Buying a Home? Know Your Sewer & Drain Before Problems Start
New Homeowners Sewer & Drain Orientation
When you buy a home, you inherit its plumbing, sewer and drainage systems — whether you installed them or not. Many homeowners only discover problems after they move in, when a drain backs up, a pipe freezes or water damage has already begun.
Our New Homeowner Sewer & Drain Orientation gives you a clear understanding of your home’s plumbing system so you can move in with confidence.
Instead of guessing how everything works, we walk you through your system, inspect key components and document what you need to know to prevent expensive surprises.
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Move In With Confidence
A home inspection usually focuses on the visible structure of the house — but some of the most expensive systems are underground or hidden behind walls.
Your home’s main sewer line, drainage system, shutoffs and freeze-risk plumbing areas can all cause serious damage if problems go unnoticed.
Our orientation service is designed specifically for new homeowners and home buyers who want to understand:
where critical plumbing shutoffs are located
the condition of the main sewer line
potential freeze or flood risks
how the drainage system works
what warning signs to watch for
The goal is simple: reduce risk, avoid surprises and protect your home.
What’s Included in the New Homeowner Sewer & Drain Orientation
This service combines inspection, documentation, and education so you fully understand the plumbing and drainage systems in your home.
Sewer Camera Inspection
We inspect the main sewer line using a professional camera to check for issues such as:
tree root intrusion
pipe cracks or collapse
pipe offsets
sagging or “bellies” in the line
grease or sludge buildup
This inspection establishes a baseline condition of the sewer system, helping you identify potential problems early.
Locate Shutoffs and Critical Plumbing Access Points
We identify and explain the key plumbing control points in your home, including:
main water shutoff
cleanouts
water meter
sump pit and discharge
backwater valve access (if present)
basement floor drains
In an emergency, knowing where these are can prevent major damage.
Winter Freeze Risk Assessment
In colder climates like Hamilton, frozen pipes are one of the most common plumbing failures.
We identify high-risk areas such as:
exterior wall plumbing
crawlspaces or garages
exposed shutoffs
insulation gaps and drafts
We also provide guidance on how to protect the system during cold weather.
Sewer Line Location & Route Marking
We trace and identify the route of the sewer line through the property and mark its location.
This helps you understand:
where the sewer line runs in the yard
where trees or landscaping may pose risks
which areas of the property should be avoided when digging
Knowing the sewer route can prevent costly damage in the future.
Interior Drain Check
We verify drainage performance in key areas such as:
kitchen drains
bathroom drains
laundry drains
basement or utility lines
Small symptoms often indicate early warning signs of future problems.
Neighbourhood Plumbing Risk Review
Some plumbing issues are more common in certain neighbourhoods due to factors such as:
older clay or cast iron sewer pipes
root-heavy areas
high water table conditions
aging municipal infrastructure
We explain the typical risks in your area and what to watch for.
Optional Add-On Services
Additional services, if applicable, are available, including:
main sewer mechanical cleaning
lead pipe entry check
sump and backwater valve safety inspection
tree root prevention plans
These services are not part of the standard package and are an additional cost. Please speak to a Phil Groves Sewer 911 representative to determine if they are relevant to your property.
What You’ll Receive
After the orientation, you’ll receive a Homeowner Report Package that includes:
sewer inspection video
sewer route map
winter preparation checklist
maintenance guidance
This documentation gives you a clear reference for your home’s plumbing system moving forward.
Why This Matters for New Homeowners
Many plumbing problems start as small warning signs:
slow drains
minor backups
freezing pipes
hidden sewer damage
When these issues go unnoticed, they can lead to expensive repairs and major water damage.
Understanding your home’s sewer and drainage system early helps you:
prevent backups
protect against freeze damage
avoid emergency plumbing situations
maintain the system properly
Most importantly, it gives you peace of mind in your new home.