What Is a Sewer Scope Inspection?
A sewer scope inspection is a crucial step in assessing the condition of your home’s sewer or septic system. Using a flexible borescope camera, we inspect and record the interior of your pipes to detect potential issues like cracks, clogs, or damage. The camera is inserted through the home’s cleanout or roof vent and travels along the sewer lateral line connecting your house to the main sewer. This process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of your system and any complications encountered. Scheduling a sewer scope inspection is essential before purchasing a home to avoid costly surprises. It’s also a smart maintenance step for aging homes to ensure your system remains in top condition. Protect your investment—book your sewer scope inspection today for peace of mind and long-term savings!
Should I Get a Sewer Scope Inspection?
There are lots of reasons why you should get a sewer scope inspection. If you don’t get routine inspections done on your sewer/septic lines, you should be aware of the potential risk. Getting routine inspections will help you avoid the following issues. A damaged sewer/septic line can be the source of structural damage in your home. For example, sewer pipes leaking in the crawl spaces could cause serious mold issues. A leak or backup in your sewer/septic system can lead to many health issues. To the right are a few health hazards that you may be exposed to if you leave your sewer system unrepaired.
Structural Damage:
- Flooding in home or yard
- Sinkholes
- Foundation Issues
- Mold Issues
Health Risks:
- Bacteria
- Parasites
- Sewage
- Mold spores
- Harmful gases
- Fungi
6 Signals You Need a Sewer Scope Inspection
Potential home buyers should be aware of signs that a sewer scope inspection is needed before completing the buying process. Below are the most common signals that the sewer system may need repair or is close to being damaged.
- Rodents or pests: Has your house become home to some unwanted guests? Rodents are commonly found in sewer systems, so seeing them above ground could indicate clogging or other problems, not just infestation. You should also consider a pest inspection if you notice signs of pests in your home.
- Water backups: Water backups in your house or crawl spaces can indicate damage or cracks in the sewer/septic line.
- Shifting or movement in the ground around your property: Soil movement caused by natural forces, like heavy rain, can create offset pipe joints. This can lead to clogging or leaks.
- Lush patches of grass in your yard: Sewer/septic water can fertilize your grass. If you notice a rich green patch of grass in your yard but the rest of your grass looks normal, it could be a sewer or septic leak.
- Large trees in your backyard: Roots from large trees can grow around or compress pipes. Roots may even grow into small cracks, your pipes which can cause clogging or leaks.
- House was built more than 25 years ago: Older homes (pre-1970s) are more likely to have pipes with existing damage or cracks. Homes built before 1984 may still have clay pipes that can easily be cracked or crushed.
What To Look for In Your Sewer Inspection
The sewer inspection is typically recorded on a video feed, which you and the inspector will watch during the procedure or afterward. The inspector will show you where the damages or cracks are and explain next steps.
Below are some things you’ll want to look out for during the inspection process:
Sewer Scope Inspection Cost
The cost of a sewer scope inspection varies depending on your location and the specifics of your sewer line, but prices start at just $200. While this might seem like a significant upfront expense, it’s a small investment compared to the average cost of repairing a sewer line, which is $2,556. Plus, most homeowners’ insurance policies don’t cover sewer repairs, meaning these costs often come straight out of your pocket. Even if you’ve recently purchased a newly constructed home, a sewer scope inspection is highly recommended. Construction sites can leave sewer lines clogged with debris like rocks or other materials. In fact, some builders proactively conduct sewer inspections before listing a home for sale to ensure everything is in top condition. Don’t let unseen sewer issues lead to expensive repairs down the road. Book your sewer scope inspection today and protect your investment with a well-maintained sewer line!