Damaged sewer lines can be devastating and extremely costly for a homeowner, causing health, structural and financial issues. Fortunately, homeowners and buyers can proactively protect themselves by having a sewer scope inspection.
A trained and certified inspector will examine the sewer line using specialized camera equipment to identify problems that can be hidden. They will also provide a thorough inspection report with findings (including video and stills) and recommendations. Here is everything you need to know about sewer scope inspections, and some typical sewer line issues that may be present in your home or potential new home.
What is a Sewer Scope Inspection?
A sewer scope inspection uses a video attached to a snake-like cable to examine the home’s sewer line. This privately-owned pipeline leads from the house to the publicly-owned main sewer line or septic tank. Sewer scope inspections can reveal damage to the pipes, blockages, and other problems. It also can spot potential problem areas before they develop into serious issues or hazards. After the inspection, clients will receive a report with findings and recommendations. This allows homeowners, home buyers, and home sellers to act before extensive damage, health issues, or expensive repairs.
Who should order a sewer scope inspection?
Simply put, anyone. But, the typical client that order’s a sewer scope inspection may include homeowners, home buyers and home sellers that are experiencing current issues with their sewer line or want to confirm that there are no problems with the sewer line.
Some issue that may prompt a sewer scope inspection include:
Water backing up inside the house or crawlspace – This could indicate damage or breakage to the sewer line, or a significant clog.
Large trees in the yard – One of the most common causes of sewer pipe damage is the growth of roots around the pipe. Roots can grow around and constrict the pipe, breaking it, or grow into small cracks in the pipe, clogging it or causing leaks.
The age of the home – Homes built before 1984 may have clay or Orangewood sewer pipes, which can be easily crushed or damaged. These typically must be replaced, or at least inspected to ensure that they are in good condition. In addition, cast iron waste pipes may be present which poses an issue of major corrosion within the pipe, causing costly damage.
You notice shifting or movement of the ground around the home – If the soil around a house seems to have shifted, the pipe may have been affected. If it has moved, it could have broken or become bent and damaged, which may require a costly repair.
To identify this, look at things like the sidewalk and driveway. Are the surface soils level with the driveway or walkway? Do they seem to have sunk, or become piled higher than these concrete surfaces?
Even if you don’t see any of these above issues, we would still recommend a sewer scope inspection. More minor issues with the sewer line may have few or no symptoms at all – but still cost thousands to repair.
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Sewer Scope Inspection Process
During the inspection, your inspector will be looking for:
• Serious clogs or blockages in the sewer line
• Cracks, damage or imperfections in the line
• The type of material used for the line (clay, concrete, plastic, metal, etc)
• Roots growing through the line
• Separation or failure of the line
• There is an array of other issues we may encounter
• Health and Environmental issues: Bacteria, fungus, parasites, harmful gasses, mold spores to name some.
Your inspector will thoroughly explain and report on any findings, and help you understand what you’re seeing and reading. If no issues are detected, great! (That is the hope!) If there are some minor problems, you may be able to plan for the repair in your home budget during the next few years. Finally, if there is a major issue, talk to your agent for guidance in your next steps which may include: require the homeowner to make the repair themselves, get them to reduce the cost of the property accordingly or possibly walk away from the purchase.
Why Choose True Home Inspections and Sewer Scopes?
True Home Inspections and Sewer Scopes have a team of licensed, certified and trained professionals that always have you in our best interest. We chose this line of work because we too are consumers and have set the bar high in our standards. We pride ourselves in getting the job done correctly, honestly and efficiently. We use top-of-the-line, scopes, cameras and locators. We take pride in our work and we are known for our excellent customer service and open communication. Please, never hesitate to give us a call with any inspection-related questions. Thank you for putting your trust in True! And as always, serving you is our pleasure!