Damaged sewer lines can cause health issues and structural problems for homes. That’s why a sewer scope inspection is important for any home buyer. Read on Sewer Scope Inspection Near Me to learn more.

Add this service to your list of offerings to expand your client base and increase your revenue. Sewer scope equipment is light and portable, so it’s easy to incorporate into a home inspection.

How It Works

Adding a sewer scope inspection to your list of home inspection services can help you expand your client base with minimal start-up costs and travel expenses. A trained and certified inspector will use specialized equipment to examine the condition of a home’s sewage line and identify any issues that could cause health or structural problems down the road.

A typical home sewer line runs from the back of a house to either the city sewer line or the septic tank. During a home inspection, an inspector will run a specialized camera attached to a snake-like cable through the piping. This allows the inspector to see any damage or blockages in the sewage line, which can then be fixed before they become a serious problem.

The piping itself may need to be replaced if it is old or worn out. Inferior pipe materials such as Orangeburg or cast iron can be susceptible to breaking and degradation over time, which can lead to backups and other problems. A sewer scope inspection can also detect improper installation of the piping, such as severe angles or misaligned pipes.

It is also common for tree roots to invade and damage the piping, which can cause a number of issues for the homeowner. Some of these include a foul smell, wet or soggy lawns, and mold or mildew inside the house. Invasive root intrusion can also cause the piping to break and collapse. A clogged or damaged line can lead to costly and dangerous problems for the home owner, so having a sewer scope inspection on an older property is a wise decision.

Even new construction homes can be at risk of damage to the sewage line. A newly built house may have a new and untested drain system, which can quickly lead to damage and clogs. A sewer scope inspection can be used to identify potential problems and allow the buyer to negotiate with the seller to make repairs before moving in. If a major issue is discovered, the buyer can choose to walk away from the deal or ask for the cost of the repairs as part of their purchase price.

What You’ll See

The inspection process begins with a professional home or sewer inspector inserting a flexible, waterproof borescope camera into a drainpipe. The camera will feed video to a monitor so the inspector can look for blockages or other issues. The inspector will also check the condition of the pipe from the sewer tap to the house to make sure it’s in good shape and free of defects.

The inspector will lubricate the camera with water to reduce the chance of catching on obstructions and make it easier to push through the line. Once the camera has reached the tap, the inspector will pause and take note of any defects such as breaks, holes, and offset connections. The inspector will then pull the camera back out and review the footage on a nearby screen.

Some common problems that can be spotted during a sewer scope inspection include:

Inferior pipe materials: Pipes made of clay or concrete are more susceptible to cracking and other damage than those made of plastic. A sewer scope inspection will spot these pipes and alert the homeowner to the need for repairs.

Sewer lines that have been damaged or clogged can lead to serious, costly consequences for homeowners. These problems can include sewage backing up into the home and even flooding or structural damage to the property. Fortunately, many of these issues can be avoided with routine maintenance and occasional repair work.

Signs of problems with a sewer line can include slow drainage, unusual odors coming from drains in the basement or crawlspace, and even unexplained puddles in the yard. A sewer scope inspection will help homebuyers avoid investing in a new home with significant problems that could cost thousands to fix.

Performing a sewer scope inspection is quick and easy and will provide valuable information to both homeowners and potential buyers. A professional home or sewer inspector can perform the inspection, which typically costs between $150-$300. This fee is much less than the average cost to replace a damaged sewer line. A professional can also provide tips on how to maintain the health of a home’s drain pipes and prevent future issues.

What You’ll Learn

A professional home inspector typically includes a sewer scope inspection in their overall assessment of a property’s condition. A homeowner can also request a separate, standalone service from an inspector. It is a valuable tool to help identify potential issues with a home’s sewage lines and may prevent costly repairs in the future.

A sewer line is the pipe that drains a home’s wastewater into the municipal sewer system or a private septic tank. During a home inspection, the inspector will insert a flexible borescope camera into the pipes and guide it through the line. The camera allows the inspector to see any cracks, breaks, or damage to the pipes as well as root intrusions. The inspector will then provide a report on the condition of the pipes.

Generally, the inspection is conducted after the inspector has entered a home through a clean out and has access to the lateral sewer line leading from the house at or near its foundation to the city or HOA tap or septic tank. If the inspector cannot gain access to the clean out, due to legal or safety restrictions, they may be able to conduct the inspection through a plumbing vent on the roof of the house (with approval from the owner).

It is important for homeowners and real estate professionals alike to understand the benefits of a sewer scope inspection. Having a home inspection performed can prevent costly repairs in the future and ensure that a home is safe and healthy for its residents.

Older homes with clay or tar paper sewer lines can be susceptible to collapse, resulting in costly repairs or even sewage backups in the home. A professional sewer scope inspection can identify any issues with the lines and provide recommendations for repair or replacement.

Home buyers should consider requesting a sewer scope inspection prior to closing on a home. If a problem is found, it can give the buyer leverage to negotiate with the seller for concessions or repairs or back out of the purchase. Repairing a damaged sewer line can be expensive, so having an inspection prior to purchasing a home is a wise decision for all homeowners and real estate professionals.

Cost

A sewer scope inspection is a necessary procedure for any homebuyer, but it’s not a project homeowners can do themselves. Unlike conducting a home inspection, which can be done with a simple camera and a pair of sturdy work gloves, running a camera through a sewer line requires specialized equipment that’s not easy to just rent or purchase.

That’s why it’s important to hire a professional inspector that has the right camera system and can perform the inspection quickly and efficiently. Adding this service to your home inspection business can bring in additional revenue and allow you to offer a unique value-add for clients.

A typical inspection takes less than an hour to complete, and your inspector will walk you through their findings. They will also give you their recommendations for next steps and provide the name and number of contractors they recommend for repairs.

You should expect the cost of a sewer scope to vary depending on the size and age of your house, as well as the location. For example, older homes with cast iron pipes are more likely to have issues than newer homes with PVC lines. Additionally, larger homes may require a longer camera cable to reach the entire length of the sewer line.

In addition to checking for damage and potential blockages, your inspector will also look for signs of rodents or other pests. Rodents are commonly found in sewer lines and can cause serious problems if they make their way into your home.

Performing a thorough inspection of the entire sewer line can help you identify and resolve any issues before they cause major damage or expensive repairs. It can also prevent costly backups and other problems that can lead to health hazards for you, your family, and your pets.

Having a clear understanding of the condition of your sewer line is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family. A clogged or damaged sewer line can lead to toxic waste buildup, flooding, and structural damage to your home. If you notice any signs of a problem, have a sewer scope inspection conducted as soon as possible.

Karen Shaffer