Top 10 Reasons a Home Fails a Sewer Inspection in New Jersey

Top 10 Reasons a Home Fails a Sewer Inspection in New Jersey

When buying, selling, or owning a home in New Jersey, few things can derail a real estate transaction faster than a failed sewer inspection. What many homeowners don’t realize is that sewer lines are one of the most critical but least visible components of a property. While many homes look perfect on the surface — freshly painted walls, renovated kitchens, new flooring — the sewer line underground may be hiding serious problems.

A sewer camera inspection is the only way to see the true condition of the main sewer line. In New Jersey, where homes range from 50 to over 120 years old, hidden sewer issues are incredibly common. Even newer homes are not immune due to poor installation, heavy rainfall, high groundwater, soil shifting, and tree root pressure.

This blog reveals the most common reasons homes in NJ fail sewer inspections — based on thousands of inspections across Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic, Morris, and Union Counties. Whether you are a buyer, seller, homeowner, or investor, knowing these top 10 failures can help you avoid expensive surprises and negotiate confidently.

For related sewer problems frequently discovered during inspections, explore:
What Sewer Line Bellies Really Mean
Orangeburg Pipe Identification Guide
Why Sewer Line Mapping Matters

Why Sewer Inspections Fail in New Jersey Homes

Most failures fall into clear categories that indicate structural damage, blockage, improper installation, or advanced deterioration. Because New Jersey has a mix of aging infrastructure, old neighborhoods, and homes surrounded by trees, sewer line failures are significantly more common than most buyers expect.

Below are the top 10 reasons NJ homes fail sewer inspections — all backed by real findings from thousands of camera scopes performed throughout the state.

1. Tree Root Intrusion

Tree roots are the #1 cause of sewer line failure in New Jersey. Many towns including Glen Ridge, Fair Lawn, Teaneck, Westwood, Ridgewood, Nutley, Bloomfield, and Montclair have mature, giant trees whose root systems spread deep underground.

Roots often enter older sewer lines made of:

• Clay
• Cast iron
• Orangeburg

Even PVC pipes are not immune — roots can infiltrate through joints or push the pipe out of alignment.

During a sewer inspection, roots appear as thick masses, fine hair-like strands, or complete blockages. If roots dominate the line, the home fails immediately.

2. Sewer Line Bellies

A sewer belly is a sag or low spot in the sewer line where water and waste get trapped. Bellies cause repeated backups, slow drains, and standing sewage inside the pipe.

In New Jersey’s soft and wet soil, bellies are extremely common.

Learn more about sewer bellies:
Understanding Sewer Line Bellies

If the belly is significant enough to hold water or obstruct flow, the home fails the inspection.

3. Cracked or Broken Sewer Pipes

Cracks and breaks often result from:

• Shifting soil
• Freeze-thaw cycles
• Heavy rainfall
• Construction near the line
• Old age

Older materials like clay and cast iron crack easily. Orangeburg, found in many mid-century NJ homes, deforms and collapses quickly. Any structural break severe enough to affect flow is an automatic failure.

4. Collapsed Sewer Lines

A collapse is one of the most serious findings during a sewer inspection. The camera is unable to pass through, or the line is pinched shut by soil pressure.

Causes include:

• Orangeburg deterioration
• Tree root pressure
• Old clay pipes splitting
• Vehicles or construction crushing the line

This is a complete failure requiring immediate repair or replacement.

5. Severe Blockages or Grease Buildup

Even structurally strong pipes can fail if they are blocked. Common blockages include:

• Grease and fats
• Wipes (even “flushable” wipes!)
• Paper towels
• Food waste
• Soap scum buildup

Backed-up waste creates hazardous conditions. If waste cannot flow freely, the home fails the inspection.

6. Pipe Offsets or Misaligned Joints

Offsets happen when two pipe sections no longer line up. This can occur due to soil movement, root pressure, or poor installation.

When the offset creates a ledge, blockage point, or camera obstruction, the line fails. Severe offsets almost always require repair or replacement.

7. Orangeburg Pipes

Orangeburg was widely used in NJ homes from the 1940s to early 1970s. It looks like a cardboard-like material and deteriorates rapidly.

Common problems include:

• Blisters
• Crushed sections
• Deformation
• Root invasion
• Complete collapse

Learn how to identify Orangeburg pipes here:
Orangeburg Pipe Identification

Any home with failing Orangeburg almost always fails the sewer inspection.

8. Standing Water in the Sewer Line

Aside from bellies, standing water can indicate:

• Blockages
• Partial collapse
• Root masses
• Pipe deformation

If water does not drain properly during the inspection, the home fails.

9. Poor Sewer Line Installation

Even new homes can fail sewer inspections. Many builders or contractors do not install sewer lines correctly.

Common installation problems in NJ include:

• Incorrect slope
• Shallow burial
• Poor compaction
• Cheap fittings
• Misaligned joints

A sewer line that was poorly installed from day one will fail even if the property is brand new.

10. Failure at the Municipal Connection (Tie-In)

The tie-in is where your home’s sewer line connects to the municipal main. This connection is critical — and often neglected.

Common tie-in failures include:

• Cracks
• Root intrusion
• Shifts in alignment
• Improper seals

If the camera reaches the tie-in and reveals major damage, the home fails the inspection.

Bonus Reason: Sewer Line Mapping Reveal Hidden Problems

Sometimes, the sewer fails not because of a single major problem, but because the entire route of the pipe is compromised. Sewer line mapping helps identify:

• Sharp turns
• Unknown branches
• Illegal connections
• Hidden extensions

More on mapping here:
Sewer Line Mapping Benefits

What Happens After a Sewer Inspection Fails?

A failed inspection does NOT mean disaster — it simply means you now know the truth about the sewer line’s condition. Depending on your role (buyer or seller), the next steps differ.

If You’re a Buyer:

You can:

• Request repair credits
• Negotiate price reduction
• Require seller to fix issues
• Walk away from the deal if repairs are extensive

A sewer inspection often saves buyers thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs.

If You’re a Seller:

A failed inspection allows you to:

• Fix issues before relisting
• Avoid losing future buyers
• Increase the value of your home

Many sellers schedule sewer inspections before listing to prevent surprises.

Why Sewer Inspections Are Essential for NJ Homeowners

New Jersey is full of older homes, aging infrastructure, and tree-lined streets — all of which contribute to hidden sewer problems underground.

Even if your home appears flawless on the outside, the real condition of the sewer line can only be seen through a camera. Many sewer line failures remain invisible until it’s too late.

Protect Your Home With a Professional Sewer Camera Inspection

Whether you are buying, selling, or maintaining your home, a sewer inspection offers peace of mind and protects you from unexpected repair costs.

To schedule a professional sewer camera inspection in New Jersey, visit:

• NJ Sewer Camera Homepage
• About Us
• Contact Us

A failed sewer inspection can be stressful — but knowing the truth helps you make informed decisions, negotiate smarter, and protect your investment.