Should I Clean My Drains Before Selling My House?

If you’re getting ready to sell your home, you’re probably focused on:

• Paint
• Landscaping
• Staging
• Repairs
• Inspections

But there’s one thing most homeowners completely overlook:

The condition of their sewer and drain system.

And honestly? It can become a major problem during escrow.

At DropStars Plumbing, we’ve seen buyers discover sewer issues during inspections and suddenly request credits, discounts, or major repairs that could have been handled much earlier for far less money.

So the real answer is:

Yes — you should absolutely inspect and clean your drains before selling your house.

And here’s why.

Most Sewer Problems Stay Hidden Until Inspection Time

A lot of homeowners assume:

“If everything is draining, the pipes must be fine.”

That’s not always true.

We regularly find:

• Tree root intrusion
• Heavy grease buildup
• Rusted cast iron pipes
• Bellied sewer lines
• Offset joints
• Cracked or broken pipes
• Major buildup hiding inside the line

And many of these issues don’t fully reveal themselves until:

• A sewer camera inspection is performed
• Hydrojetting clears the buildup
• Or the buyer hires their own plumber

That’s when deals start getting messy.

Buyers Often Use Sewer Problems to Negotiate Bigger Discounts

Here’s what usually happens:

A buyer hires a plumbing company during escrow. That plumber runs a sewer camera and finds issues in the line.

Suddenly:

• The buyer wants credits
• The buyer asks for repairs
• Or the buyer negotiates the price down heavily

And in many cases, the requested discount is way higher than what the repair would have cost before listing the home.

We see this constantly.

Sometimes it’s a relatively minor issue like roots or buildup. Other times it’s old cast iron scaling or sections of pipe that need repair.

Either way, the seller loses leverage because they’re reacting instead of preparing.

Why Smart Homeowners Inspect Their Drains Before Listing

The homeowners that protect themselves best are the ones who:

• Inspect first
• Gather their own information
• Understand the real condition of the sewer system

That way:

• They aren’t blindsided during escrow
• They can make repairs on their own terms
• They avoid panic negotiations
• They reduce the chances of another plumber exaggerating problems to push a sale

That last part matters.

Not every sewer issue means you need a full replacement.

Sometimes the line simply needs:

• Hydrojetting
• Preventative maintenance
• Root removal
• A cleanout installation for easier future access

Having your own inspection gives you clarity and control.

Should You Hydrojet the Sewer Line Before Selling?

In many cases, yes.

Hydrojetting is one of the best preventative maintenance services a homeowner can perform before selling.

Unlike snaking, hydrojetting actually cleans the inside walls of the pipe using high-pressure water.

This helps remove:

• Grease
• Sludge
• Buildup
• Waste accumulation
• Roots

A clean sewer line:

• Flows better
• Photographs better on camera inspections
• Gives buyers more confidence

It also helps reveal the true condition of the pipe underneath all the buildup.

A Sewer Camera Inspection Can Save You Thousands

One of the smartest things a homeowner can do before listing is schedule a sewer camera inspection.

This allows you to:

• Identify problems early
• Document the condition of the line
• Make informed decisions
• Avoid surprise negotiations later

In older homes especially, this is huge.

Many homes still have aging:

• Cast iron
• Clay
• Orangeburg sewer systems

Some are functioning fine. Some are not.

The only way to truly know is to inspect them.

Don’t Forget About Sewer Cleanouts

Another thing buyers and inspectors notice?

Whether the property has proper sewer cleanout access.

If your home lacks accessible cleanouts, future drain maintenance becomes harder and more expensive.

Installing a cleanout before listing can:

• Improve serviceability
• Make future inspections easier
• Add convenience for future owners
• Create a more professionally maintained appearance

It’s one of those small details that shows the home was cared for properly.

What If You Don’t Do Anything Before Selling?

Can you still sell the house? Of course.

But you’re increasing the chances of:

• Surprise sewer findings
• Buyer negotiations
• Delays in escrow
• Emergency repairs under pressure
• Losing confidence during inspections

And unfortunately, sewer issues are one of the fastest ways to make buyers nervous.

Final Answer: Should You Clean Your Drains Before Selling Your House?

Yes.

Not because every house has sewer problems.

But because having your own information puts you in control.

A professional drain inspection and cleaning can:

• Uncover hidden problems
• Reduce buyer leverage
• Improve buyer confidence
• Prevent major surprises
• Help your sale move smoother

At minimum, homeowners should strongly consider:

• A sewer camera inspection
• Hydrojetting if buildup exists
• Evaluating cleanout access before listing the property