Humber/Ontario Real Estate Course 3 Exam Practice

What should Buyer Newman consider when purchasing a home on a street with a combined storm/sanitary sewer system?

1. Combined storm/sewer systems can be prone to this issue and Newman should, at his option, investigate the matter further.

2. Newman should feel confident, as combined storm/sanitary sewer systems are not prone to such potential backups.

3. No one has, to his knowledge, complained about any backups on this particular street and it shouldn't be a problem.

4. Significant storms should not cause such backups and if so, a combined storm/sanitary sewer system is better equipped to handle such an event than a separate storm and sewer drain system.

The correct answer is: Newman should feel confident, as combined storm/sanitary sewer systems are not prone to such potential backups.

When considering the implications of purchasing a home on a street with a combined storm/sanitary sewer system, it is essential to evaluate the potential issues inherent to such systems. Combined storm/sanitary sewer systems are designed to collect both wastewater and stormwater in a single pipe, which can lead to certain vulnerabilities, especially during heavy rainfall or significant storm events. The selected response emphasizes a false sense of confidence regarding the performance of these systems. Such systems can indeed experience backups during heavy rainfalls or when the system's capacity is exceeded, resulting in unpleasant and potentially damaging situations for homeowners. Understanding that combined systems can be prone to issues such as overflows or backups helps buyers like Newman to make an informed decision. It is crucial for him to consider the historical performance of the sewer system in that area, the frequency of heavy rainfall, and any reports of past problems before finalizing a home purchase. Hence, a more cautious approach encourages investigation into the condition and management of the sewer system to mitigate the risk of future complications.