Sewer Scope Inspection

Why Do You Need A Sewer Scope Inspection

Having the sewer scope inspection on a home gives the inspector a visual eye on the condition of the sewer line. This can save you thousands of dollars along with giving you insight into potential future issues. Over time the line can become obstructed, separated, or pipes can leak or break, resulting in costly repairs ranging from $2,500 up to $10,000.

Obstructions can cause water to back up in your home. It can also cause slow drainage which can lead to cracked pipes. Leaking pipes can result in cracks in the foundation of your home, a foul smell, mold, contamination of water supply, and even pest invasion. These are the kinds of issues that need to be addressed immediately as they can also lead to health hazards.

A sewer scope is a video inspection of the part of the lateral sewer line that is owned by the homeowner, whose responsibility it is to maintain and repair. Cast iron piping corrodes from the inside out causing layers of rust to obstruct the flow. Clay tile is fragile and porous, and easily broken through by tree roots. PVC piping can crack and separate over time.

The scope will be performed through either an interior or exterior access point. Leaks and backups will be checked for at the access point. The scope will be inserted on a cable through the line to video and document findings along the way. As a trained and certified inspector, a thorough inspection report will be provided with findings and recommendations.

If you want to know what kind of other problems you might encounter with your plumbing system, here are some things to keep in mind.

  • Leaking pipes

    Leaking pipes are probably the most common cause of water damage. When pipes become old or worn down, they start to crack and break. As soon as cracks appear, water starts seeping out of them. Water leaks can occur anywhere in your house, but they tend to happen at sinks, toilets, tubs, showers, and faucets.

  • Burst Pipe

    Bursting pipes are caused by extreme pressure inside the pipes. Sometimes, the pressure builds up over time due to aging pipes. Other times, burst pipes can develop suddenly after heavy rainfall or flooding. In either case, bursting pipes can lead to serious water damage.

  • Corrosion

    Corrosion occurs when metal parts corrode. Corrosion occurs when metal parts come into contact with water and oxygen. Over time, rust develops on the surface of metal pipes. Once rusted, pipes cannot hold their shape properly and may begin to leak.

  • Damaged Joints

    The damaged joint is a term used to describe cracked or loose pipe fittings. These fittings connect two pieces of piping together. Loose fittings allow water to flow freely between the connected pipes. Cracked fittings prevent water from flowing smoothly and create gaps where water can escape.

  • Faulty Connections

    Faulty connections are the weakest link in your plumbing system. Aging pipes are usually the first things to crack. Faulty connections can be easily identified by looking closely at the ends of pipes. Broken pipes can also be repaired, but only by a qualified plumber.

  • Clogs

    Clogs are small obstructions that block the flow of water. They can be anything from hair to food particles to tree roots. Clogs can build up over time and eventually stop water from draining completely. To fix clogs, you need to remove them manually or use a plunger.