IS THERE A DIRTY SECRET UNDER YOUR DREAM HOME?

A lateral sewer line connects a home’s plumbing to the public sewer system, and it’s the owner’s responsibility to maintain it. An old and damaged lateral line could lead to sewage back-ups into your yard and home, turning your dream purchase into a mess of costly repairs.

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Don’t let sewage make
a house call.

Houses built before 1975 are more likely to have sewer lines made of outdated materials that are prone to leaks and cracks. That’s why many Tampa Bay area home inspectors recommend conducting a camera scope inspection before purchasing an older home.

Get peace of mind before you buy.

Request a scope.

Ask your home inspector if they offer camera scope inspections. You can also use the directory below to find local contractors who offer this service.

Waypoint Property Inspection

(813) 946-6692

3220 Parkside Center Cir, Tampa, FL 33619

Quality Pumping of Central FL

(813) 369-5939

6091 Johns Rd, Tampa, FL 33634

House 2 Home Inspection Services

(813) 310-4103

Dr. Plumbing

(727) 755-7000

1505 Maple Street, Clearwater, FL 33755

Sleuth Leak Detection

(800) 329-5325

3988 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton, FL 34208

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

(800) 768-6911

5020 Tampa W Blvd Tampa, FL 33634

Florida Pipe-Lining Solutions

(941) 308-5325

210 Field End St, Sarasota, FL 34240

J & S Plumbing

(813) 655-6688

6208 E Columbus Dr, Tampa, FL 33619

COMMON QUESTIONS

What is a lateral sewer line?
A lateral sewer line is a pipe that carries wastewater from your toilets, sinks, laundry room, drains and more to the public sewer system under the street.
Where are lateral sewer lines usually located?

Lateral sewer lines typically run beneath a home’s yard and/or driveway.

Whose responsibility is it to maintain a lateral sewer line?
The homeowner is responsible for maintaining the lateral sewer line.
Why is a camera scope inspection recommended for homes built before 1975?
Homes built before 1975 are more likely to have lateral lines made of materials that break down over time, like orangeburg and cast iron. Cracks in the lateral line can lead to tree root invasion, leaks and back-ups.
Will my home inspector automatically inspect the lateral sewer line?
Lateral sewer line inspections are not required before purchasing a home. However, as a new homeowner, you will be responsible if a pipe needs to be repaired or replaced, as well as any damage caused by sewage backups. That’s why many home inspectors recommend an inspection for homes built before 1975.
Why is the Tampa Bay Estuary Program involved in this issue?
The Tampa Bay Estuary Program supports efforts to improve water quality. Older pipes are susceptible to cracks and breaks that leak sewage into groundwater or cause sewage overflows, contributing to algae growth and dead zones in the Bay.
How do I get a camera scope inspection?
Ask your home inspector if they offer camera scoping. You can also use the directory above to find local contractors who offer this service.
How much does a camera scope cost?
Costs can vary, but most camera scope inspections cost a few hundred dollars — a fraction of the cost of a pipe replacement.
Is there financing available for pipe repairs and replacement?
The Solar Energy Loan Fund (SELF) offers financing options for home improvements. Select cities and counties also offer rebates to help you offset some or all of the cost of lateral sewer line maintenance. Check out available rebates below, and sign up to get notifications when more rebates are announced.