In our last column ("Cast-iron drain's fix may cost you," March 12), we tried to calm a reader's fears about antiquated cast-iron waste lines under her 1930s house. Given easy access, we didn't think ...

A worker uses a pump to unclog a blocked sewer line. Photo courtesy Getty Images. When shopping for a house, many homebuyers overlook the sewer lateral that runs below the ground of a property. This ...