When buying residential, commercial, or industrial property, it’s natural to focus on what’s visible.

You evaluate the building’s condition, location, and curb appeal. You check for ceiling cracks, broken windows, and other repairs that might be needed.

But beneath the surface lies a critical system that’s easy to overlook – and costly to ignore.

Wastewater infrastructure plays a vital role in a property’s health and functionality. Inspecting sewer lines and related systems before closing a deal isn’t just a good idea – it’s a necessity.

The Hidden Complexity of Wastewater Systems

Because wastewater systems are hidden underground, they’re often forgotten.

Unlike a leaky roof or cracked foundation, sewer system issues aren’t always visible. That’s a problem, because their condition can vary widely depending on age, usage, maintenance, and environmental exposure.

A property might look flawless on the outside but conceal serious issues like deteriorating sewer lines, failing septic systems, or poorly connected drainage. Without a professional inspection, these problems can go unnoticed until they cause backups, contamination, or expensive repairs.

Financial Implications of Neglect

One of the biggest reasons to inspect wastewater systems is the potential financial impact.

Repairs or replacements can be extremely costly. In urban areas, sewer line work may require excavation, permits, and coordination with city services – quickly driving up expenses.

If issues arise after purchase, buyers may have limited options. Many contracts include clauses that protect sellers from liability for hidden defects unless they were disclosed or discovered during due diligence. A thorough inspection helps buyers avoid surprise costs and negotiate fair terms based on the system’s actual condition.

Environmental and Health Risks

Wastewater systems are designed to safely transport and treat sewage and graywater.

When they fail, the consequences can be serious. A broken sewer line can contaminate soil, groundwater, and nearby bodies of water – posing risks to both human health and the environment.

Contaminated water may carry pathogens like E. coli, hepatitis, and other dangerous microbes. Exposure can lead to illness, especially in vulnerable populations. Environmental damage from leaks can result in fines, cleanup costs, and reputational harm – particularly for businesses and industrial sites.

Inspections help ensure systems meet environmental standards and function properly, protecting both buyers and the community.

Regulatory Compliance and Legal Liability

Wastewater infrastructure is governed by a range of local, state, and federal regulations.

These rules cover everything from design and installation to maintenance and discharge limits. Noncompliance can lead to fines, legal action, and forced upgrades.

Older or non-compliant septic systems may need to be replaced to meet current codes. In some areas, properties must connect to municipal sewer systems if available – an expensive and complex process.

A professional inspection can identify regulatory issues before closing. This helps buyers understand legal obligations and plan accordingly. It also provides documentation that can support negotiations for repairs, upgrades, or price adjustments.

Impact on Property Value and Usability

The state of a property’s wastewater system directly affects its value and usability.

A failing system can limit occupancy, restrict development, or even make the property uninhabitable. For commercial sites, wastewater capacity may determine whether certain operations – like restaurants or manufacturing – are feasible.

Buyers should assess whether the system is appropriately sized, well-maintained, and capable of supporting future plans.

Properties with reliable, compliant systems tend to sell faster and at higher prices. Those with unresolved issues may linger on the market or sell at a discount.

Due Diligence and Risk Management

Inspecting wastewater infrastructure is a key part of due diligence.

It shows a proactive approach to risk and helps buyers make informed decisions. Early identification of issues allows buyers to:

• Request repairs or upgrades before closing
• Renegotiate the purchase price
• Budget for future maintenance
• Avoid legal and environmental liabilities

This is especially important for investors, developers, and businesses buying properties for income or redevelopment. They must consider not just the physical condition, but also operational viability and regulatory compliance.

What a Comprehensive Inspection Includes

A comprehensive wastewater inspection typically includes:

• Visual Review: Checking visible components like access points, tanks, and drainage fields
• Camera Inspection: Using specialized cameras to examine underground pipes for cracks, blockages, and root intrusion
• Flow Testing: Measuring system performance under normal and peak conditions
• Permit and Record Review: Looking at historical permits, maintenance logs, and compliance documents
• Soil and Water Testing: Analyzing surrounding areas for contamination or signs of failure

These inspections should be performed by licensed professionals with wastewater expertise. Collaboration with environmental consultants or local authorities may be needed for a complete assessment.

GPRS provides NASSCO-certified video pipe inspections and other sewer services that deliver accurate, actionable insights into your wastewater infrastructure.

Using remote-controlled crawlers and push-fed scopes equipped with sondes, we inspect and map your sewer system while identifying issues like inflow/infiltration (I/I) and cross bores.

All inspection data is available 24/7 through SiteMap® (patent pending), our advanced infrastructure and project management platform. Accessible from any device, SiteMap helps your team plan, manage, and build more effectively—whether on-site or remote.

The SiteMap Sewer Layer gives facilities managers precise, accessible sewer mapping data. This centralized source of truth improves daily operations, supports risk mitigation, and enhances long-term asset planning.

Case Study: GPRS Eliminates Surprises for New Owners of California Warehouse

Task: Inspect a distribution warehouse’s sewer system and collect reality capture data of its interior to provide accurate existing conditions documentation for new owners.

Problem

• Client was planning renovations to a recently purchased, 100,000 s.f. warehouse
• No accurate as-builts existed for the facility
• Surprises during renovations could torpedo the project’s budget and schedule

Solution

• GPRS conducted a video pipe inspection to map the facility’s sewer system and document defects
• Sewer inspection revealed debris that appeared to have been intentionally shoved into building’s cleanouts
• The interior of the warehouse was documented with a Matterport Pro 3 scanner
• GPRS’ in-house Mapping & Modeling Team used the Matterport data to create a detailed CAD drawing, 3D model, and virtual tour of the facility

Benefits

• Debris in cleanouts could be addressed before it caused costly damage to the sewer system
• CAD drawings, 3D model, and virtual tour will allow client and their partners to plan renovations and keep accurate records of future O&M throughout building’s life cycle

The Bottom Line: GPRS helped a developer avoid unwanted surprises during renovations to a recently acquired distribution warehouse.