When you are purchasing a home, you will typically run into the home inspection. However, you might not have heard of the sewer scope inspection before. So, what is a sewer scope inspection? In short, it’s when a technician runs a camera through your sewers to check for damage and leaks.
While a sewer scope inspection does not have to be during a real estate transaction, most of the time this is when it occurs. Sewer scope inspections are also generally not included in the typical home inspection and are an additional inspection a client should order.
What Is The Sewer Scope Inspection & Process Like?
During the sewer scope inspection, a technician will use a specially designed camera on a long cable to view the inside of your drains. Depending on the access available and the company, a technician might start on your roof and enter a vent stack on the opposite side of where your sewer ends in order to access the sewer. This gives the inspector the best chance to find damage since the inspector can view the sewer from start to finish.
The inspection generally takes about 30 minutes and the entire inspection is typically recorded on the camera. Then, the technician can usually report the findings after the inspection. However, the client should await the final report for pictures and the technician’s conclusive findings in order to make decisions on what to do next.
Why Do I Need A Sewer Scan?
If your sewer system were to backup or leak, this can cause many health issues. Listed below are some of the health hazards that live in your sewers.
Damaged sewers can also cause structural damage to your home. For example, if your sewer is leaking under your home, the home could shift. In addition, settling drainage pipes can be a sign of home settling and shifting as well. Lastly, if your sewage system was affected by tree roots, you should take action so the tree roots do not affect your foundation.
Signs You Need A Sewer Scope
If you currently own your home, consider looking for the following to see if you need a sewer scope inspection:
What if you are buying a home?
We recommend getting a sewer scope inspection whenever you are purchasing a home, but especially when the home was built before 1970. This is because homes older than 1970 may have orangeburg or cast iron drain lines.
These drain lines are too old to be used today and usually need replacement. They can suffer from root damage, rust, degradation, and ultimately cause backups or sewer smells in the home.
Sewer Scope Inspection Results
Once the inspector finishes their inspection, you will want to listen for the following:
Any of these items might need repairs or replacement. However, each case is different so be sure to listen to your inspector.
So Is A Sewer Scope Inspection Worth It?
The short answer is, yes. For perspective, the average cost to replace your sewer drains is $3,000 to $30,000! This can be due to location, size, and type of replacement. For example, if your drains under the home are in poor condition, you might have to rip up the flooring to access the drains.
On the other hand, there is technology available that allows plumbers to basically pump a liner into your old drains. However, data on their reliability is not yet available. Most sewer scope companies also recommend these inspections on new construction homes. This is because the sewers were just installed and not tested. It’s not uncommon for new construction drain lines to be cracked or improperly installed.
Overall, the cost of having to possibly replace your sewer drains far outweighs the cost of the sewer scope inspection.
The Home Inspection Squad
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