sibanez
New Member
We are looking to buy a house in an area known for failed house-to-sewer lines due to soil/tree factors. During the home inspection, I hired a plumber to check the main line with a camera and evaluate the plumbing. A few things came up that are cause for concern:
1) He cannot run the camera because their isn't a trap and access is very limited. We need to get the homeowner's permission to pull the toilet and that has yet to happen. Question: Is it normal not to have a trap?
2) A ten-foot section of cast iron was replaced, but the plumber I hired said that the bands were not correct.
3) They left the rotten cast iron in the crawl space and it looks awful. Plumber also said the pipe was lying too flat, which is why it rotted. He also suspects that the main line is a mess due to the slow drain.
4) Parts of the other cast iron behind the new PVC are leaking as well. His recommendation is to replace it all before we purchase the house.
5) Surprise! The drain for the washer and sink ran through the foundation. He said it is very odd, and that he doubts they meet up in/under the yard. Again, he'd need to remove stuff to run the camera and we need the owner's permission.
So, before I throw another $1,000 into inspections for the plumbing, I'm looking for feedback. The house is at the top-end of our price range, and the lack of confidence in the plumbing is a big issue. Is the plumber being overly cautious? I trust the company, and he didn't even charge for me spending an hour at the house.
Thanks!
1) He cannot run the camera because their isn't a trap and access is very limited. We need to get the homeowner's permission to pull the toilet and that has yet to happen. Question: Is it normal not to have a trap?
2) A ten-foot section of cast iron was replaced, but the plumber I hired said that the bands were not correct.
3) They left the rotten cast iron in the crawl space and it looks awful. Plumber also said the pipe was lying too flat, which is why it rotted. He also suspects that the main line is a mess due to the slow drain.
4) Parts of the other cast iron behind the new PVC are leaking as well. His recommendation is to replace it all before we purchase the house.
5) Surprise! The drain for the washer and sink ran through the foundation. He said it is very odd, and that he doubts they meet up in/under the yard. Again, he'd need to remove stuff to run the camera and we need the owner's permission.
So, before I throw another $1,000 into inspections for the plumbing, I'm looking for feedback. The house is at the top-end of our price range, and the lack of confidence in the plumbing is a big issue. Is the plumber being overly cautious? I trust the company, and he didn't even charge for me spending an hour at the house.
Thanks!