Sewer Line Drains To Ejector Pump

[Paul De Luca]

Hey everyone,

I'm looking for some advice on a particular property's sewer situation. I'm under contract to buy a property that is zoned as a single family home but it has 3 apartment units - 2nd floor, first floor, and basement. 

When I had a sewer inspector scope the sewer line through the catch basin (back of the house), the line was full of water and the camera couldn't see much. I had the line rodded twice (two different sewer contractors) and while some debris was removed, the rod kept hitting something solid. Turns out the rod was hitting the ejector pump (about 50 feet down) which is located in the basement at the front of the house next to the sewer stack. The ejector pump was noted as not working by both the home inspector and sewer contractor. The contractor recommended replacing the pump for ~$630 and I understand that $500-$1000 is a typical range for that. There was an odor of sewer gas when I removed the panel to the ejector pump during the home inspection and when the catch basin was open & being rodded. Seems like that would just need to be properly sealed.

But it appears that all of the sewage for the property first drains to the ejector pit before it is pumped to the main sewer. The main sewer line was cut and the ejector pump & pit was installed there. 

My question is:  Would this be a red flag or dealbreaker for you? 

Personally I don't like the idea of the entire sewage system being dependent on a pump, which can fail. Typical drainage through tried and true gravity is much more preferable me. All of the sewer scopes I've seen from catch basins go from the sewer line all the way to the main sewer, so this is atypical. A tenant has been occupying the basement (unsure how long) and since the pump doesn't appear to be working I'm surprised there has not been any sewer back up so far. I just don't want to inherit a massive problem.