Sewer Scope Inspection
A sewer scope inspection is a video inspection of the lateral sewer line from the house at or near the foundation to the city/HOA tap or septic tank.
The purpose of a sewer scope is to discover defects within the pipe, such as root intrusions, cracks/collapse, sag/bellies, offsets, warpage, blockages, etc. Because the sewer lateral is only visible with a sewer camera, these defects will typically go unnoticed during a general home inspection.
Your inspection comes with a photo report and/or a link to a private Youtube video.
Further, a full drain replacement can cost upwards of 10 grand! So the question is, can you really afford NOT to have your sewer line inspected?
***see the short video I recorded below on Orangeburg drains, a very common type of drain on houses built prior to the 1970s.
CLICK HERE TO SEE SOME REAL SAMPLES FROM OUR SEWER SCOPE INSPECTIONS
Should You Get Your Sewer Lines Inspected?
The purpose of a sewer scope inspection is to asses the condition of the property’s sewer line. It is recommended that they get inspected once every two years since there is a lot that can go wrong if the sewer line is ignored. It does take some time for problems to be noticed by the home owner since there may be issues with the sewer line that do not currently affect the functioning of the line, but may start to in the future. Getting the sewer line inspected allows you to address minor issues early before they become much larger problems later on. A sewage backup can lead to an emergency sewer line repair which is a very costly mistake. It is not uncommon for the sewer line to go ignored by home owners partly because it is not generally included in the cost of a standard inspection. But, for a buyer, knowing if there were any major issues with the sewer line can help you negotiate a better price for the home or give you enough information to walk away from the sale completely depending on the condition of the line. It can also inform a seller of any necessary repairs they may need to get done. Sewer line repair is one of the most costly problems a property can run into which is why a sewer scope inspection can save you both time and money and give you peace of mind for the future!
Sewer Scope Inspection - Some Things To Look For
While we recommend for everyone to get a sewer scope inspection done, there are a couple of things about a property that could be especially worrisome when it comes to the condition of the sewer line. If water is backing up in the house or the crawlspace it may be caused by a clog or damage to the sewer line. Another potential indicator is soil around the sidewalk or driveway that is not level with the concrete could be a sign that the pipe under it has been broken or damaged. Root intrusion in the pipes is a common problem and is usually caused by a large tree in the yard with an expansive root system. If you notice patches of grass that seem more green or overgrown in some areas and not in others, it is possible that the pipe is leaking sewer water and fertilizing that area of vegetation.
Sewer Scope Inspection Camera: Orangeburg Drain Pipe
