Many older homes have sewer pipes that are prone to breakage. A video- recorded examination of a property’s sewer line allows you to know the condition of these critical pipes.
A property’s lateral sewer line is a privately-owned line that connects the homeowner’s property to either the city tap or a septic tank. For homes 20 years old and older, this pipe may be made of clay or another material prone to breakage. Rather than waiting in uncertainty for an unexpected plumbing issue to arise, homeowners can take control by getting informed.
A sewer scope inspection is a video-recorded examination of this pipe, and advanced sewer scoping equipment makes it possible for home inspectors to evaluate the condition of a line and report back on any damage that may be present.
“Sewer scope inspections are an affordable way to prevent extreme damage to a home,” explained Adam Long, president of HomeTeam Inspection Service. “Having a routine sewer scope inspection keeps homeowners in the know and significantly reduces the likelihood of an unexpected plumbing-related disaster.”
What Can Happen if I Don’t Get a Sewer Scope Inspection?
Without an inspection, homeowners have little to no knowledge of the state of their lateral sewer line. As such, unexpected damage can happen before homeowners have time to prepare. Structurally, this can lead to flooding in the home or yard as well as disruption to the home’s foundation. However, the consequences don’t stop there. What is coming out of that sewer line is equally as important. The backyard will be flooded with untreated wastewater, which can contain bacteria like E-coli and salmonella. Mold spores, harmful gasses and even rodents, flies, roaches and parasites can enter the home by way of damaged pipes. A damaged line can also impact the functionality of the plumbing across the entire home. In some cases, sinks will not drain, toilets will not flush and residents will not have access to running water. According to Redfin, repairing a broken sewer pipe can cost up to $300 per foot, and replacing sewer drains can, in some cases, cost upwards of $30,000. Not to mention any additional costs associated with foundation repairs, mold removal and pest
management. A standard sewer scope inspection costs less than $200 — a small price to pay to avoid catastrophic damage.
How Often Should These Inspections Be Done?
It is recommended that homeowners have one sewer scope inspection per year. Maintaining a routine inspection schedule ensures that small issues can be addressed before they become even more dangerous. For example, an inspector may notice a small crack beginning to form, and homeowners can address that repair rather than a surprise pipe burst. Regular inspections also provide a reference video that homeowners can use. When selling an older home, the ability to provide concrete proof of up-to-date, functioning sewer lines can be a huge perk.
