Sewer inspection · Greg Thompson
Sewer camera before selling finds a belly
Lives here with his teenage daughter part of the time. Practical, numbers-minded, and in no hurry.
What you know walking in
Scheduled sewer camera inspection. Homeowner plans to sell in a couple of years and wants to know the condition of the line before a buyer's inspector does. Single-story home built in 1987. No backups reported.
- 4-inch ABS sewer lateral, about 62 feet to the city sewer, 39 yrs
- Exterior cleanout at the front of the house, 39 yrs
What you found
- The line sags between about 34 and 41 feet. The low spot holds about an inch and a half of water in a 4-inch pipe.
- Toilet paper is collecting at the low end of the sag. Left alone, it can build up into a clog.
- No roots, cracks, or separated joints anywhere in the line.
- The cleanout cap is cracked. It is a small part and an easy fix.
- The house has never backed up, and every drain runs freely today.
Your price book for this job
Inspection and report only
Camera inspection from the cleanout to the city sewer · Video file and written report · Location and depth of the sag marked · Written estimate for a spot repair
$325
Inspection, clean the sag, new cleanout cap Fits this home
Everything in the report option · Hydro jet the line to clear the paper in the sag · New cleanout cap · Reminder to camera the line again before listing
$720
Spot repair the sag now
Everything in the report option · Excavate and relay about 8 feet of line at the correct slope · Permit and inspection · Backfill and compaction · Camera video after the repair
$5,300
or $133/mo
The honest fit is marked. Recommend what the home needs, and only that.
Your goal
Show the footage, explain the sag plainly, and give him an honest picture of what it means for a sale. Recommend the modest option that fits his two-year plan and ask for a decision.
Difficulty: Real world
Plan you can offer
- Summit Care Club$19.95 a month
Speak naturally. Greg hears you, reacts to how you say things, and remembers. Headphones make it feel real.