SEWER LINE “PROTECTION” POLICIES

Take a look at this article about one person’s experience with a Sewer Line Protection Policy. This type of policy falls under the general category of home warranty policies.  Often, these types of protection policies fail to actually fully cover what the title of the policy suggests it will. As the saying goes, if it seems too good to be true…..it usually is.

A home buyer should always be cautious with any home warranty “policy”.  The sewer line policy is one such type. RARE is a 100% safe haven for unforeseen problems down the road with one.  Always read the fine print.

Often, the best “policy” is to have a sewer camera inspection done during the due diligence period of the inspection.  It is best to have an independent camera company perform the task.

Why ?

It has to do with bias of opinion relative to the camera operator.  If you have never seen the video of a “blocked” sewer line, there are plenty of them on YOU TUBE.

An independent company is one that will NOT also bid to replace the sewer line.  Rather, generally, all such a company will do is perform a camera inspection. If warranted, it will simply clean out of the line.  NO BID for replacement work.  This total service can cost around $300-$500.

Often, plumbers who DO do pipe replacement work offer a camera inspection for “FREE”. Because it is extremely rare for a camera inspection ( especially for older terra cotta pipes) to NOT show some type of root intrusion, pretty much ALL such lines can be deemed “in need of replacement”.

Then, the homeowner is stuck paying $10,000-$25,000 and up to replace a line that, for all intents and purposes, requires either 1) a water jet clean out or 2) a blade cutting clean out.   All for +/-$500.