Why You Should Schedule a Drain Inspection Before Buying a Home

You found the perfect house. The kitchen is bright, the bathrooms sparkle, and the yard is everything you wanted. But before you start picking out curtains, ask yourself: what’s happening in the pipes you can’t see?

Most buyers hire a home inspector, but standard inspections don’t cover the drains or sewer lines. And that’s where hidden problems often hide. A clogged, cracked, or root-invaded drain can turn your dream home into a money pit—sometimes within weeks of moving in.

Let’s talk about why a professional drain inspection could be the smartest move you make before closing.

Drain Problems Don’t Show Up on the Surface

A house can look spotless, but years of slow drains, grease buildup, or tree roots can leave big trouble buried underground. Unlike leaky faucets or running toilets, main drain issues usually don’t make noise until it’s a full-blown backup.

A plumber with a camera can spot blockages, breaks, or corrosion that you’ll never find with a flashlight and a quick peek under the sink.

The Cost of Skipping the Inspection

Drain repairs aren’t cheap—or optional. If you buy a home with a failing main line, you could face:

• Costly drain cleaning right after move-in
  
• Emergency drain repair (which usually means digging up the yard or breaking concrete)
  
• Big bills that the previous owner won’t help with
  

A simple drain inspection before you buy can reveal these issues in time to negotiate repairs, or even walk away if it’s a deal-breaker.

Not Just About Clogs—It’s About Peace of Mind

Even if the water seems to flow fine, slow drains, bubbling toilets, or bad smells could be early warning signs. A pro plumber will tell you if the problem is a quick cleaning or if you’re facing a bigger repair down the line.

You want to move in with confidence, not with a plunger in hand.

How a Plumber Handles Drain Inspections

A proper drain inspection isn’t just running water down the sink. Your plumber will:

• Use a camera to check the full length of the main line
  
• Identify blockages, cracks, roots, and pipe material
  
• Recommend drain cleaning or drain repair only if it’s needed
  
• Give you a report (sometimes with video!) that you can use to negotiate with the seller
  

Make It Part of Your Homebuying Checklist

Don’t assume everything under the floor is fine just because the tile looks nice. A drain inspection is a small investment that can save you thousands—and a lot of stress.

Before you sign anything, ask your realtor to recommend a reputable plumber for a drain inspection. At Acacias Plumbing, we help homebuyers make sure the pipes are just as solid as the rest of the house.

Ready to move in without any nasty surprises? Schedule your drain inspection before closing and start your new chapter with real peace of mind.