A sewer scope is an enclosed video camera, equipped with lighting, at the bottom of a long 200-foot power cable. It can be used to inspect any problems in the main sewer line. It is usually placed close to the main sewer line or directly above it. A sewer scope inspection can save you money and time by revealing what is causing your flooding problems.
When a homeowner buys a home, one of the most important things they ask for is an inspection on the sewer system. Most home inspectors agree that a thorough inspection of your sewer system is critical to your enjoyment of your home for many years. A sewer scope inspection is the best solution to detect what any problems might be inside your clogged drain, sewer, storm drain or main pipe system. The purpose of this inspection is to determine if there are damages, leaks, or unhealthy conditions.
When most people think of sewer scope inspection, they probably picture roots. Roots can grow through any pipe or drain, even those made just for toilet tanks! Unfortunately, some pipes are not as resistant to roots as others are. In houses built before 1998, roots can often grow through the smallest holes, cutting through drains and pipes and entering the home. Now, older homes are commonly built with wooden sewer lines, which are easily damaged by roots. This can create unnecessary and costly repairs.
A sewer scope inspection on an older home purchase may not be recommended when purchasing. Most home inspectors say that an older home purchase requires more thorough investigation to ensure that there are no roots that can cut through or damage a pipe. An inspector for a rental property should do an inspection of any sewer line or drainage system that will run through or under a home before a home purchase.
If your new home does have roots, it is important to find out about them. Your sewer scope specialist (or an experienced neighbor) can come to your house and inspect your pipes for root problems. They can also evaluate existing pipes for damages and help you decide if you need to replace them. In many cases, an inspector will find nothing wrong with the pipes or drainage system. However, it is important to know whether or not you are at risk for serious damages if you own an older home.
Some states require sewer scope inspections on newly constructed homes. This is because older homes are often built with older sewer lines that can become damaged. A camera is sometimes used during a sewer scope inspection to identify roots. The camera provides a closer look at roots so the inspector can make a more informed decision. In other cases, a camera might be used to see if the pipe is leaking. In this case, the camera might also identify any areas that could become moist.
Before you hire a sewer scope inspection service, you should know what to look for. During the inspection, the inspector will: confirm whether or not there are visible signs of roots, check for defects in the drainage system, check for leaks, and check the state of sump pumps and sewer lines. When evaluating these systems, the inspector will look for: damage, missing drains or pipes, worn out components, discolored roots, bulging or cracking pipes, or discolored paint. After the inspection, the inspector will give you a report describing his findings. This report will help you make the right decisions for maintenance and repair of your home.
You can learn more about sewer scope inspection by talking to your local inspectors. They will be able to provide you with additional information about their camera equipment and discuss ways to address potential problems. As a homeowner, it is important that you regularly perform inspections on your sewer lines to ensure that they are working properly. By learning more about the equipment available to inspectors, you can ensure that your home’s drainage system remains in good condition.
