An inspection of the sewage area is carried out using tiny cameras that videotape the side sewage pipes in a house that run from the foundation to the main sewer. Specialized flexible borescope cameras feed images and video into a monitor that runs along your house’s sewer pipes to inspect the sewer line and other underground pipes for faults and imperfections that could pose a serious problem.
The average wastewater survey takes about 30 minutes, but your exact timeframe can vary depending on how easy it is to access the main wastewater pipes and whether the camera can travel at a reasonable pace through the system. Here’s what you should know about a sewer line inspection, according to The Inspectors Company.
What Can You Learn
Video inspections on the Channel can help pinpoint and identify the source of leaks, reducing excavation costs by up to 20%. Regular inspection of the perimeter of the sewer can help to detect signs of root damage and save on expensive repairs to the pipe. Upon completion of the house inspection, buyers can ask their agent or their seller if they can instruct their own sewer contractor to carry out a side-by-side video inspection of the sewer.
Prevention Is Better Than the Cure
These inspections ensure that the pipe is free of clogs and functions properly. Even if your sewer seems to be working properly, an annual inspection will keep the pipe free of dirt and leaks.
Prevention is key to inspecting the pipe so that we can identify and resolve potential problems before they turn into damaged pipes that disrupt your water supply. Our sewer inspection service can save thousands of dollars in unexpected repair bills because we can identify the problems before they become a disaster.
Make sure you have a canal check-up on your checklist. Not everyone will find a problem before they close, so make a sewer pipe inspection part of your home inspection.
It’s a Must Before Buying a House
If you decide to buy a house that needs sewer repair, we recommend you choose the trenchless method to replace the pipe. If there are problems, a sewer inspector can identify them. If you know the condition of your sewer line and whether or not it needs to be refurbished, you can make an informed decision about purchasing the house.
Inspectors of the sewerage system not only determine that the pipe is clean and clogged, but the inspection also provides information on the overall state of the pipe. Inspections of sewer pipes show the floor where the pipe was laid and where it runs through garden and concrete houses, as well as possible problems with the pipe that could cause future blockages.
Once your inspector has determined the overall condition of the pipes, any repairs will be the responsibility of the house or property pipes. If the line is damaged or deteriorating, you have the opportunity to address the problem closer to the property.
When Can You Expect Problems with Pipes
If you are looking at a house that is more than 20 years old, it is advisable to carry out a sewer inspection. If your inspector points out red flags, recommend inspection if there are concerns. If a block or damaged sewer system problem does not appear, the problem will not be revealed during the house inspection.
Trees with roots that grow over a period of 20 years can clog the pipe, and this is a common problem. Roots that grow and narrow the pipe can break the pipe or form small cracks in the pipe, clogging it and causing leaks.
If the pipe is made of clay or concrete, it is more susceptible to these problems than plastic pipes used in newer homes. Houses built more than 25 years ago, or houses built after 1984, have clay sewage pipes that can be crushed or damaged.
If you are able to save some money on an inspection of the sewerage system, you might be able to find a house inspector who offers inspections of the sewerage system in addition to other traditional inspection services such as lead and asbestos inspections.
