Sewer Inspection: Everything You Need to Know

by Hannah Andrew

Sewer systems maintenance includes performing regular sewer inspections. While nobody likes to consider their sewage pipe, the results of not taking action could be unpleasant and ugly. It becomes essential, particularly when it comes to plumbing. Suppose you sense there is a fault with your sewer line. If that's true, don't hesitate to get sewer plumbing repair services, such as a sewer camera inspection.

This article explains the basics of sewage and drainage inspection, including:

  • What Is a Sewer Inspection?
  • A Sewer Inspection: Why You Need One?
  • What Are the Causes of Sewer Line Blockage?
  • Warnings That You May Need a Sewer Scope Inspection
  • What Kinds of Problems Can Be Discovered Using Video Inspection?

What Is a Sewer Inspection? 

Sewer inspection is carried out using a sewer inspection camera connected to a long cable. The sewer's condition is captured by the camera, revealing:

  • any cracks,
  • tree roots,
  • collapsed pipes,
  • blockages and other issues within the sewer.

It can also identify possible problems before they become risks or significant issues.

Usually, the inspection lasts 30 minutes, and the whole process is captured on camera.

What's the cost of a home sewer inspection?

When combined with a house inspection, a sewer scope inspection may cost $150, but on its own, it may cost over $400.

A Sewer Inspection: Why You Need One

Before significant damage, a health concern, or expensive repairs, homeowners, home purchasers, and home sellers can take action thanks to sewer scope inspection.

Conducting a visual inspection of a sewer is recommended for three main reasons:

1. Preventing health risks

Sewage can back up into the home when sewer lines are damaged or jammed. This water is a host of biological risks that can lead to:

  • Bacterial Infections
  • Fungal Infections
  • Parasites
  • Viruses
  • Harmful Gases
  • Mold

2. Locating and resolving issues that have suddenly become an emergency

It is a typical reason for sewer inspections. The symptoms you spot outside indicate a problem with the sewer system. Still, the actual cause of the issue is unknown. A sewer or drainage inspection is required as soon as possible. It helps to locate the core cause of the problem and find a solution.

3. Keeping away from a last-minute emergency

Also, preventive sewer inspections are part of a routine maintenance cycle for wastewater systems. Every year sewer systems are in use, the likelihood that they may start to break down increases.

What Are the Causes of Sewer Line Blockage?

Your sewer line could experience issues for several different reasons. Let's review the causes together.

  • Poor installation: It is crucial to determine whether or not the sewer line in your home was installed incorrectly and to begin renovations as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, the installation of sewer lines can often be poor. Connectors that aren't properly fitted and severe angles at various points along the pipes are two of the most typical causes of leaks.
  • Settling: Another potential problem that can cause sewer issues is settling. When a sewer pipe sinks into the ground, buildup happens simultaneously. "Bellies" is the term used by plumbers to refer to these pits.
  • Poor pipe materials: Clay or concrete tiles link older properties to the sewer system. These pipe materials are fragile, and tree roots or ground sliding can harm them easily. These cracks can occur anywhere along the length of the pipe. Sewer pipes in modern dwellings are typically made of durable plastic. A video inspection can immediately identify poor-quality pipe materials and issue a warning about potential future issues.
  • Ground shifting: Earthquakes, excavations, and underground water tables are all potential triggers for "ground shifting." It refers to the movement of the ground rather than just the land's surface.
  • Roots invasion: Tree roots are the most stubborn invaders of the sewer line. They rapidly expand and squeeze through the tiniest cracks to get water from sewer pipes. Regular examinations with a sewer scope camera can assist in detecting signs of root damage, which can lead to the avoidance of more costly repairs in the future.

Warnings That You May Need a Sewer Scope Inspection

If you have a large family, the sewer system is frequently in your house. We highly recommend that you have the drainage examined about once every two years on average. Ensure you are not investing in a property with a damaged sewer line. We suggest anyone planning to buy property requests a sewer inspection before the transaction occurs.

Here is a list of signs indicating the need to get a sewer inspection job:

  • Clogged Toilet: Your toilet may become blocked every once in a while, but if this happens frequently, consider having a professional inspect your drains.
  • Green Grass: A sewer leak often has the side effect of causing the vegetation nearby to become lush and green. Similar to manure and fertilizer, sewage stimulates the growth of plants.
  • Bad Smells: Bathrooms don't usually have the best odors. However, if you smell something like sewage in your bathroom or anywhere else in your home, a pipe that carries waste may have sprung a leak.
  • Water Back Ups: This may signal that the sewage pipe has been damaged or broken or that there is a significant clog.
  • Large Trees and Roots: The development of roots around the pipe is one of the most frequent reasons for sewer pipe damage. In addition to growing around and around the line, roots can also squeeze themselves into minor cracks in the pipe, blocking it or leading to leaks.
  • Structural Movement: The pipe may have been impacted if the dirt near a home appears to have moved. If it has moved, it might have broken, bent, or otherwise sustained damage, necessitating pricey repair.
  • Pests or Rodents: Infestations of pests and rats have been found in sewers.

What Kinds of Problems Can Be Discovered Using Video Inspection?

Because they are one of the best ways to spot problems, sewer video inspections are growing in popularity as a plumbing service. Typical problems that sewer video inspections may reveal include:

  • Pipes with cracks or breaks
  • Uneven Sewer Lines
  • Significant Blockages
  • Tree Roots in the Pipes

Final Thoughts

Knowing more about what happens during sewer video inspections has made it clear to you how crucial it is to do a sewer inspection as quickly as possible. Take time to examine your sewage using the indicators provided in this article. But don't rely on that! You should use a sewer camera inspection or call a professional to inspect you.

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