Expert: Russel Ray - 9/27/2010

Question
I just bough a hame in california thru FHA we did the home inspection all went well, my problem started after we move in after letting the water run for about 10 minuts we notice it would run out really slow we called a plumber to look at the problem they found roots in the main line they ran a camera down the pipe and yep their they are. I called home warranty they don't cover roots, I called my realtor no help from him, my question to you is thier any help I could get from any one even the previous owner being this a FHA loan, The previous owner flip this house never lived in it. I just don't think is right buying a home and a month later you need to spend 5,000 to 10,000 dollars to fix a problem that maybe someone else knew about it. I hope you could help me?
Thank You.

Answer
Hey, Mario.

Your situation is all too common because most home inspectors don't advise their Clients that the lateral main sewer lines are their responsibility, and very few home inspectors "inspect" the trees growing on the property unless they are overhanging the roof or chimney.

It's going to be difficult to prove that someone else knew about the problem, especially since the house was flipped.

However, I think you might also have a plumber who needs some money so he's quoted you $5,000 to $10,000 to fix the problem. Sounds like you probably have cast iron lateral main lines that the plumber wants to totally replace. In today's world, that's probably not necessary. It's possible now to simply remove the roots and repair the area of damage with an interior lining.

At some point, though, you probably need to remove the tree, although if you know the tree species or have a picture you can send to me at russelraypc@aol.com, I can probably give you further guidance there.

Also, you might need to replace the main lateral sewer lines depending on whether or not more damage is found past the area where the roots were initially found.

I advise my Clients to get three quotes, but in this economy you might find that everyone you get a quote from wants to make as much money as possible, regardless of whether or not the work needs to be done, so be careful. Find trustworthy plumbers via Angie's List, Done Right, or the BBB.

Hope that helps.

Russel