Should I Get A Sewer Scope Inspection For Sewer Lines?
Definition of a video sewer scope inspection
A sewer scope inspection is a non-invasive, visual examination of a home’s lateral sewer line using a specialized camera system. This inspection allows professionals to assess the condition of the sewer pipe, identify potential issues, and recommend necessary repairs or maintenance. During a sewer scope inspection, a flexible rod with a high-definition camera is inserted into the sewer line through an access point, such as a cleanout or vent pipe. As the camera navigates through the sewer line, it captures detailed images of the inside of the pipe. These images help the inspector detect signs of damage, blockages, or other problems that could compromise the integrity of the sewer system. By providing a clear view of the sewer line, a sewer scope inspection ensures that any issues are identified early, allowing for timely and cost-effective solutions.
How Does a Sewer Scope Inspection Work?
Curious about how a sewer scope inspection works? Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
Insertion of the Camera: Our trained inspector will insert a flexible borescope camera into your sewer line through an access point, such as a cleanout or vent pipe. This camera is designed to navigate through the twists and turns of your sewer system.
It’s important to note that our sewer scope camera stops at the city main or septic system; we never enter beyond these points. A sewer scope inspection is not a septic tank or septic system inspection. If there is a septic system on the property, please reach out to a reputable septic specialist who can better assist you with the septic system specifically.
Capturing Video Footage: As the camera moves through your sewer line, it captures real-time video footage of the interior of the pipes. This footage provides a clear view of any potential issues lurking within.
Examination of the Footage: The inspector will carefully examine the video footage to identify any problems, such as cracks, damages, or clogs. This detailed inspection helps pinpoint the exact location and nature of the issues.
Reporting the Findings: After the inspection, you will be provided with a comprehensive report of the findings. This report will include recommendations for any necessary repairs or maintenance to keep your sewer system in top shape.
Benefits of a sewer scope inspection
A sewer scope inspection offers numerous benefits to homeowners, making it a wise investment for the long-term health of your property. Here’s why you should consider it:
Early Detection of Potential Issues: A sewer scope inspection can spot problems in your sewer lines, such as cracks, damages, or clogs, before they escalate into major issues. Early detection means you can address these problems promptly, saving you from bigger headaches down the road.
Cost Savings: By identifying issues early, you can avoid the hefty costs associated with extensive repairs or replacements. A small investment in a sewer scope inspection can save you thousands of dollars in the future.
Prevention of Property Damage: Sewer backups and overflows can cause significant damage to your property. A sewer scope inspection helps prevent such disasters by ensuring your sewer system is in good working order.
Improved Health and Safety: Leaky or backed-up sewer systems can expose you to harmful pathogens. A sewer scope inspection can identify these risks, helping you maintain a safe and healthy environment for your family.
Increased Property Value: A well-maintained sewer system is a selling point for potential buyers. A sewer scope inspection provides peace of mind and can increase the value of your property.
Matt Gibson, Certified Sewer Scope Inspector
Common Sewer Line Problems Detected By A Sewer Scope Inspection
A sewer scope inspection can uncover a variety of common problems in your sewer lines. Here are some issues that might be detected:
Cracks and Damages: Over time, sewer lines can develop cracks and damages due to shifting soil, tree roots, or general wear and tear. These cracks can lead to leaks and backups if not addressed.
Clogs and Blockages: Debris, grease, and other materials can accumulate in your sewer lines, causing clogs and blockages. These obstructions can result in slow drainage and backups, disrupting your plumbing system.
Tree Roots: Tree roots are notorious for infiltrating sewer lines in search of water. Once inside, they can cause significant blockages and damage. A sewer scope inspection can identify these root intrusions before they wreak havoc.
Corrosion: Sewer lines, especially older ones, can suffer from corrosion. This corrosion weakens the pipes, making them more susceptible to leaks and breaks. Identifying corrosion early can prevent more extensive damage.
Cost of A Sewer Scope Inspection
The cost of a sewer scope inspection can vary depending on several factors, including the location, the inspector’s qualifications and experience, and the complexity of the inspection. On average, a sewer scope inspection can cost anywhere from $250 to $500. While this may seem like an additional expense, it is a small price to pay compared to the potential cost of repairing or replacing damaged sewer lines, which can run into thousands of dollars. Regular sewer scope inspections can help prevent costly repairs, reduce the risk of sewage backups and overflows, and ensure the overall health and safety of your plumbing system. Investing in routine maintenance through sewer scope inspections is a cost-effective way to protect your home and avoid unexpected expenses.
Why Get a Sewer Inspection Before Buying a Home?
A sewer inspection is a crucial step in the home-buying process. Here’s why you shouldn’t skip it:
Identify Potential Issues: A sewer inspection can reveal potential problems with the sewer lines, such as cracks, damages, or clogs. Knowing about these issues beforehand can save you from unexpected expenses and stress.
Negotiate with the Seller: If the inspection uncovers issues, you can use this information to negotiate with the seller. They may agree to fix the problems or provide a credit, ensuring you’re not left with costly repairs after moving in.
Avoid Costly Surprises: Sewer backups and overflows can be expensive to fix. A sewer inspection helps you avoid these costly surprises by ensuring the sewer system is in good condition before you buy the home.
Ensure a Healthy and Safe Home: A properly functioning sewer system is essential for a healthy and safe home. A sewer inspection ensures that there are no hidden issues that could pose health risks to you and your family.
It’s not a Septic System Inspection: There’s a misconception that a sewer scope isn’t necessary when there’s a septic system on the property because a septic inspection will be performed. The problem with this thought is that septic inspection companies typically inspect the septic tank and drain field, but not include the lateral sewer line connecting the septic system to the home. This is a huge piece of the puzzle that gets left out. If your sewer line isn’t working properly, the waste cannot leave your home and travel to the septic system, resulting in a whole host of potentially expensive issues.
Some other factors to consider
We suggest ordering a sewer scope inspection no matter the age of the home. Many homebuyers are led to think older homes are in worse shape compared to newer homes, which isn’t necessarily true.
You wouldn’t believe the horrific things we have encountered in the sewer lines of new construction homes. One of the most common new construction issues we observe are sewer lines polluted with leftover construction materials and debris causing major blockages. Likewise, we often discover sewer pipe ruptures due to shifting, settling, and use of heavy construction equipment above ground.
Here is one example. We saved our client upwards of $25,000 by identifying serious defects in this sewer line (pictured below). It was a new construction home, so the builder was required to tear up the street and repair the sewer lateral on their dime. Without the sewer scope, our client would have been on the hook for this repair after moving in. Holy smokes!!
We personally purchased a new construction home a few years ago and found a crack in the sewer line. Thankfully, it was still under warranty, so the repair was on the builder’s tab. The crack wasn’t present when we purchased the home, but it did show up one year later! Come to find out the material was weak when installed during construction.
There is a valuable lesson to be learned in having a sewer scope inspection completed before your builder’s warranty expires, usually during the 11th month.
Whether new or old, we recommend every home have a proper sewer scope done. Do yourself a big favor and don’t skip the scope!
Now What?
Our biggest tip is to schedule a sewer scope inspection. There’s no better place than to schedule with us!
✅ You get preferred pricing by pairing the sewer scope with your home inspection, and
✅ There’s no need to schedule twice. We perform the sewer scope on the same day as your home inspection
Already have a home inspection scheduled with us? Great! It’s easy to schedule your scope.
Follow these simple steps…
In your client portal on the main dashboard under the photo, you will see “Add additional services for more peace of mind.” Click the blue button labeled “Upgrade.”
2. Select the sewer scope service by checking the box.
3. Hit the “Send Request” button. That’s it. We will make sure your sewer scope inspection service gets added to your inspection day!
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