Sewer Line Scope Inspection Guide – Reasons, Process & Problems

What is a sewer scope inspection?

In this article, we’ll be looking at different sewer line inspection procedures. With the help of specialized equipment like cameras, various sections of the sewer line are assessed.

Here is what sewer line inspection cost.

• Should I get a sewer line inspection?

Sewer issues are common when basic maintenance procedures aren’t followed. Also, these problems can sometimes go undetected until they worsen.

Sewer line inspection is one effective way to ensure your system is functional and without issues. Plus, existing problems are identified are fixed.

The most common issues are offset joints, cracks, clogs, root ingress, etc. Please stick with us to learn more about the inspection process.

Sewer Inspection For Home Purchase

Sewer line inspection is mainly performed when there are issues with the system or when selling a home.

Sewer backup, clogs, or abnormal system functioning are noticed for the former. An inspection procedure seeks to determine the sewer line’s condition or get to the root cause of a problem.

A sewer line camera is a helpful tool primarily used for sewer line inspection. This goes by several names.

This is a small camera attached to the tip or end of a flexible cable or snake. This is pushed down through the line to inspect the line’s condition.

The benefit of this type of inspection is that it provides or sends back a real-time video feed of the sewer line’s interior. This is observed through a monitor, and any issue is identified and appropriate fixes provided.

Of course, you’ll need a reputable technician to inspect this type.

Routine Sewer Scope Home Inspection

Sometimes, sewer line inspections are only necessary when issues arise.

These issues might include offset pipes, cracking pipes, root ingress, or grease buildup. In other situations, you might have to maintain a routine inspection procedure if your yard is full of trees.

It’s common to find invasive tree roots encroaching on sewer lines and interrupting normal functioning when they get into such pipes.

The interaction of tree roots with these pipes often leads to clogging, backups, and other sewer issues.

Scheduling routine sewer line inspections ensure that any developing problems are noticed early enough before they deteriorate. Of course, invasive tree roots causing issues must be cut back and any damage fixed.

How Sewer Scope Inspection is done

After contacting a pro for sewer line inspection, the technician arrives to get the job done.

They come along with specialized tools such as a sewer scope or camera. The sewer clean-out is vital to the inspection process and needs to be located as it provides access to the line.

The sewer cleanout consists of a 4-inch pipe that sticks from the ground and has a cap bearing a square nut. This critical access point can either be found indoors or outdoors.

The sewer scope is slowly lowered with the cap unscrewed down the line.

It’s important to know that there may be two cleanouts. The second will connect to the main drain pipe that serves the home. The inspection procedure might include a single sewer cleanout or both.

The technician observes the sewer line interior on a monitor as the camera is lowered.

This procedure allows technicians to identify any issues there may be. Sewer line inspection using this method has its downsides. Such is seen when there are leaks.

The sewer scope’s limitation is that it’s unlikely to help identify leaks. A technician adopts other alternatives to pinpoint such leaks.

In the end, the expert prepares a sewer line inspection report.

• Can Sewer Line Inspection be Done as a DIY Project?

While many DIY enthusiasts may want to try their hands on a new project such as this, the problem with that is the level of skill required.

Skilled technicians have the proper training, experience, and equipment to perform a decent job. This isn’t the case with DIY’ers.

In other words, you’re bound to make a lot of errors when adopting the DIY approach. Such mistakes can prove to be costly. So, it’s best to have pros take charge of your sewer line inspection needs.

This way, a thorough job is done, and appropriate fixes are carried out when issues are detected.

When To Call For Sewer Line Inspection

Three scenarios often apply during sewer line inspection.

One of these usually creates the need for assessment. They include observing routine inspections, having issues with the main sewer line, and during home purchases or sales.

Let’s explain each of these.

• Observing Routine Inspection

We earlier discussed routine inspection as a necessary maintenance measure for sewer lines. This action may be required most when there are many trees around your yard.

Here, the inspection process is performed to check the state of the sewer line and prevent possible issues.

• Having Issues with the Main Sewer Line

Sewer line inspection is also necessary when issues affecting normal functioning are noticed or evident.

Here, clogging and all sorts of problems will require calling for help identifying and solving the clogging issues. The true nature of the problem is determined after inspection.

• Home Purchase or Sale

Before exchanging home ownership, essential inspections are needed to determine the property’s condition thoroughly.

This ensures that it sells for its true worth. Now the sale may not include sewer line inspections. However, some buyers may call for such a procedure to avoid surprises.

Common Problems Discovered During Sewer Line Inspection

As earlier stated, sewer line inspections are performed to identify developing or existing issues.

• Failed Sewer Inspection

The process is meant to determine the state of the sewer line. In most situations, several problems have ranged from pipe collapse, grease buildup, and cracking.

Others include tree root ingress, offset pipes, and sags or low areas. Any of these situations will need to be resolved to ensure the normal functioning of the line.

Sewer line inspection includes all the above processes discussed. It’s a procedure that requires professional implementation, hence calling an experienced and reputable technician.