Utah Real Estate Market: Why Sewer Inspections Are More Important Than Ever

Utah Real Estate Market: Why Sewer Inspections Are More Important Than Ever

By True View Inspections 10 min read

In Utah's fast-paced real estate market, a sewer inspection gives buyers a crucial edge in 2025. Here's why it matters more than ever.

Utah’s real estate market in 2025 is intense. With homes selling fast and often above asking price, buyers are feeling the pressure to act quickly—and sometimes to skip inspections altogether. But there’s one inspection that savvy buyers across Utah County, Salt Lake County, and beyond are prioritizing: the sewer scope.

A sewer inspection could be the difference between peace of mind and a $15,000 surprise. Here’s why it matters now more than ever.

🏠 Buying in Utah's Hot Market?

Don't let competition pressure you into skipping this critical inspection.

Protect Your Investment Today

Whether you’re house hunting in Salt Lake City, Provo, Lehi, or Eagle Mountain, here’s what you’re up against:

$580,000
Average Utah home price (up 12%)
28 days
Average days on market
73%
Homes receive multiple offers
45%
Buyers waiving inspections

Many homes go under contract within days. Sellers are choosing strong offers with minimal contingencies. And that leaves little room for buyers to uncover hidden issues—unless they act fast and inspect smart.

Why Sewer Inspections Are Essential

Aging Pipes in Older Neighborhoods

⚠️ High Risk Areas: From Sugar House and Millcreek to central Provo and Pleasant Grove, many homes were built in the 1960s–80s. Sewer lines from that era are nearing the end of their lifespan.

Tree roots, corrosion, and shifting soil lead to cracks, bellies, and partial collapses—none of which are visible during a regular home inspection.

New Construction Risks

Even in brand-new communities like Saratoga Springs or Daybreak, rushed builds and poor grading can cause issues. We’ve scoped newly built homes with:

Common New Construction Issues

  • Crushed lines from improper backfill
  • Misaligned fittings
  • Standing water or "bellies" from poor slope
  • Repair costs: $2,000–$8,000

Sewer problems aren’t just for old houses.

Utah Soil + Climate = Pipe Stress

Utah’s clay-rich soil expands and contracts with moisture. Winter freeze-thaw cycles also impact underground lines, especially in areas like Highland, Herriman, and Draper with slope and elevation changes.

The Hidden Cost of Skipping a $149 Inspection

💸 Reality Check: Here's what buyers risk by skipping a $150–$300 inspection:

Emergency Sewer Repair Costs

  • Full Replacement: $8,000–$15,000
  • Partial Repairs: $3,000–$8,000
  • Sewage Backup Cleanup: $500–$2,000+

Hidden Expenses

  • Temporary Housing: $150–$300 per night
  • Property Damage Repairs: $2,000–$10,000+
  • Lost Use of the Home: 3–7 days

How Sewer Inspections Help Buyers Win

Even in competitive markets, a sewer scope gives you:

Negotiation Leverage

💪 Real Power: If issues are found, you can request price reductions, ask for repairs, or use the report to strengthen your negotiating position.

Some buyers have used sewer findings to negotiate $10,000+ off the purchase price.

Confidence to Move Forward

If the line is clear, you gain peace of mind. It’s one less thing to worry about in a major transaction.

Clarity on Future Costs

Even minor findings help you plan ahead. Knowing about root intrusion or early corrosion allows you to budget for maintenance.

Learn how to interpret common findings in our companion guide:
👉 Understanding Your Sewer Scope Report

When to Schedule a Sewer Scope

⏰ Perfect Timing: The ideal time is immediately after your offer is accepted, during your inspection window, and before waiving contingencies.

At True View Inspections, we often schedule sewer scopes within 24–48 hours to keep you within contract timelines.

Locations We Serve in Utah

📍 Serving All of Northern Utah

We proudly serve homeowners and agents across:

Salt Lake County

  • Salt Lake City
  • Millcreek
  • Murray
  • Sandy
  • Draper
  • South Jordan
  • West Valley City

Utah County

  • Provo
  • Orem
  • American Fork
  • Lehi
  • Pleasant Grove
  • Lindon
  • Eagle Mountain
  • Saratoga Springs

Why Work with True View Inspections?

We’re Utah’s independent sewer scope specialists—no repairs, no upsells, just facts.

🎯 What Makes Us Different:
  • Fast Scheduling (often next-day)
  • Unbiased Reports with HD video
  • Expert Inspectors trained in real estate-focused evaluations
  • Clear Communication so you know exactly what we found

We work with real estate agents, buyers, and home inspectors to deliver timely, objective insight into one of the most expensive systems in a home.

Don’t Buy Blind

In this market, every dollar—and every decision—counts.

Before you close, make sure you’re not inheriting a hidden sewer disaster. A quick scope now could save you thousands later.

📞 Ready to Schedule?

In a market this competitive, information is power. A small investment in inspection could save thousands.

Call (208) 483-0880

Call True View Inspections at (208) 483-0880
or
Schedule your sewer scope inspection today.

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