On real estate

Continuing drought conditions may be creating an unseen hazard on your property. Without rain or homeowner irrigation, the water table beneath the soil shrinks and thirsty landscape trees go looking for a new water source.

One of those sources could be the Private Sewer Lateral (PSL) which is the main sewer line from your home to the street.

The PSL drains your sinks, bathtubs, toilets and showers and connects the property waste lines to the city’s main sewer line. Tree roots can crack and damage old clay or cast-iron pipes and cause sewage backups in your home.

We are seeing an increase in the incidence of clogged PSLs reported by buyers after the close of escrow, even in homes with little or no history of such problems.

Buyers should have a PSL inspection as a part of their due diligence when purchasing property, and current homeowners are encouraged to have the sewer lateral inspected every 3-5 years, especially if you have large trees on your property.

How can you tell if there’s a problem with your sewer line? The best initial indicator is a sink, tub or shower drain operating more slowly than usual and continuing to slow over time. Once it backs up you know for sure.

Prevent messy and expensive sewer backups by scheduling a sewer lateral video inspection by a licensed plumbing contractor to determine the condition of underground waste lines. The inspection runs $250-300 depending on if you have an accessible clean out pipe, or whether toilets or roof top vents must be used.

Once the camera is inserted into the line you get a real time visual of the inner pipe condition and can watch as the camera threads through the entire waste line of your property all the way to the street.

Potential trouble spots are readily visible and once noticed on camera, can be pinpointed to the exact location and depth. Depending on the extent of obstruction, they can either snake the line on the spot or give estimates for more extensive recommended repairs.

Some coastal cities have already enacted ordinances requiring the videoing, repairing and/or cleaning out of the PSLs upon sale.

None of our foothill areas have point of sale requirements yet, but it may be prudent to look at the condition of your home’s private sewer lateral. If the drought continues make sure your property trees aren’t tapping into your sewer lines for a drink.

Adriana Donofrio Podley Properties Glendora (626) 926-9700 adrianad@podley.com