Is your Sacramento Sewer Line made of Orangeberg?

I have said it before, and I will say it again. If you are purchasing an older home in Sacramento, it is extremely important to inspect the sewer line. This photo is from a sewer inspection performed one of my buyer clients had performed on a house in the Woodlake neighborhood that was built in 1946. The sewer line is made of Orangeberg pipe which over time breaks down and is susceptible to root penetration.

How much sewage do you think can pass by this obstruction before the line backs up during your housewarming party after 19 of your closest friends flush the toilet and you run the dishwasher? Ewwww....

It's best to inspect for this condition during your "buyer investigation" period that is set forth in your purchase agreement. Often times the buyer can negotiate with the seller to have this condition corrected prior to the close of escrow.