A sewer line that is broken, clogged, or collapsed can leak raw sewage into the ground. This is a major health and environmental hazard and can cause expensive damage to your home.
In the past, diagnosing a sewer problem was often very difficult and costly. Today, a plumber can use Sewer Inspection Los Angeles camera to quickly and accurately determine the problem.
The sewer line is an often overlooked component of a home until there is a problem. Having the line inspected is important, as it can help prevent costly repairs and other issues down the road. A professional can use a special camera to look inside the line, and they will be able to tell if there are any problems. The inspection will also show if the lines are in good condition or not, and it can even spot potential damage to the backflow device, city tap, or septic tank.
The process of a sewer scope inspection begins with an inspector determining where the private sewer line runs and checking for access points. A contractor will then use a long cable with a specialized camera on the end to go down drains and into the pipes, all the way to the city sewer connection. The camera can pick up a wide range of problems, such as cracks in the pipes, tree roots entering the line, and other blockages.
If the inspector notices any issues with the line, they will make a note of them in the report and recommend next steps. They may also recommend hiring a plumber for further evaluation and repair.
A sewer scope can be a helpful tool in a home inspection, and it can save you from buying a house with serious problems. A damaged sewer line can cause a lot of headaches, including back-ups and flooding in your home. If the line is not repaired properly, it could cost you a lot of money in repairs and maintenance. The cost of a sewer scope can be well worth the peace of mind you’ll receive from knowing that your home is in good condition.
Many new homeowners don’t realize that the sewer line is an integral part of their home and doesn’t get much attention until there’s a problem. A backed-up sewer line can create significant problems and lead to expensive repairs, so it’s essential that you have your sewer line inspected before purchasing an older home. Adding this inspection to your home inspection will give you peace of mind and ensure that any issues are addressed before you close on the property.
Video Inspection
The sewer line is an important part of your plumbing system, channeling waste from toilets and other fixtures into the sewage system. It can get clogged with debris or break down completely, leading to leaks and other problems. Having your sewer lines regularly inspected can prevent problems and expensive repairs.
In the past, plumbers had to physically enter pipes in order to inspect them. This was a time-consuming and labor-intensive process, but new technology has made it possible to conduct a visual inspection without having to manually enter the pipe. A video inspection uses a waterproof camera to scan the inside of pipes. The footage can help identify conditions like cracks, holes, and sagging. The information from the camera can then be used to determine the best course of action for repair.
A video inspection usually starts at the point where the sewage pipe leaves the home, known as the “sewer cleanout.” This is typically located in the basement but may also be in a crawlspace or outside. The technician inserts a drain rod with the camera attached into the cleanout. The camera can then travel through the piping to find the source of the problem.
Typical blockages in a sewer line include tree roots, debris, and broken pipes. Roots can be a serious problem for sewer pipes, as they seek out the nutrients found in sewage and can grow quickly to block a line. A video inspection can identify root issues, allowing the plumber to take the proper steps for removal or repair.
Other common issues can be caused by poor construction or changes in ground conditions. For example, if a house is built on unstable soil, the sewage pipe may crack or shift, causing leaks or clogs. A video inspection can help identify these problems and prevent costly repairs.
It is recommended that you have a video inspection performed before buying a new home. This can help you avoid costly repairs and potential health risks. It’s also a good idea to have your sewer lines inspected before adding an additional bathroom or doing major renovations to your home.
Inspection Report
If you are looking at purchasing a home, it’s important to have the sewer line inspected. It’s common for home inspectors to overlook this vital piece of the house, but a professional inspector will be able to check the condition of the line and point out any potential problems.
A video inspection of the sewer line can also provide valuable information about the condition of the pipes. It can reveal any cracks or damage, as well as the type of material that the pipe is made from. This information can help you determine whether the pipe is worth repairing or replacing. It can also save you money by allowing you to plan for the future.
The most common reason for a sewer inspection is to detect a sewer problem that is creating an emergency. This can be due to a clog, broken pipe, or other issue. In most cases, it’s best to have the problem fixed as soon as possible so that it doesn’t worsen.
If you’re planning to sell your home, a video inspection of the sewer line can be an excellent selling point. The report will help you identify any issues that could potentially affect the sale, and it will give you peace of mind knowing that you’re prepared for the future. The process is relatively inexpensive and can be completed quickly.
A professional sewer scope company will use a camera to inspect the entire length of the sewer line. A typical inspection will include a view from the sewage cleanout to the street, but some companies may also remove a toilet in order to get a more holistic view of the pipes. In addition, some technicians will perform a lamping inspection, in which the camera is placed on a raft or sled and floated down the pipe.
Another benefit of a sewer inspection is checking the age of the pipes. Older homes often have galvanized pipes, which corrode from the inside and can lead to health issues. A sewer inspection can also identify if the home has offset pipe couplings, which can cause leaks and clogs.
Cost
The cost of a sewer inspection depends on the length of the line and how far an inspector has to travel to reach the blockage. Longer lines require more time for specialists to run their cameras through, and they will cost more. The type of blockage will also affect the cost. In general, clogs that can be resolved with plunging or liquid drain cleaners will cost less than those that need to be dug out and replaced.
The most common cause of sewer line problems is tree roots, which seek out the moisture and nutrients found in sewage pipes. These can cause cracks or break the pipe, leading to leaks and other problems. A video inspection can help a plumber identify the source of the problem and determine the best way to remove or trim the roots.
Homeowners may also need a video inspection if they are adding a new toilet, expanding their kitchen or bathroom, or changing the flow of wastewater in the house. This is because the new fixture will create more waste that needs to be carried away, and it’s important to make sure the lines can handle the increase in volume.
A video inspection can also find out if there are any issues with the underground pipes, such as a broken pipe or a collapsed section. These can cause sewage to back up into the house or yard, creating a health and safety hazard. A specialist can repair or replace the affected area to restore safe and reliable plumbing service.
A sewer inspection is an essential step in the home buying process, and it should be included in every contract. It can reveal serious problems that could otherwise lead to costly repairs or even a failed real estate transaction. The cost of a video inspection is a small price to pay for peace of mind and the knowledge that you’re purchasing a safe and sound home. If a sewer inspection finds a serious issue, you can always walk away from the sale and find another property. The good news is that these inspections are becoming more affordable and accessible as technology improves.
