A typical home inspection can provide important information about the present state of a house; however, it only sometimes reveals the whole story. If you’re thinking of purchasing a home, particularly one that gets built more than two decades ago, you ought to look into an inspection of the sewer system. The sewer scope examination can identify problems in a house’s sewage system, which can cost thousands if not addressed. This article will give all the information you should be aware of when inspecting your sewer, from warning signals to tips for maintenance. Let’s get started.
What Is an Inspection on the Sewer?
The sewer scope examination provides an inside view of the sewer lines in your home. A skilled sewer or home inspector will conduct the inspection. They begin by putting an egress camera for plumbing connected to a flexible, long cable inside the drainpipe in the home. The scope camera transmits footage to a monitor, which allows the inspector to search for any obstructions, damaged pipes, or other issues with the sewage system.
What Makes a Sewer Inspection Crucial?
Like any other home inspection, the sewer scope inspection can give you an idea of the house’s overall condition. If you don’t have a sewer inspection, you could purchase a home with a malfunctioning sewer system. It could lead to expensive and hazardous issues for the property and residents. A damaged or broken sewer system could result in a house having:
Structural Risks
- The home is flooded or in the backyard
- Cracks or shifts in the foundation of your home
- Growth of mold
Health Risks
- Rodents, flies, or parasites can get into damaged pipes and enter the structure of your home.
- Mold spores
- The harmful gasses methane, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, chlorine, and sulfur dioxide may seep into the interior of your home.
- A sewer line gets contaminated with bacteria such as E- coli and typhoid fever, Salmonella, and cholera, as well as viruses like hepatitis A
Inaccessibility to Plumbing
A functional plumbing system is vital for a family’s plumbing. If a sewage line is backed up or fails, it’ll most likely impact the whole plumbing system. Sinks and showers will not drain, and toilets won’t function. When you relocate into a new house, and you’re not sure what you’ll want to do is to go away for a couple of days since the plumbing in your home isn’t working anymore.
It’s best to be prepared and aware in advance so that you don’t end up paying for problems resulting from the situation.
What to Anticipate from a Sewer Camera Inspection
A sewer inspection should take at most one hour from beginning to end. The sewer camera inspection gets expected to take 5-10 minutes. The sewer inspector will run running water through the lines to eliminate small debris and then fluidize the pipes to stop the camera from getting caught on any object. After that, the inspector should find the sewer access point in your home, insert the camera, and begin their inspection. After the review, the inspector will follow up with their findings and discuss the next steps when necessary.
The Signs That You Require an Inspection of Your Sewer Line
Before purchasing a house, check whether the house has indications of sewage issues. A few of the indicators include:
- The Patches of Lush, Green Grass: Sewage is a fantastic fertilizer. It may cause lawn areas to look lusher than the surrounding.
- Backyard with Many Trees: Large trees typically have extensive roots. Make sure the roots don’t grow into sewer pipes.
- A House Gets Built More Than 20 Years Ago: Homes built more than 20 years ago may contain piping material that is old and susceptible to cracking or breaking.
- Problems with Insects or Rodents: Pests can be found in sewer tanks and get into homes through plumbing.
- Mold: A damaged sewer line can slowly leak water into the home, causing mold growth.
- The Shifting or Moving of the Ground Around the House: If enough waste or water can escape the sewer system, it could alter or shift the soil above.
Even if you’ve moved into your new home, keep an eye out for indications of a problem with your sewage. If you see any of these signs, it’s time to contact an experienced plumber to conduct a sewage treatment.
- Your water won’t drain properly.
- You are experiencing frequent obstructions.
- The sewer line emits a pungent odor
- A sewage backup is evident
- Toilets that overflow and are clogged
Should I Have an Inspection of My Sewer Line?
If there is any evidence of a problem with sewage, the benefits from a sewer scope examination exceed the expense. This inspection will guarantee that your home can provide a safe and healthy environment for everyone there. Peace of mind is worth the investment. To get a clear picture of the drain in your home, call Ottawa Plumbing Services at (613) 317-1682 or drop us an email at info@ottawaplumbingservice.com.
