Should you jet your drains before selling your home? It depends on what the camera shows.
The short answer: get a camera inspection first. If the line is clean, you do not need to jet — and you have documentation to share with buyers that the sewer line was recently inspected and found in good condition. If the line has significant buildup or root intrusion, jetting before a buyer finds it in their inspection is the better play.
Why pre-sale sewer inspection makes sense for sellers
Buyers in the Metro Atlanta market increasingly request sewer scope inspections as part of their due diligence. If a buyer finds a problem, it becomes a negotiating point — potentially a repair credit that exceeds the cost of fixing it proactively. Getting the inspection and addressing any issues before listing removes that leverage from the buyer and gives you control of the process.
What a seller gets from a clean inspection
Documentation. Camera inspection footage showing the sewer line condition at the time of listing. This is something you can include with property disclosures — ‘sewer line camera inspected [date], footage available.’ Sophisticated buyers and their agents notice this. It signals a seller who has maintained the property.
What to do if the inspection finds issues
Jettable buildup or root intrusion — jet it. The cost is $300–$600 and you present the home with a clean inspection. Better than a buyer negotiating based on what they found.
Structural problems — this is where the decision gets harder. A collapsed section or severely deteriorated pipe needs repair or replacement. Your choices: repair it before listing, disclose it and price accordingly, or let buyers find it and negotiate. Get honest counsel from your real estate agent on which approach fits your market and situation.
Timing
Schedule the pre-sale inspection 4–6 weeks before listing. That gives time to jet and re-inspect if needed, and ensures the inspection is recent when buyers do their due diligence.
Call Sunburst Environmental at 678-799-4389 for same-day service across Metro Atlanta and North Georgia, or request a free estimate online.