Plumbing and Sewer Inspection
Your Plumbing & Sewer Inspection Specialists in Ogden
While sewer lines are often an afterthought for homeowners, buyers should make plumbing and sewer inspections a priority. With the help of our state-of-the-art tools, you can get an accurate picture of the inside of the pipes. Sewer problems can turn into emergencies. Lines can back up when you least expect it, leading to flooding, serious damage, and the potential for nasty health problems.
Fortunately, we here at Nook-N-Kranny Home Services offer sewer inspections as one of our services! This is so the overall condition of the sewage system is known before closing on a property.
How Are Plumbing And Sewer Inspections Done?
A main sewer line inspection is a tool used to determine the material and condition of the main sewer line. Using sewer cameras allows inspectors to detect any problems in a noninvasive manner that does not involve destruction of sidewalks or flooring.
The video from the camera can be used as proof of issues that need to be addressed, such as cracks, leaks, debris buildup, and more. While it’s inevitable that you’ll need repairs and replacement at some point, plumbing and sewer inspections give you the chance to know exactly what you’re getting yourself into with a property, as such repairs and replacements are incredibly expensive.
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Are Plumbing And Sewer Inspections Necessary?
Plumbing and sewer lines both need regular maintenance in order to continue to function optimally. Unfortunately, this is something that many homeowners overlook. People tend to not think about their plumbing or their sewer lines until there’s a problem, when regular maintenance could have prevented such problems from occurring in the first place.
Having a plumbing and sewer inspection completed before you purchase a home prevents you from experiencing any nasty surprises and allows you the opportunity to negotiate a resolution to any problems that the inspection uncovers.
You can also get a plumbing and sewer inspection even if you are not buying a new home or if you are listing your current one as a way to know how your plumbing system is operating. It’s typically a good idea to have this done every couple of years or whenever you notice something strange going on. This is so that you can stop problems in their tracks before they get the chance to become serious.
Problems Reported In Inspections
Most sewer line problems come from tree roots. This is because tree roots are constantly in search of water. Overtime, they can lead to obstructions, causing your house to suffer from sewer backup, burst pipes, and more.
Plumbing and sewer lines problems are not exclusive to older homes. Even new construction homes can have plumbing and sewer problems as a result of improper installation or other such issues. As such, regardless of whether you are purchasing a new-construction home that no one has lived in before or you’re purchasing an older property, you’ll want to have a plumbing and sewer inspection done.
When Should You Schedule Your Inspection?
It’s a good idea to have plumbing and sewer inspections completed at the same time as your general home inspection. This tells you the type of sewer line that you have, its condition, and what type of maintenance and repairs you can expect moving forward.
The inspection allows you the chance to have any issues addressed before you close on the property. It also allows you to formulate an appropriate maintenance plan for your new home’s specific plumbing and sewer needs.
If you own the home, it’s generally recommended that you get plumbing and sewer inspections every couple of years in order to check on the condition of your system.
It’s especially important to schedule an inspection if:
- The grass near the line/pipes is especially green and lush
- The home is 20+ years old
- There are trees, hedges, and/or shrubs
- There is a foul odor
- There is a new cleanout cap without any documentation of sewer line replacement
- Slow toilets/drains
- There is evidence of soil movement
Nook-N-Kranny Home Services is here when you need to schedule a plumbing and sewer inspection in Utah. This is one of our specialty inspections. You can have us do this inspection along with a general property inspection or on its own, depending on your specific needs.
Contact us today to learn more about our expert inspection services.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Main Line Sewer FAQS
What is a main line sewer scope?
A main line sewer scope is a video inspection of the primary sewer line that connects your home or business to the municipal sewer system or a septic tank. A trained technician inserts a flexible rod with a high-resolution camera attached into the sewer cleanout, allowing them to visually inspect the entire length of the pipe.
Why do I need a sewer scope inspection?
Sewer scopes are highly recommended for several reasons:
Preventative maintenance: Catching small issues early can prevent major backups and costly repairs down the line.
Purchasing a new home: It can reveal hidden and expensive problems before you buy, giving you leverage for negotiations or allowing you to walk away from a bad investment.
Persistent drain issues: If you’re experiencing frequent clogs, slow drains, or gurgling sounds, a scope can pinpoint the exact cause.
Older homes: Properties built before the 1980s often have clay or cast iron pipes prone to deterioration, root intrusion, or collapses.
Remodeling or adding fixtures: Understanding your sewer line’s capacity and condition is important before increasing its load.
What can a sewer scope inspection reveal?
A sewer scope can identify a variety of issues, including:
Improper installation: Issues like incorrect sloping or poor connections.
Cracks, breaks, or collapses: Deterioration of the pipe material.
Root intrusion: Tree roots growing into and obstructing the pipe.
Bellies or sags: Sections of the pipe that have sunk, creating areas where water and debris collect.
Blockages: Accumulation of grease, sludge, or foreign objects.
Corrosion or deterioration: Common in older cast iron or galvanized steel pipes.
Offset pipes: Misaligned sections of pipe that can cause snags and blockages.
How long does a sewer scope inspection take?
Typically, a sewer scope inspection takes between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the length of the line and any issues encountered.
Do I need to be present during the inspection? While not always required, it’s highly recommended to be present. The technician can explain what they’re seeing in real-time and answer any questions you may have.
What kind of report will I receive?
Most reputable companies provide a detailed video recording of the inspection, along with a written report outlining any findings, their severity, and recommendations for repair or maintenance.
What does a sewer scope inspection cost?
The cost of a sewer scope inspection can vary depending on your location, the company, and the complexity of the job. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $400. This is a small investment compared to the potential cost of a major sewer line repair.
Is a sewer scope the same as a drain cleaning?
No. A sewer scope is an inspection to diagnose problems, while drain cleaning is a service to clear blockages. A sewer scope may be performed before a drain cleaning to identify the cause of the blockage, or after to verify the effectiveness of the cleaning.
What if the inspector finds a problem?
If a problem is found, the inspector will explain the issue and often provide recommendations for repair. They may also be able to refer you to qualified professionals for the necessary work. It’s always a good idea to get multiple quotes for any significant repairs.
Are there any limitations to a sewer scope?
While highly effective, a sewer scope might have limitations if:
- The cleanout access is not easily found or is inaccessible.
- The pipe is completely collapsed or full of water, preventing camera access.
- Certain smaller branch lines may not be accessible from the main line cleanout.
By investing in a main line sewer scope, you’re taking a proactive step to protect your property and avoid unexpected and expensive plumbing emergencies.
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