Here’s Why You Need A Sewer Scope Inspection

The purpose of the sewer scope inspection is to identify defective or substandard conditions in a home's sewer and drainage system. Some of these problems can be corrected by the homeowner, others require outside help, and some may require full replacement of pipes or fixtures.

Sewer scope inspections require the right equipment and technology to allow the inspection process to operate smoothly.

Now let's talk all about the sewer scope inspection process.

What Is A Sewer Scope?

Inspecting a sewer line with a scope is a straightforward process. In order to inspect your pipes thoroughly, a professional will use a flexible borescope camera.

Sewer scoping is a useful tool for identifying potential issues with a sewer line, such as blockages, pipe damage, and other issues that are important for homeowners and buyers to know about.

If you notice a damp depression in your lawn above your sewer line, if you have backflow into your home, or if contaminants have been found in your drinking water, a sewer scope inspection can be essential to trying to identify and verifying these issues, which must be addressed immediately.

Methods for Inspecting Sewers with a Scope

Here's a visual explanation of what a sewer scope inspection is and how it works.

A camera will enter the sewer system via the primary drainpipe in the house and make its way to other connecting pipes. If there are any obvious problems with your sewers, such as cracks, damage, or clogs, your inspector will note them and report them to you. The camera is then threaded through your home's drainpipe to check the condition of the sewage system and other pipes underground.

The size of your home's sewage system and the severity of the problems determine how long a drain inspection will take.

A sewer scope inspection is something you should budget for before buying your dream home, and something you should budget for on a regular basis as your home ages.

Sewer scope inspections are exactly what they sound like: a quick look down into the pipes to make sure everything is working properly and in good condition. A skilled inspector will use a flexible borescope camera to capture images and video, which will then be displayed on a screen.

After that, your inspector will give you a rundown of what they found and give you a copy of the report that details the state of the sewer line.

Structural Damage

There can be serious structural problems in your house if the sewage system is not working properly. If the sewage pipes in the basement start to leak, for instance, it could lead to a serious mold problem.

The following are typical outcomes of deteriorating or damaged sewage systems. They may also indicate that a sewer scope inspection is required.

• Home or yard flooding

• Sinkholes

• Foundation issues

• Mold Build-Ups

Dangers to Your Health

Any number of problems can arise if the sewage system in your home springs a leak or backs up. Here are some potential risks to your health if you choose to ignore your broken sewer system.

• Bacteria/Parasites

• Sewage

• Spores of mold

• The release of toxic fumes

Warning Signs It's Time To Get a Sewer Scope Checkup

The need for a sewer scope inspection is something prospective homebuyers should be aware of. Listed below are some of the most noticeable warning signs that your sewer system may be failing or about to be damaged.

Rodents or Pests

Since rats and mice frequently inhabit sewers, the presence of these rodents above ground may be indicative of a clog or other problem, rather than a simple infestation. If you see any evidence of insects or other pests in your home, you may want to have it inspected for them.

Sewer line damage or cracks can cause water to back up into a home's basement or crawl space.

Ground Movement or Heaving Near Your Home

Pipe joints can become misaligned when the ground shifts as a result of natural causes such as prolonged or intense precipitation. It may cause obstructions or leaks.

Lush Patches of Grass in Your Yard

A sewage or septic leak could be to blame for an abnormally green area of grass in an otherwise normal yard.

Large Trees in Your Backyard

Even small cracks can become a problem if roots decide to grow into them.

The likelihood of a home's sewers having damage or cracks increases if it was built before the 1970s, when these issues were less common. Clay sewer pipes, which were commonly used before 1984, are vulnerable to cracking and crushing.

What To Look For In Your Sewer Inspection

In most cases, both you and the inspector will be able to view the results of the sewer inspection in real time on a live video feed or afterwards. The inspector will point out any breaks or other damage and go over next steps with you.

Some things to keep an eye out for while conducting an inspection are the following:

• Line breaks or flaws

• Congestions or clogs

• Developing roots

• The drain's low spots (bellying)

• Line breakage or disconnection

• Characteristics of the line's composition (concrete, clay, etc.)

• Septic tank problems

Are Sewer Scopes Worth It?

Sewer scopes are an essential tool for any sewage professional, and they have been for decades.

They allow you to see what's going on in the pipes, so you can make an informed decision about whether or not to repair or replace pipes.

This means that if you're looking at a sewer scope as part of your home inspection, it's worth it, as you'll be able to tell what needs fixing, if anything. This can also be a smart step to take every few years for the home you already reside in. This will help you determine any problems that need to be addressed or fix before they get worse or cause any major issues.

Why Is a Sewer Inspection Critical Before Buying a House?

Home buyers should be aware that sewer problems build up over time and it may not be something that’s caught in an inspection. The reason for this is that a sewer system can be incredibly complex, and it is often difficult to spot issues with it until you're living in the house.

A sewer inspection will allow you to see if there are any leaks or cracks in your pipes, which will indicate that there's some kind of problem with your system.

If you do find that there are problems with your pipes, it's important to fix them before they get worse and cause further damage to your home.

If you have a sewer inspection done before purchasing a home, it will also help you find out how old the pipes are. If they're older than 50 years, you may want to consider replacing them with newer ones that are more resistant to leaks and cracks. A sewer inspection is a great way to make sure that your home's pipes are in good condition.

If you have any doubts about the quality of your pipes, it's important to get one done before buying a home.

Final Thoughts

If you think that it's time to replace your sewer line but you're not sure, a sewer scope inspection may be the best option. If there is a break, the repair can be relatively simple and inexpensive. With new pipes, there will be no more worries about slow drains or backups into your home. It might be time to get a sewer scope inspection if you've noticed a backup when you flush the toilet in your home.

Homeowners can avoid expensive, potentially destructive drainage problems by getting a sewer scope inspection. The inspection is a visual assessment of the sewer lines that makes it easier to detect and identify issues before they cause extensive damage.

Pro Sewer Repair has a staff of highly trained sewer repair experts who are prepared to carry out trenchless sewer repairs tailored to your needs. When it comes to your sewer lines, we know how important it is for them to be spotless and in good working order because we know how important it is for your system to function properly.

In the event that you have a broken pipe and need it fixed immediately, you can rely on our emergency services. Information is available at (425) 478-3133 or you can visit our website.