How Sewer and Septic Systems Can Ruin a Home Buying Experience
For many homebuyers, the excitement of closing day quickly turns into stress, regret, and unexpected expense when sewer or septic issues surface after the purchase. In Northwest Iowa, we see the same preventable problems repeatedly—and they often stem from misunderstandings about inspections, timing, and scope of work.
The Biggest Mistake: Waiting Too Long
One of the most common issues is last-minute inspections. When sewer or septic inspections are delayed until the final stages of a real estate transaction, buyers lose leverage. If a serious defect is discovered days before closing, buyers are often forced into difficult choices: accept the problem, renegotiate under pressure, or walk away entirely.
Early inspections provide time for accurate diagnosis, second opinions if needed, and fair negotiations. Late inspections do not.
“Home Inspection” Does Not Mean Sewer Inspection
A widespread assumption is that a standard home inspection includes the sewer line. It does not.
Most home inspections focus on visible and accessible components—roofing, HVAC, electrical, plumbing fixtures, and structure. Underground sewer lines require specialized cameras, locating equipment, and training. If a sewer inspection is not specifically requested, it usually is not performed.
The result? Buyers move into homes only to experience sewage backups days or weeks later—often caused by collapsed pipe, improper slope, undersized piping, or hidden blockages that were never evaluated.
Septic Inspections Have Limits (Especially in Iowa)
Another costly misconception involves septic systems. In Iowa, a septic inspection does not automatically include the inlet line from the house to the tank. Many buyers believe this line is part of the inspection—it typically is not.
If the inlet line is broken, bellied, undersized, or partially collapsed, the septic system itself may pass inspection while sewage still backs up into the home. Discovering this after closing can result in repairs exceeding $20,000, depending on depth, location, and restoration requirements.
The Cost of Getting It Wrong
When sewer or septic issues are missed or misdiagnosed, the consequences can be severe:
- Sewage backing up into finished basements or living areas
- Replacement of flooring, drywall, furniture, and personal belongings
- Repair costs that can easily exceed $20,000
- Buyers feeling misled or lied to
- Transactions unraveling or turning into prolonged legal disputes
These situations don’t just affect first-time buyers. We’ve encountered homes selling for over one million dollars with fundamental sewer defects—such as toilets plumbed with 2.5-inch PVC, a size that is prone to chronic backups and does not meet modern performance expectations for residential sewer systems.
When the Wrong Tools Lead to the Wrong Conclusions
We’ve also seen the opposite problem: buyers walking away from perfectly good homes because a sewer line was reported as “compromised” when, in reality, it had a minor offset—less than ⅛ of an inch—that posed no functional issue.
Everyone makes mistakes. That’s part of life. But having the right equipment and experience matters. High-quality sewer cameras, proper locating tools, and real-world system knowledge are essential for accurate diagnosis. Without them, inspections can result in unnecessary panic—or costly surprises.
What Sets Specialized Inspection Apart
This is not about downgrading home inspectors or claiming perfection. Each professional has a role. The issue arises when tasks requiring specialized equipment and training are assumed to be covered when they are not.
What truly protects buyers is:
- Clearly defined inspection scopes
- Proper sewer camera inspections
- Septic inspections that address system limitations
- Professionals who explain findings accurately and honestly
Above all, buyers deserve clarity—not assumptions.
Protecting Your Investment and Peace of Mind
A home is often the largest purchase a person will ever make. Sewer and septic systems may be out of sight, but when they fail, they quickly become impossible to ignore.
The goal isn’t to scare buyers—it’s to empower them. Asking the right questions, scheduling inspections early, and ensuring the right professionals are involved can mean the difference between moving into a dream home or inheriting a costly problem.
Peace of mind doesn’t come from assuming everything is fine. It comes from knowing it is.
