Hey everyone, I'm a first time home buyer and I have a question. We had a home inspection of the home and the inspector noted that the main drain was ABS but that it had a section of cast iron. There is a constriction into the cast iron and it is somewhat corroded. The inspector recommended we ask the seller to have this section replaced with ABS.

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The seller responded with a video showing the drain working with: shower running, dishwasher running, sink running, then flushed both toilets. Flushed several pieces of toilet paper.

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It would be great if someone with some knowledge would watch this video for a few minutes and give me their thoughts. I know toilet paper will flush but how about toilet paper plus poop? Tampons? Those "flushable" wipes?

Thank you!



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In my opinion tampons and flushable wipes shouldn't be flushed into the drain. Under normal use I see no need to replace the cast iron.

Thank you for your response, I never ever flush wipes or tampons. However, my wife continues to even though we've talked about it several times. She says she is grossed out by having wipes or used products in the trash... I don't know... BUT that's a separate issue.

I posted another video. The original video by the original inspector who says there is a problem. The first 3 minutes show most of the line. The line looks pretty dark rough to me.

I would be more concerned about the "ledge" where the camera pauses. The pooling water points to a raised fitting or pipe edge.

I see 2 problem spots that need to be addressed. They are where the ABS section was inserted into the cast iron.

I have no idea what we are looking at when the cameras stops. Why didn't he go further?

While the flushing of tampons and wipes will virtually guarantee that your plumber will get a new fishing boat every few years, what Steve pointed out are severe pipe damage. Separations like that will allow debris to accumulate, and the water flowing through the line to wash out under the pipe, causing continued sagging and effectively collapsing the sewer in the near future. Get an estimate to replace the line before you jump into buying this house. It may require an influx of money very soon.

1) Steve, you are amazing, thank you so much!

2) The video stopped because he was not able to get the camera past that separation.

3) Yeah, we are doing our best to get the sellers to credit us for the repairs!



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2) The video stopped because he was not able to get the camera past that separation.

? feces and tp and tampons will do better ?

Good news for YOU (the prospective buyer) as the SEVERE issue was found before purchase.

Bad news for the seller who now needs money and/or shovels.


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