SEWER INSPECTION
Why is it recommended to have a sewer inspection (sewer scope) performed? A general home inspection only tests drain pipes for functional drainage at fixtures. This will rarely identify a sewer problem downstream but rather just find some hair clog at the trap. Breaks, cracks, root penetration, major clogs, or separated joints can only be seen by running a specialized sewer camera from the sewer clean-out to the city connection or septic tank.
Repairing or replacing a sewer line can be very expensive (up to $30,000 for a full sewer line replacement). Identifying a sewer line problem during the buying process makes it a negotiable item now vs. dealing with an expensive item down the road.
WHAT IS A SEWER SCOPE?
A sewer scope is a video inspection of the lateral sewer line leading from the house at/near the foundation and connecting to the city or Home Owners Association tap or septic tank. A lateral sewer line is the privately-owned pipeline connecting the property to the publicly-owned main sewer line, HOA tap, or septic tank.
Sewer-scoping the line can reveal blockages, damage to the pipe system, and other problems, which are vital for homeowners and home buyers to be aware of. For example, if there is a damp depression in the lawn above the sewer line, or if there is backflow into the home, or if contaminants have been discovered in the potable water supply, a sewer scope inspection can be critical to identifying and confirming these problems, which must be addressed immediately.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
How do you locate a blockage, break, or other problem in the sewer line above ground?
A locator is used that detects a signal sent from the camera head inside the pipe. Then inspector can pinpoint the exact location of the problem and mark the ground with paint.
Do you provide repair estimates?
No. We believe that providing estimates and making repairs is a conflict of interest. Our goal is to provide an unbiased assessment of the condition of the sewer line. If something needs to be repaired, we will tell you. We will also tell you when a repair is not necessary.
Do you pull toilets?
No. We can only perform a sewer inspection when an available and accessible sewer clean-out pipe exists on the property. Occasionally a sewer scope can be performed through a plumbing vent on the roof.
How much does a sewer scope cost?
Please see our pricing list.