Many homes in West Seattle have aging sewer lines that run from the home to the main sewer line in the street. These lines are becoming a big problem for homeowners and it can be a devastating blow to a home sale.
Homes built before the 1980’s in Seattle primarily used concrete sewer lines to run sewage out to the city main line. After main decades these lines are starting to fail. Cracking allows for root intrusion which can clog the line. In some cases the lines are collapsing altogether.
A lot of home owners do not realize that the sewer line running from their home to the city main line is actually their responsibility to repair. The expense of replacing a sewer line varies greatly from home to home, but a $10,000 price tag wouldn't be uncommon.
When I work with buyers in West Seattle I advise my clients to have a sewer scope inspection as part of their home inspection. This additional $200-$300 expense can save them $1000’s of dollars and a huge headache. When a major problem is discovered during an inspection some buyers will walk away from the purchase. Others will ask that the seller repair the line before closing. Either way the issue becomes a problem for the seller and not the buyer.
Here is a recent article in the Seattle Times that highlights this budding problem: