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What is a Sewer Drain Inspection?

Sewer Drain Inspection

Sewer drain inspections provide an extra layer of confidence when purchasing an older home with large trees in the yard.  Tree and plant roots, construction debris, and heavy vehicle traffic can wreak havoc on sewer drain lines and our sewer scope inspections are done during the normally scheduled inspection saving you time and money.

Just how the circulatory system is essential for the health of the human body, a drainage system is essential for the health of a house. However, most standard home inspections do not include sewer inspections.

However, a poor drainage system can leave a house vulnerable to a multitude of problems:

  • Damage to the structural foundation
  • Water stains
  • Deterioration of building materials
  • Dangerous exposure to human waste
  • Pest and mold infestation

Thus, it is essential for homebuyers to get a sewer scope Inspection done before investing in a property.

Sewer Inspection – The Process

During a sewer drain inspection, a licensed and trained inspector makes use of a sophisticated sewer camera to examine the condition of the main drain lateral lines. The clean-out drain cap is removed to feed the flexible camera into the drain line. It captures and sends back the interior footage into a monitor, revealing the condition of the drain. The inspector analyses this footage to deliver a comprehensive report which can be a significant tool to make the right decision for owners and buyers alike. We may even suggest further review by a licensed plumber based on our findings.

Sewer Inspection Process

5 Signs that you need a sewer inspection

  1. A house built before 1980

Over 30 years ago, most home drainage was built out of cast iron, which was originally believed to last a long time. However, they crack and crumble before their expected lifespan is up.

  1. Well-established trees in the yard

Tree roots are surprisingly invasive as they have an insatiable love for water. So, these fast-growing intruders often wreak havoc on sewer lines.

  1. Recent construction work

Heavy-duty construction work, especially those involving ground activity, such as digging or drilling, can cause unintentional yet significant damage to drainage pipes.

  1. Patches of extra lush green

If some patches of the lawn look suspiciously greener than the rest of it, there might be a problem underground. Greenery thrives on the contents of a sewage leak.

  1. Water damage

The tell-tale signs of water damage in a property show up may appear as:

  • Water stains
  • Puddles
  • Damp spots and rings
  • Wood rot

How Sewer Drain Inspections Can Help 

Interestingly, the resulting footage from the sewer scope inspection can reveal a lot of things to the eyes of a well-seasoned inspector. Their informative report can reveal –

  • The pipe material
  • Cracks, gaps, or damage in the line
  • Root invasion
  • Clogs and blockages

Our sewer drain inspection gives you a detailed report and video about the integrity, functionality, and safety of a home’s main drain line which can help you make an informed decision. Schedule a sewer inspection with Dooley Home Inspection today!

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is a sewer inspection?

A sewer inspection involves the use of an extension camera to get a clear view of the underlying sewer drainage system. It is fed into the main drain lateral lines to get a clean look at the structural and sectional condition of the drain. The retrieved camera footage is used by inspectors to evaluate and frame a report which can aid homebuyers in making informed decisions.

  1. When should I get a sewer inspection?

You should get a sewer inspection when you see the following signs of potential sewer damage:

  • An old house built before the 1980s
  • Water damage on the property
  • Suspicious patches of greenery in the garden or yard
  • Signs of recent construction work that involved drilling or digging
  • Mature trees in the yard
  1. Is a sewer inspection worth it?

A sewer inspection gives you an unbiased report on the health of the drainage system on a property. It comes from seasoned, licensed professionals who are regulated by the State of Texas. Getting it done from the right inspector and at the same time as your normally schedule home inspection will save you time and money. Most importantly, it can help you save on costly future improvements.

  1. How much do sewer inspections cost?

The price of sewer inspection depends on several factors: location, access to, and length of the drain line. If scheduled during a home inspection, the cost can vary from $175+, which is much more budget-friendly than hiring another provider to do a separate inspection.