Video Camera Inspection Before Buying a Miami Home: What to Know

Buying a home in Miami? Don't close until you've seen inside the pipes. A standard home inspection only checks visible plumbing—but the real problems hide underground and behind walls. A video camera pipe inspection reveals the true condition of a property's plumbing system before you commit to the purchase.

Why Traditional Home Inspections Aren't Enough

Standard home inspections include basic plumbing checks:

• Running faucets to check water pressure
• Flushing toilets
• Looking under sinks for leaks
• Checking water heater age and condition

What they don't include:

• Inspecting sewer lines and underground pipes
• Examining pipes inside walls
• Assessing pipe material and condition
• Identifying early-stage problems

A home can pass a standard inspection and still have pipes that will fail within months. This is especially true for older Miami homes with original plumbing.

The Hidden Cost of Skipping a Pipe Inspection

Consider these potential repair costs that a $200-400 camera inspection could reveal:

Problem	Average Repair Cost
Sewer line replacement	$3,000 - $25,000
Cast iron pipe replacement	$5,000 - $15,000
Whole-house repiping	$8,000 - $20,000
Tree root removal and repair	$1,000 - $5,000
Foundation leak repair	$2,000 - $10,000

A small investment in a pre-purchase inspection can save you from inheriting major plumbing problems.

What to Look For in Miami Properties

Homes Built Before 1975

These homes typically have cast iron drain pipes that are now 50+ years old. Cast iron has a lifespan of 50-80 years, meaning original pipes may be nearing or past their expected life.

Red flags: Orangeburg (paper-based) pipes, severely corroded cast iron, galvanized steel water lines.

Learn more: Cast Iron vs PVC Pipes: Which is Better?

Homes Built 1975-1990

These properties often have early PVC and ABS plastic pipes, which can become brittle. Some also have polybutylene water supply lines, which are prone to failure.

Red flags: Polybutylene (gray, blue, or black flexible plastic), deteriorating rubber fittings, poorly installed connections.

Properties with Mature Trees

Large trees near sewer lines are a major concern. Roots travel significant distances seeking water and can infiltrate pipes installed decades ago.

Red flags: Ficus, oak, and melaleuca trees within 20 feet of sewer lines; palms have less aggressive roots but still pose some risk.

Waterfront or Low-Lying Properties

Miami's high water table puts extra pressure on underground pipes. Properties in flood-prone areas may have experienced shifting soil that stresses pipe joints.

Red flags: Evidence of previous flooding, signs of foundation movement, older homes in low-lying neighborhoods.

The Pre-Purchase Inspection Process

Step 1: Schedule Before Inspection Deadline

Most purchase contracts include an inspection contingency period. Schedule your pipe inspection early in this window to leave time for follow-up if problems are found.

Step 2: Request Access to Cleanouts

Ask your real estate agent to ensure cleanout access is available. If cleanouts are buried or inaccessible, the camera can be inserted through a removed toilet.

Step 3: Attend the Inspection

Being present allows you to:

• See the footage in real-time
• Ask questions about what you're seeing
• Understand the severity of any issues
• Discuss repair options and costs

Step 4: Review the Report

You'll receive a written report documenting:

• Overall pipe condition
• Specific problems identified
• Location of issues (with distance from access point)
• Recommendations and estimated costs

Using Inspection Results in Negotiations

If the inspection reveals problems, you have options:

Request Repairs

Ask the seller to fix identified issues before closing. Get quotes from licensed plumbers to support your request.

Negotiate Price Reduction

If the seller won't make repairs, request a price reduction equal to estimated repair costs. This gives you control over the work quality.

Request Repair Credit

Similar to price reduction, a closing credit lets you hire your own contractor after purchase.

Walk Away

If problems are severe and the seller won't negotiate, the inspection contingency allows you to cancel the purchase.

Questions to Ask About Older Properties

When considering a Miami home built before 1980, ask:

1. Has the sewer line ever been replaced? If yes, get documentation.
2. Have there been any backups or drain problems? Sellers must disclose known issues.
3. When was the last time drains were professionally cleaned? Recent cleaning might mask chronic problems.
4. Are there large trees near the sewer line? Check the yard for root risks.
5. What pipe materials are installed? The seller may know, or records may exist.

Warning Signs You'll See Without a Camera

Even before the inspection, watch for these indicators during showings:

• Slow drains in multiple fixtures
• Sewage odors inside or outside the home
• Lush green patches in the yard (possible sewer leak)
• Wet or soft areas in the yard
• Stains on basement or foundation walls
• Evidence of previous repairs (patches, different pipe materials)

If you notice any of these, definitely schedule a sewer camera inspection before proceeding.

Invest in Peace of Mind

A video camera pipe inspection costs a fraction of potential repair bills and provides invaluable information about your prospective home. In Miami's competitive real estate market, this due diligence protects your investment and helps you make an informed decision.

Don't let hidden plumbing problems turn your dream home into a money pit. Schedule a pre-purchase video camera inspection with Hernandez Plumbing before you close. We'll give you an honest assessment of what's inside those pipes—and what it means for your purchase decision.