Selling a Home in St. Louis? Don’t Skip a Sewer Lateral Inspection
If you’re selling a home in St. Louis, a sewer lateral inspection is one step you can’t afford to overlook. Sewer lateral issues are a common problem in the area, especially in older homes, and failing to inspect the line before selling could lead to costly surprises, major delays, and even lost deals.
In this post, we’ll explain why sewer lateral inspections are crucial, how they can save you thousands, and a real-life example of a seller who skipped this step—only to regret it later.
Why Sewer Lateral Inspections Matter When Selling a Home in St. Louis
A sewer lateral is the underground pipe that connects a home’s plumbing system to the public sewer line. While many homeowners assume the city is responsible for these pipes, the truth is that homeowners are on the hook for repairs all the way to the connection point.
In St. Louis, many homes have aging clay or cast iron sewer laterals, which are prone to cracks, root intrusion, and collapse. If your lateral is damaged, repairing or replacing it can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000—or more.
If you’re selling a home in St. Louis and don’t check your sewer lateral before listing, you could be setting yourself up for a financial headache.
A $10,000 Mistake: How a Missed Sewer Inspection Delayed a Home Sale
Let’s look at a real-life example of why a sewer lateral inspection is crucial when selling a home in St. Louis.
An investor recently rehabbed a home in St. Louis but skipped the sewer inspection, assuming everything was fine. The property went under contract quickly, and the buyer scheduled a standard home inspection.
To the seller’s surprise, the buyer’s inspector found a collapsed sewer lateral—something that couldn’t be seen from inside the house. The estimated repair cost? $10,000.
Because the issue was discovered late in the process, it delayed closing by three weeks while the seller scrambled to complete the repair. The buyer nearly walked away, frustrated by the delay and uncertainty.
Had the seller performed a simple $150-$250 sewer scope inspection before listing, they could have fixed the issue ahead of time and avoided the last-minute crisis.
How to Avoid Sewer Lateral Problems When Selling a Home in St. Louis
If you’re planning on selling a home in St. Louis, here’s how to protect yourself from unexpected sewer issues:
1. Get a Sewer Scope Inspection
A sewer scope inspection is a quick and affordable way to check the condition of your lateral. A professional plumber will run a small camera through the pipe to identify cracks, blockages, tree root intrusions, or collapsed sections.
Cost: $300-$500 (a small price compared to a $10,000+ repair).
2. Know the Warning Signs of a Sewer Problem
Before listing your home, watch for these red flags:
- Slow draining sinks or tubs
- Gurgling sounds in the plumbing
- Recurring sewer backups
- Unexplained soft spots or sinkholes in the yard
- A strong sewage odor inside or outside the home
If you notice any of these issues, don’t wait—get an inspection before putting your home on the market.
3. Understand Local Requirements
Some municipalities in St. Louis County require sewer lateral inspections before a home sale. For example:
- Webster Groves and Ladue require an inspection as part of the sale process.
- Other cities, like Ferguson or Kirkwood, have sewer lateral repair programs that can help offset costs.
Knowing the rules in your area can help you avoid last-minute surprises.
Sewer Lateral Repairs When Selling a Home in St. Louis: What to Know
f your sewer lateral is damaged, don’t panic—there are solutions to fix the issue before it delays your home sale:
- Schedule Professional Repairs – STL Excavation specializes in sewer lateral repairs in St. Louis, providing fast and reliable service to keep your sale on track.
- Check for City Repair Programs – Some St. Louis municipalities offer assistance for sewer lateral repairs, which could help reduce costs.
- Consider Trenchless Repair Options – Instead of digging up your yard, trenchless sewer repair can replace pipes with minimal disruption.
- Offer Repair Credits – If you're selling a home in St. Louis as-is, disclose the issue upfront and negotiate a repair credit with the buyer.
Addressing sewer lateral problems early can help you avoid costly surprises and keep your closing date on schedule.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let a Sewer Lateral Issue Derail Your Home Sale
Selling a home in St. Louis comes with its challenges, but a sewer lateral inspection is one step you can take to avoid costly surprises and closing delays. A simple $150-$250 sewer scope inspection can prevent unexpected $10,000+ repairs and keep your sale on track.
However, if you’re dealing with sewer issues and don’t want to spend time or money on repairs, there’s another option—sell your home as-is for cash. At Trio Realty Partners, Inc., we buy houses in any condition, so you don’t have to worry about inspections, repairs, or delays.
💰 Get a cash offer today and skip the stress of costly home repairs!