote
    10y

    removing the roots was just not gonna worked I didn't wanna be worried about people using my toilet because of  roots growing back 

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  • David Faulkner
    Investor · Orange County, CA · Member since 2015 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    10y

    1943 with roots means that it is likely the original clay pipe. The problem with clearing it with a water jet and using root kill is that this will be only a temporary solution ... the pipe is compromised and the roots will come back. The line needs to be replaced ... sounds like you have a price to do that and did the right thing by having the seller fix it. I'd also make sure that this includes putting the front landscape back together, especially if sidewalks or concrete in the driveway needs to be demoed to get to the pipe. Finally, verify that the pipe was fully replaced and not just patched up in one place... you can pay to have the line scoped with a camera to confirm this.

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