During a typical home inspection, the Home Inspector will run plenty of water throughout the inspection noting any slow or abnormal drainage concerns. The inspector will document the type and condition of any visible sections of the sewer lines. The rest of the sewer lines are hidden behind walls, under floors, and underneath the ground. The only way to know the condition of the sewer lines is to have a sewer scope inspection. Ultimately a buyer must decide how much risk they are willing to assume because sewer line repairs can easily cost thousands of dollars.
What is a Sewer Scope Inspection?
A professional sewer inspector will insert a flexible borescope camera into the home’s main sewer line to view the interior condition of the sewer lines. The camera is guided through the sewer line into the main sewer system. The inspector will be looking for cracks, corrosion, signs of damage, roots that have grown through the pipe, and other potential concerns. Your inspector records this process to provide you with a comprehensive report and usually pictures and or video of the inspection.
When is a Sewer Scope Recommended?
It is impossible to say definitively if a house should or shouldn’t have a sewer inspection. Unfortunately, any home, even newer homes, has the potential to have sewer line problems.
Here are a few recommendations to help determine the need for a Sewer Scope Inspection:
- Property Age:
- As you would expect, the potential for problems increases with the age of the home (>20 years old). The older cast-iron sewer lines found in many older homes were designed to last 50-75 years.
- Wooded Lot:
- Large trees or bushes growing near the sewer line area may have roots that may damage the pipes.
- Recent Repairs:
- If a new sewer cleanout cap is visible, however, the seller makes no mention of any sewer line repairs. This may indicate previous clogs or problems. I recommend asking the owner for details.
- Strange Odors:
- If there are any odd or foul odors in the home or yard, there may be some problems.
- Drainage Concerns:
- Multiple toilets, bathtubs, or sinks that drain slowly, gurgle back up, or just smell bad may be a sign of problems.
- Green Grass Along Sewer Line:
- If the grass near the sewer line is extra green or lush, this may indicate a leak in the sewer line.
Who Should Perform a Sewer Scope?
In most cases, it is in your best interest to have a professional plumbing company perform the sewer scope inspection instead of having the service performed by a Home Inspector unless they are a licensed plumber. Most plumbing companies are better trained have experience, better equipment and tools, and are ready to handle common problems like missing cleanouts, and pulling toilets, which can only be performed by a licensed plumber in Indiana. The cost of the sewer scope can typically be applied to any necessary repairs if performed by the plumbing company.
Spotlight Property Inspection partners with several plumbing contractors who will help you with any plumbing needs.
Call us if you have any questions!