ROUGH start. Sewer line repair plus forced added second water line for duplex?
Las Vegas, NV · Member since 2025 · 8 posts · 23 votes
ROUGH start. Sewer line repair plus forced added second water line for duplex?
Most Popular Reply
Greg ScottPro Member
Rental Property Investor · SE Michigan · Member since 2014 · 4k+ posts · 6k+ votesCity building people have their own agenda. I give it a 50/50 chance you don't need to do that.
Ask them to cite the code that requires each side of the duplex have water / sewer then look up that code. If that were the law, they should have been built that way originally. See if you might be grandfathered. If need be, check with a local attorney that specializes in building issues.
28 Replies
- 1yGreg ScottPro MemberRental Property Investor · SE Michigan · Member since 2014 · 4k+ posts · 6k+ votes
City building people have their own agenda. I give it a 50/50 chance you don't need to do that.
Ask them to cite the code that requires each side of the duplex have water / sewer then look up that code. If that were the law, they should have been built that way originally. See if you might be grandfathered. If need be, check with a local attorney that specializes in building issues.
- Real Estate Agent · Kansas City · Member since 2018 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes1y
Sewer was something you should have scoped when buying. You always check that because you have no other way of knowing it. What is the property zoned as? Is it a converted single family or did they make it a duplex illegally? As Greg said it's up to the city and what laws are there.
- 1yJay HinrichsBusiness MemberReal Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
Quote from @Caleb Brown:
Sewer was something you should have scoped when buying. You always check that because you have no other way of knowing it. What is the property zoned as? Is it a converted single family or did they make it a duplex illegally? As Greg said it's up to the city and what laws are there.
it really amazes me that investors for what ever reason do not do sewer scopes prior to buying rentals.. I mean out west here NO ligit broker would let you close on a property without doing a sewer scope.. folks buying my new builds 700 to 1 mil each always do a scope and I encourage it. we have not had a defect but we did have a rag in the line and one house there was an issue in the street at the sewer tap that our underground contractor and city had to fix. But thankfully no bellies.. we have a very good digout guy of course but there can be boo boos .. IN the SF bay area many cities require the sewer line to be replaced if the exiting line is clay before you can transfer title. this is to keep infiltration into their waste water plants.
100 to 150 bucks is cheap insurance up front. - Real Estate Agent · Kansas City · Member since 2018 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes1y
Quote from @Jay Hinrichs:
Quote from @Caleb Brown:
Sewer was something you should have scoped when buying. You always check that because you have no other way of knowing it. What is the property zoned as? Is it a converted single family or did they make it a duplex illegally? As Greg said it's up to the city and what laws are there.
it really amazes me that investors for what ever reason do not do sewer scopes prior to buying rentals.. I mean out west here NO ligit broker would let you close on a property without doing a sewer scope.. folks buying my new builds 700 to 1 mil each always do a scope and I encourage it. we have not had a defect but we did have a rag in the line and one house there was an issue in the street at the sewer tap that our underground contractor and city had to fix. But thankfully no bellies.. we have a very good digout guy of course but there can be boo boos .. IN the SF bay area many cities require the sewer line to be replaced if the exiting line is clay before you can transfer title. this is to keep infiltration into their waste water plants.
100 to 150 bucks is cheap insurance up front.Right. Scopes are worth every penny
- MD/DC · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes1y
Quote from @Caleb Brown:
Sewer was something you should have scoped when buying. You always check that because you have no other way of knowing it. What is the property zoned as? Is it a converted single family or did they make it a duplex illegally? As Greg said it's up to the city and what laws are there.
Agree, I didn't know that was recommended during inspections and purchased a duplex years ago with near immediate failure due to break in sewer line outside. Sucked. OP I'm sorry this happened to you also.
- 1ySam McCormackBusiness MemberReal Estate Agent · Cincinnati, OH/NKY · Member since 2021 · 1k+ posts · 833 votes
Quote from @Lauren Adair:
My husband and I just bought a duplex in Ohio. Both sides already had tenants.
A few days after closing, the duplex started having major sewer issues. Sewage and drain guys needing to come out to the property multiple times in multiple days. To make a long story short, it needed 2 new main sewer lines which cost well over $10k. While the new lines were being inspected, the city stated that the duplex only had 1 water line/meter coming in (which we knew about and pay the bill for) and that the property must have 2, so they were going to look into contacting us about having to add an additional water line to have both units be separate. I don't see any reason for this and have never heard of this.
Is this how it goes sometimes? I feel like we are getting screwed left and right here, and that nothing is going right. Do all duplexes need all utilities separate? Is this just a particularly nit-picky city trying to get extra money?
I have had buyers this happens to as well, it is a pain. I always recommend sewer scope. A very small price to pay the assurance or funds to your closing costs to repair the line or whatever you need. Knowing Ohio, that does not sound right that you need to have separate water meters. Some areas even require owners to pay for water/sewer even if on the lease it is tenants responsibility. If I am wrong, someone educate me and source it please. But no that doesn't sound right. I'm curious to know how that plays out
Sam McCormack Realtor - Realtor · Boulder, CO · Member since 2016 · 3k+ posts · 5k+ votes1y
You would have easily seen that the sewer line was in need of replacement if you had scoped it during inspection. It also would have been obvious that there was only one water line/ meter for 2 units by simply counting the number of water meters. A lot of jurisdictions are requiring separate water taps for each unit in duplexes now, so this is also something you should have looked into. It can be up to $100k to add a new water tap in some jurisdictions around here, and often is at least $40k, so it’s definitely something I recommend buyers look into before purchasing. No offense but it doesn’t seem like anyone screwed you here, but rather that you failed to do proper due diligence. These are things that buyers normally check during their due diligence and inspection time period, prior to closing, and then negotiate price accordingly. Expensive lessons learned.
- 1yJay HinrichsBusiness MemberReal Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
Quote from @Steve K.:
You would have easily seen that the sewer line was in need of replacement if you had scoped it during inspection. It also would have been obvious that there was only one water line/ meter for 2 units by simply counting the number of water meters. A lot of jurisdictions are requiring separate water taps for each unit in duplexes now, so this is also something you should have looked into. It can be up to $100k to add a new water tap in some jurisdictions around here, and often is at least $40k, so it’s definitely something I recommend buyers look into before purchasing. No offense but it doesn’t seem like anyone screwed you here, but rather that you failed to do proper due diligence. These are things that buyers normally check during their due diligence and inspection time period, prior to closing, and then negotiate price accordingly. Expensive lessons learned.
and why buyers need to have a good Broker looking out for them.. if they don't know what they dont know which many firsts time rental buyers fall into that category.. - Realtor · Boulder, CO · Member since 2016 · 3k+ posts · 5k+ votes1yI’ve definitely noticed an uptick in unrepresented buyers since the NAR lawsuit and the terrible, inaccurate media coverage of that last year. Buyers are getting my number off yard signs on my listings and will call me directly asking for a showing. Open house attendance is also up with a lot of buyers looking around without an agent, thinking this approach will save them money. They don’t know what they don’t know.
Quote from @Jay Hinrichs:
Quote from @Steve K.:
You would have easily seen that the sewer line was in need of replacement if you had scoped it during inspection. It also would have been obvious that there was only one water line/ meter for 2 units by simply counting the number of water meters. A lot of jurisdictions are requiring separate water taps for each unit in duplexes now, so this is also something you should have looked into. It can be up to $100k to add a new water tap in some jurisdictions around here, and often is at least $40k, so it’s definitely something I recommend buyers look into before purchasing. No offense but it doesn’t seem like anyone screwed you here, but rather that you failed to do proper due diligence. These are things that buyers normally check during their due diligence and inspection time period, prior to closing, and then negotiate price accordingly. Expensive lessons learned.
and why buyers need to have a good Broker looking out for them.. if they don't know what they dont know which many firsts time rental buyers fall into that category..
People seem to think they can just sue the seller and blame everyone else if they themselves miss anything that is wrong with the house. It’s caveat emptor in my area: if the problem is something that you could easily have checked during inspection and you didn’t, that’s on you.
Now if the seller obviously knew about something material that they didn’t disclose or even worse if they actively covered something up and you can prove it, then that is much different. But it’s still so much better to find these things out during inspection and deal with it or negotiate accordingly before purchasing. - 1yJay HinrichsBusiness MemberReal Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
Quote from @Steve K.:
I’ve definitely noticed an uptick in unrepresented buyers since the NAR lawsuit and the terrible, inaccurate media coverage of that last year. Buyers are getting my number off yard signs on my listings and will call me directly asking for a showing. Open house attendance is also up with a lot of buyers looking around without an agent, thinking this approach will save them money. They don’t know what they don’t know.Quote from @Jay Hinrichs:
Quote from @Steve K.:
You would have easily seen that the sewer line was in need of replacement if you had scoped it during inspection. It also would have been obvious that there was only one water line/ meter for 2 units by simply counting the number of water meters. A lot of jurisdictions are requiring separate water taps for each unit in duplexes now, so this is also something you should have looked into. It can be up to $100k to add a new water tap in some jurisdictions around here, and often is at least $40k, so it’s definitely something I recommend buyers look into before purchasing. No offense but it doesn’t seem like anyone screwed you here, but rather that you failed to do proper due diligence. These are things that buyers normally check during their due diligence and inspection time period, prior to closing, and then negotiate price accordingly. Expensive lessons learned.
and why buyers need to have a good Broker looking out for them.. if they don't know what they dont know which many firsts time rental buyers fall into that category..
People seem to think they can just sue the seller and blame everyone else if they themselves miss anything that is wrong with the house. It’s caveat emptor in my area: if the problem is something that you could easily have checked during inspection and you didn’t, that’s on you.
Now if the seller obviously knew about something material that they didn’t disclose or even worse if they actively covered something up and you can prove it, then that is much different. But it’s still so much better to find these things out during inspection and deal with it or negotiate accordingly before purchasing.
Ms. Lori and I are going to sit on one of our new constructions this weekend ( sat) we have not done an open since last summer will be interested to see how that works out.. although we never get more than a few dropping in.. But we have made many sales with opens.. of course this is new construction so its differeent than open house on exsisting inventory. - 1yPatience EchemPro MemberMember since 2024 · 68 posts · 50 votes
Quote from @Steve K.:
You would have easily seen that the sewer line was in need of replacement if you had scoped it during inspection. It also would have been obvious that there was only one water line/ meter for 2 units by simply counting the number of water meters. A lot of jurisdictions are requiring separate water taps for each unit in duplexes now, so this is also something you should have looked into. It can be up to $100k to add a new water tap in some jurisdictions around here, and often is at least $40k, so it’s definitely something I recommend buyers look into before purchasing. No offense but it doesn’t seem like anyone screwed you here, but rather that you failed to do proper due diligence. These are things that buyers normally check during their due diligence and inspection time period, prior to closing, and then negotiate price accordingly. Expensive lessons learned.
Hi Steve,
I was told to add sewer line inspection to the home inspection if the house is 50 years or older. Is scoping the sewer something you do regardless of the age of the building?
- 1yJay HinrichsBusiness MemberReal Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
Quote from @Patience Echem:
Quote from @Steve K.:
You would have easily seen that the sewer line was in need of replacement if you had scoped it during inspection. It also would have been obvious that there was only one water line/ meter for 2 units by simply counting the number of water meters. A lot of jurisdictions are requiring separate water taps for each unit in duplexes now, so this is also something you should have looked into. It can be up to $100k to add a new water tap in some jurisdictions around here, and often is at least $40k, so it’s definitely something I recommend buyers look into before purchasing. No offense but it doesn’t seem like anyone screwed you here, but rather that you failed to do proper due diligence. These are things that buyers normally check during their due diligence and inspection time period, prior to closing, and then negotiate price accordingly. Expensive lessons learned.
Hi Steve,
I was told to add sewer line inspection to the home inspection if the house is 50 years or older. Is scoping the sewer something you do regardless of the age of the building?
most agents highly recommend it to the buyers bottom line.. Myself when buying off market If there is a PVC riser then the sewer line has been replaced at some point.. but if its not PVC then its clay and as @Marcus Auerbach mentioned your going to have root intrusions soil moves clay breaks etc etc.. just running water down the shower and flushing toilets is not going to identify the issues generally.. its when the homes get put into service where this will pop up..
- Realtor · Boulder, CO · Member since 2016 · 3k+ posts · 5k+ votes1yYes I have seen brand new construction with jacked up sewer lines multiple times. I always get one done when I purchase, it’s only $100-150 what better way can you spend your money?
Quote from @Patience Echem:
Quote from @Steve K.:
You would have easily seen that the sewer line was in need of replacement if you had scoped it during inspection. It also would have been obvious that there was only one water line/ meter for 2 units by simply counting the number of water meters. A lot of jurisdictions are requiring separate water taps for each unit in duplexes now, so this is also something you should have looked into. It can be up to $100k to add a new water tap in some jurisdictions around here, and often is at least $40k, so it’s definitely something I recommend buyers look into before purchasing. No offense but it doesn’t seem like anyone screwed you here, but rather that you failed to do proper due diligence. These are things that buyers normally check during their due diligence and inspection time period, prior to closing, and then negotiate price accordingly. Expensive lessons learned.
Hi Steve,
I was told to add sewer line inspection to the home inspection if the house is 50 years or older. Is scoping the sewer something you do regardless of the age of the building?
- 1yRemington LymanBusiness MemberReal Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2017 · 6k+ posts · 7k+ votes
Quote from @Lauren Adair:
My husband and I just bought a duplex in Ohio. Both sides already had tenants.
A few days after closing, the duplex started having major sewer issues. Sewage and drain guys needing to come out to the property multiple times in multiple days. To make a long story short, it needed 2 new main sewer lines which cost well over $10k. While the new lines were being inspected, the city stated that the duplex only had 1 water line/meter coming in (which we knew about and pay the bill for) and that the property must have 2, so they were going to look into contacting us about having to add an additional water line to have both units be separate. I don't see any reason for this and have never heard of this.
Is this how it goes sometimes? I feel like we are getting screwed left and right here, and that nothing is going right. Do all duplexes need all utilities separate? Is this just a particularly nit-picky city trying to get extra money?
You should have gotten a sewer scope
- Las Vegas, NV · Member since 2025 · 8 posts · 23 votes1y
Thanks for your reply everyone. I've bought 5 houses in my lifetime from 4 different agents and no one has ever suggested scoping out a sewer line. I honestly didn't even know that was a thing that people did during the inspection period. I know now!
I also didn't know that I needed to check out codes of an already in place duplex. I've never heard of both sides needing their own main water line. I now know that as well.
Thanks for keeping me humble and realizing that these were my errors of being negligent and uneducated (despite constantly listening to podcasts daily during any free time).
- Realtor · Boulder, CO · Member since 2016 · 3k+ posts · 5k+ votes1y
Quote from @Lauren Adair:
Thanks for your reply everyone. I've bought 5 houses in my lifetime from 4 different agents and no one has ever suggested scoping out a sewer line. I honestly didn't even know that was a thing that people did during the inspection period. I know now!
I also didn't know that I needed to check out codes of an already in place duplex. I've never heard of both sides needing their own main water line. I now know that as well.
Thanks for keeping me humble and realizing that these were my errors of being negligent and uneducated (despite constantly listening to podcasts daily during any free time).
If the sewer lines were an issue prior to the sale and the seller didn’t disclose, and you have hard evidence that this was an ongoing issue, and that the seller knew about it and didn’t disclose, you may be able to pursue that further… it might be worth talking to an attorney… but again if you had an inspection clause and chose not to scope the sewer line, then that would reflect negatively on you because you would have had the opportunity to uncover these issues yourself then, and didn’t. Depends on the disclosure laws there and whether it is a “caveat emptor” state or not. I believe Ohio is caveat emptor in which case the seller does not have to disclose a defect that can be uncovered during inspection. It can be hard to win a failure to disclose case in a caveat emptor state unless you can prove fraud on behalf of the seller basically, that they covered it up preventing you from finding it during inspection. Always better to avoid these situations by performing adequate due diligence, which now you know, and knowing is half the battle. Good luck, I hope the property still works out for you in the long run!
- Investor · Milwaukee - Mequon, WI · Member since 2010 · 5k+ posts · 7k+ votes1y
Quote from @Lauren Adair:
Thanks for your reply everyone. I've bought 5 houses in my lifetime from 4 different agents and no one has ever suggested scoping out a sewer line. I honestly didn't even know that was a thing that people did during the inspection period. I know now!
I also didn't know that I needed to check out codes of an already in place duplex. I've never heard of both sides needing their own main water line. I now know that as well.
Thanks for keeping me humble and realizing that these were my errors of being negligent and uneducated (despite constantly listening to podcasts daily during any free time).
Not so fast!!! Put that spoon down and back away from the humble pie!!
As unbelievable as it seems to our guys out West, in some of the Midwest markets, a sewer scope is not a thing! Ohio might be similar to Milwaukee and if you write a sewer scope into your offer you might as well save the paper.
We close 100+ transactions per year and I have never seen an offer with a sewer scope. And I should add, I am keenly aware of the cost, I had the pleasure of replacing a sewer lateral on one of our rentals - and it was almost 15 feet down!
The way it works in Milwaukee is that the home inspection flags tell-tell signs and then you bring in a sewer scope as a follow-up. We have a ton of 100 year old houses and the sewer lateral is typically made 3ft clay tile sections. Tree roots are an issue, they grow into the gaps and then start catching solids. I have a few properties where roots need to be cut every other year.
About the city demand for a separate water line. Milwaukee has more duplxes than any other city in the US (66,000) and the typical setup is one water lateral and one sewer lateral. And one water meter, so the owner eats the cost of water and sewer. Not sure why you need 2 of each or why the city would see that as necessary, but in the long run it benefits you because now the tenants pay their own sewer and water.
- 1yJay HinrichsBusiness MemberReal Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
Quote from @Marcus Auerbach:
Quote from @Lauren Adair:
Thanks for your reply everyone. I've bought 5 houses in my lifetime from 4 different agents and no one has ever suggested scoping out a sewer line. I honestly didn't even know that was a thing that people did during the inspection period. I know now!
I also didn't know that I needed to check out codes of an already in place duplex. I've never heard of both sides needing their own main water line. I now know that as well.
Thanks for keeping me humble and realizing that these were my errors of being negligent and uneducated (despite constantly listening to podcasts daily during any free time).
Not so fast!!! Put that spoon down and back away from the humble pie!!
As unbelievable as it seems to our guys out West, in some of the Midwest markets, a sewer scope is not a thing! Ohio might be similar to Milwaukee and if you write a sewer scope into your offer you might as well save the paper.
We close 100+ transactions per year and I have never seen an offer with a sewer scope. And I should add, I am keenly aware of the cost, I had the pleasure of replacing a sewer lateral on one of our rentals - and it was almost 15 feet down!
The way it works in Milwaukee is that the home inspection flags tell-tell signs and then you bring in a sewer scope as a follow-up. We have a ton of 100 year old houses and the sewer lateral is typically made 3ft clay tile sections. Tree roots are an issue, they grow into the gaps and then start catching solids. I have a few properties where roots need to be cut every other year.
About the city demand for a separate water line. Milwaukee has more duplxes than any other city in the US (66,000) and the typical setup is one water lateral and one sewer lateral. And one water meter, so the owner eats the cost of water and sewer. Not sure why you need 2 of each or why the city would see that as necessary, but in the long run it benefits you because now the tenants pay their own sewer and water.
Marcus maybe in your market it would make sense to just do the scope as part of your inspection for your own information no need to make it contingent. but if you find it needs a 10k replacement you can re-trade during your due diligence and inspection period ????
Out west here thats common place its just yet another item that routinely gets done under the catch all of Inspections.. just like a roof or HVAC etc etc. - Realtor · Boulder, CO · Member since 2016 · 3k+ posts · 5k+ votes1y
Quote from @Marcus Auerbach:
Quote from @Lauren Adair:
Thanks for your reply everyone. I've bought 5 houses in my lifetime from 4 different agents and no one has ever suggested scoping out a sewer line. I honestly didn't even know that was a thing that people did during the inspection period. I know now!
I also didn't know that I needed to check out codes of an already in place duplex. I've never heard of both sides needing their own main water line. I now know that as well.
Thanks for keeping me humble and realizing that these were my errors of being negligent and uneducated (despite constantly listening to podcasts daily during any free time).
Not so fast!!! Put that spoon down and back away from the humble pie!!
As unbelievable as it seems to our guys out West, in some of the Midwest markets, a sewer scope is not a thing! Ohio might be similar to Milwaukee and if you write a sewer scope into your offer you might as well save the paper.
We close 100+ transactions per year and I have never seen an offer with a sewer scope. And I should add, I am keenly aware of the cost, I had the pleasure of replacing a sewer lateral on one of our rentals - and it was almost 15 feet down!
The way it works in Milwaukee is that the home inspection flags tell-tell signs and then you bring in a sewer scope as a follow-up. We have a ton of 100 year old houses and the sewer lateral is typically made 3ft clay tile sections. Tree roots are an issue, they grow into the gaps and then start catching solids. I have a few properties where roots need to be cut every other year.
About the city demand for a separate water line. Milwaukee has more duplxes than any other city in the US (66,000) and the typical setup is one water lateral and one sewer lateral. And one water meter, so the owner eats the cost of water and sewer. Not sure why you need 2 of each or why the city would see that as necessary, but in the long run it benefits you because now the tenants pay their own sewer and water.
It's not something we put in our offers here per se, it's just done as part of inspection as an a la carte add-on that buyers can choose to do or not, just like radon, flow rate or water quality test if there is a well, etc. Unless a buyer waives their inspection, they have a right to inspect all the systems of the property including plumbing which includes the sewer line. I've seen sewer lines that cost $100k to replace so it's definitely something that I recommend buyers check. It's only $100-150 so kind of a no-brainer when a new sewer line can be anywhere from $5-100k.
- Investor · Milwaukee - Mequon, WI · Member since 2010 · 5k+ posts · 7k+ votes1y
Quote from @Jay Hinrichs:
Quote from @Marcus Auerbach:
Quote from @Lauren Adair:
Thanks for your reply everyone. I've bought 5 houses in my lifetime from 4 different agents and no one has ever suggested scoping out a sewer line. I honestly didn't even know that was a thing that people did during the inspection period. I know now!
I also didn't know that I needed to check out codes of an already in place duplex. I've never heard of both sides needing their own main water line. I now know that as well.
Thanks for keeping me humble and realizing that these were my errors of being negligent and uneducated (despite constantly listening to podcasts daily during any free time).
Not so fast!!! Put that spoon down and back away from the humble pie!!
As unbelievable as it seems to our guys out West, in some of the Midwest markets, a sewer scope is not a thing! Ohio might be similar to Milwaukee and if you write a sewer scope into your offer you might as well save the paper.
We close 100+ transactions per year and I have never seen an offer with a sewer scope. And I should add, I am keenly aware of the cost, I had the pleasure of replacing a sewer lateral on one of our rentals - and it was almost 15 feet down!
The way it works in Milwaukee is that the home inspection flags tell-tell signs and then you bring in a sewer scope as a follow-up. We have a ton of 100 year old houses and the sewer lateral is typically made 3ft clay tile sections. Tree roots are an issue, they grow into the gaps and then start catching solids. I have a few properties where roots need to be cut every other year.
About the city demand for a separate water line. Milwaukee has more duplxes than any other city in the US (66,000) and the typical setup is one water lateral and one sewer lateral. And one water meter, so the owner eats the cost of water and sewer. Not sure why you need 2 of each or why the city would see that as necessary, but in the long run it benefits you because now the tenants pay their own sewer and water.
Marcus maybe in your market it would make sense to just do the scope as part of your inspection for your own information no need to make it contingent. but if you find it needs a 10k replacement you can re-trade during your due diligence and inspection period ????
Out west here thats common place its just yet another item that routinely gets done under the catch all of Inspections.. just like a roof or HVAC etc etc.Jay and Steve, in a way, you can. The way it works here is if the general home inspection has concerns about the sewer, they recommend a follow-up inspection and that can be a sewer scope. Our home inspectors don't even have the equipment for a sewer scope (and my guys are heavy on tech & equipment).
It's just not a common problem. I don't recall a client having issues and it is never a topic at KW trainings and I hear about all sorts of rare issues, like DNR disputes when building a dock or bluff erosion on Lake Michigan and the associated lawsuits.Not about sewer lines.
I suspect this has to do with our subsoils, mostly clay, silt and loam. When you see a pipe buried in clay, you almost don't need a pipe. Expansive solids come with their own issues though: we deal with of outside pressure-induced cracks in basement walls, probably a non issue out West?
Another argument for OOS investor beware, know your local market!
- 1yJay HinrichsBusiness MemberReal Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
Quote from @Marcus Auerbach:
Quote from @Jay Hinrichs:
Quote from @Marcus Auerbach:
Quote from @Lauren Adair:
Thanks for your reply everyone. I've bought 5 houses in my lifetime from 4 different agents and no one has ever suggested scoping out a sewer line. I honestly didn't even know that was a thing that people did during the inspection period. I know now!
I also didn't know that I needed to check out codes of an already in place duplex. I've never heard of both sides needing their own main water line. I now know that as well.
Thanks for keeping me humble and realizing that these were my errors of being negligent and uneducated (despite constantly listening to podcasts daily during any free time).
Not so fast!!! Put that spoon down and back away from the humble pie!!
As unbelievable as it seems to our guys out West, in some of the Midwest markets, a sewer scope is not a thing! Ohio might be similar to Milwaukee and if you write a sewer scope into your offer you might as well save the paper.
We close 100+ transactions per year and I have never seen an offer with a sewer scope. And I should add, I am keenly aware of the cost, I had the pleasure of replacing a sewer lateral on one of our rentals - and it was almost 15 feet down!
The way it works in Milwaukee is that the home inspection flags tell-tell signs and then you bring in a sewer scope as a follow-up. We have a ton of 100 year old houses and the sewer lateral is typically made 3ft clay tile sections. Tree roots are an issue, they grow into the gaps and then start catching solids. I have a few properties where roots need to be cut every other year.
About the city demand for a separate water line. Milwaukee has more duplxes than any other city in the US (66,000) and the typical setup is one water lateral and one sewer lateral. And one water meter, so the owner eats the cost of water and sewer. Not sure why you need 2 of each or why the city would see that as necessary, but in the long run it benefits you because now the tenants pay their own sewer and water.
Marcus maybe in your market it would make sense to just do the scope as part of your inspection for your own information no need to make it contingent. but if you find it needs a 10k replacement you can re-trade during your due diligence and inspection period ????
Out west here thats common place its just yet another item that routinely gets done under the catch all of Inspections.. just like a roof or HVAC etc etc.Jay and Steve, in a way, you can. The way it works here is if the general home inspection has concerns about the sewer, they recommend a follow-up inspection and that can be a sewer scope. Our home inspectors don't even have the equipment for a sewer scope (and my guys are heavy on tech & equipment).
It's just not a common problem. I don't recall a client having issues and it is never a topic at KW trainings and I hear about all sorts of rare issues, like DNR disputes when building a dock or bluff erosion on Lake Michigan and the associated lawsuits.Not about sewer lines.
I suspect this has to do with our subsoils, mostly clay, silt and loam. When you see a pipe buried in clay, you almost don't need a pipe. Expansive solids come with their own issues though: we deal with of outside pressure-induced cracks in basement walls, probably a non issue out West?
Another argument for OOS investor beware, know your local market!
home inspectors out our way do not do sewer scopes there are specific contractors that do those and for the small fees 100 to 200 per visit and scope.. and then they give you a video of the line.. so the typical agent out this sway will order home inspection ( and the agent has to give a list of home inspectors and the buyer has to choose one) then they will also arrange for teh sewer scope company. Different vendor.. Just like the guys that do radon.. etc.. I mean some of my buyers on my new builds will do Radon as well.. Even though we have radon pipes already installed per code :) I know Radon is very location specific back east in PA we dealt with it a lot around the Allentown area ( guys I was funding there for flips.)
- 1yKerlous TadresBusiness MemberRealtor · Columbus, OH · Member since 2023 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
In Ohio, most older duplexes were built with shared utilities, and separate water meters are not typically required unless you’re doing major renovations or trying to reclassify the property. Some cities, though, have started enforcing stricter codes when any significant work is done, which might be what’s happening here. It’s worth asking the city to show you the exact ordinance that requires two meters. Sometimes, they "recommend" things that aren’t actually mandatory. Many landlords in similar situations keep the single meter and bill tenants back instead.
Kerlous Tadres | Reafco Real Estate539 Reviews - Member since 2022 · 20 posts · 10 votes1y
Offers contingent on sewer scoping is nice-to-have in some markets, a requirement in others. Really best to ask local investors that you trust on what's "normal." I'd love to require all the contingencies but then I'd probably never buy anything.
That said - if you don't inspect something then you better expect some probability that you end up having to replace. If you can't afford a sewer repair/replace you shouldn't buy without scoping!
- 1yCharles ClarkBusiness MemberReal Estate Broker · Milwaukee, WI · Member since 2020 · 306 posts · 209 votes
@Lauren Adair
That sounds incredibly frustrating—I'm sorry you're going through this right after closing. Unfortunately, some cities do have strict utility requirements, especially if the property is zoned for true duplex use. It’s worth checking the local code or speaking with a real estate attorney to clarify if the dual water line is legally required or just a recommendation. You're not alone—many investors face these surprises early on. Hang in there, it gets easier with time and experience!
Raise the Standard RE LLC54 Reviews - 1yDan H.Pro MemberInvestor · Poway, CA · Member since 2015 · 7k+ posts · 8k+ votes
this cast iron pipe was not leaking any sewage, It was acting like a canal, flowing down hill. No odor reported. Fortunately this is a raised foundation. It is common for them in crawl spaces to break from the top. I suspect the air causes more decay than soil. The owner legitimately could be unaware of this level of damage. Granted this can be caught by a good home inspector; one that is willing to check out the pipes in the crawl space.
Swapping the entire sewer to ABS is not cheap. It is a lot of work.
I encourage thorough due diligence. This includes sewer, septic tank, fireplace (I had one recently that the mortar was closer to sand than cement), foundation (if there is any concern), hvac, roof (if there is any concern), permits, easements, etc.
Checks are fairly cheap, repairs can be very costly.
best wishes - 1yRyan KellyBusiness MemberReal Estate Broker · Austin, TX · Member since 2018 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
I recommend all clients get the sewer lines inspected, even on new construction here in Texas. You never know what you will find.
Ryan Kelly Group - Keller Williams5109 Reviews- 1yJay HinrichsBusiness MemberReal Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
Quote from @Ryan Kelly:
I recommend all clients get the sewer lines inspected, even on new construction here in Texas. You never know what you will find.
my experince with Texas in many areas and the expansive clay soils I would think thats a must I mean just look at how many foundations go wonky because of soil.. have to be very careful buying older homes there.. I funded a bunch of rehab projects there and my borrowers ran into so many problems with the soil expanding moving foundations breaking sewer lines then the doors wont close right the dry wall cracks etc etc..
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