A failed sewer line does not have to lead to a home sale falling through. Home sellers have to make many tough decisions, including if they should handle the issues themselves, or offer a credit to the buyer and let them tackle the fix. If a sewer scope comes back as failed, here’s the step-by-step guide to deciding which option to take.

Please note that this post is intended for informational purposes only and isn’t being presented as legal, financial, or real estate advice. We recommend consulting a realtor or real estate attorney about contract terms. 

What a Failed Sewer Line Inspection Means

Historically, standard home inspections have not included a sewer line inspection. However, in recent years, more homebuyers have begun requesting sewer camera inspections to identify potentially costly underground problems before purchasing a home. Sewer lines are often out of sight and out of mind until a problem occurs, but repairs can be one of the largest unexpected expenses a homeowner faces.

A sewer line inspection uses a specialized camera that is pushed through the sewer pipe, recording a video of the entire line from the home to its connection with the public sewer. The inspection allows the technician to evaluate the condition of the pipe, identify defects, and determine whether any issues require repair or further evaluation. Most inspections also include a written report summarizing the findings.

Some conditions identified during a sewer inspection are minor and may simply be monitored over time, while others are structural defects that can delay or even jeopardize a home sale.

Some of the most common issues we find during sewer line inspections in Indianapolis include:

• Tree root intrusion
• Cracks or fractures
• Sagging pipe sections (“bellies”)
• Offset pipe joints
• Corroded cast-iron pipe and scale buildup
• Deteriorated clay pipe
• Orangeburg pipe
• Crushed or collapsing pipe

Your Two Options: Sewer Line Repair or Credit

Choosing to repair a damaged sewer line or issue a credit to a buyer are both completely normal outcomes when selling a home. Your decision will come down to what a detailed report indicates.

Sewer Repair for Indianapolis Homes

Standard sewer repair can often be costly and extremely time-consuming, leading to hours and days ticking by while a sale is still not closed. But trenchless sewer repair for sellers in Indianapolis can be the speedy solution that saves a day and the deal.

Trenchless linings are a job that can be completed in single-digit days, not weeks, and that speed helps to get you to closing. Trenchless linings also offer an aesthetic result that doesn’t frustrate your buyer and eliminates the need to dig up your yard. Plus, this type of repair also comes with a transferable warranty that you as the seller can offer your buyers. When a home has a good slope and there is not a fully collapsed line, trenchless repair is an excellent option to save significantly in terms of time, money, and mess.

Offering a Credit Instead of Sewer Repair

Offering a credit is the process in which you reimburse your buyer with funds for an issue at closing, and they will be the ones to fix any damage found during an inspection.

This can be a solid option when you need to close quickly, or if the damage is purely cosmetic. One major aspect to keep in mind is the credit type. A credit that is tied to a certain repair can trigger the buyer’s lender to demand proof prior to closing and can end up slowing the process down even more than if you had conducted the fix yourself. Make sure to speak to your lender about credit mechanics before making your final decision and offer.

In many real estate transactions, we’ve found that another option is to have the repair completed immediately after closing using funds held by the title company. In these situations, the buyer and seller agree to the repair, and the title company issues payment directly to NuFlow Indy from the seller’s proceeds at closing. This approach provides the buyer with confidence that the repair will be completed by the agreed-upon contractor while allowing the transaction to close on schedule. Buyers may also stand firm and decline repairs or credits, leaving the buyer to decide whether to move forward as-is or walk away. 

As with any real estate transaction, buyers and sellers should work with their realtor, lender, and title company to determine the best approach for their specific situation. 

Trenchless Sewer Repair in Indianapolis

Trenchless sewer repair has become dramatically more popular with homeowners due to its innovative technology. You can reduce damage to your yard without digging and decrease time required for the fix with a pipe lining. By using these techniques, home sellers in the Indianapolis area can enjoy a faster, cheaper, and less invasive solution to repairing sewer damage.

CIPP (cured-in-place pipe) lining is another effective method for sewer repair without requiring excavation. When pipes break, CIPP addresses the issue by restoring the functionality of the current pipe. After the problem has been diagnosed and cleared, a CIPP liner is put into the pipe and then cured.

Making the Right Call for Indianapolis Sellers

NuFlow Indy uses the best tools and training for our team, so when you get trenchless sewer repair from us, you can feel confident in your decision. If you’ve recently had a failed sewer scope, we’re ready to help. Walk into your negotiation knowing exactly what it will cost to fix your sewer line and how long it will take by working with the NuFlow Indy team.

Contact our team to get started or to learn more about the extensive benefits of trenchless sewer repair.