When you're in the process of looking for a house to buy, there can be a lot that needs to be considered before signing on the dotted line. From the offer to home inspections and negotiating, we understand that there's a lot on your plate when it comes to buying you’re a home.  But this doesn't mean you should overlook one of the most commonly avoided but very important parts, Code Blue Home Inspections is able to provide you with a professional sewer line inspection as an additional service.

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Sewer Scope Inspections can be used to detect and identify any structural defects, cracks and other issues pertaining to the drains and pipes at a property. Additionally, it can also assist in identifying larger risks such as major foundation problems and structural damage. Sewer scope inspection uses a camera that is inserted into your home’s drainpipes via small fiber optic lines that transmit live images from inside the piping to a monitor for you and your inspector to view. The inspector will then use this information to discuss with you, what if any possible structural damage the pipe may hold such as tree roots growing beneath your plumbing line, leaks, blockages, etc. This is one of the most valuable services your home inspector offers due to the fact that their professional advice could end up saving you money on any costly repairs within your plumbing system.

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The price of a sewer scope inspection will vary, but typically, you can expect to pay between $150 and $300, when combined with a home inspection, or as a stand alone service.

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As any homeowner knows, it is important to look for signs of trouble in your sewer line before you buy a house. Investigate the most common warning signs that there may be problems with the sewer system or that there are issues that could end up causing damage or ongoing problems if not taken care of properly. Here is a list of some of the most common warning signs:

• If the water backs up into the house or crawlspace, inspect to determine if it is caused by sewer line problems. If there are toilet bowls, sinks, showers, tubs, etc., that will not drain properly or consistently, or worse yet constantly backup creating problems like clogged drains and ruined floors/walls - chances are there is something blocking your waste lines.

• From major to minor root/tree roots can easily become entangle around pipes crushing them in some cases. Large trees can grow right up into your waste lines giving more room for roots to grow constantly interfering with your operation of the drainage system.

• Homes built before 1984 may have clay sewer pipes that can be damaged easily. Typically, most are replaced with PVC saving money over time due to less repairs needed.

• Damp spots on the lawn – If there are wet spots on your lawn that are spreading, there could be a leak in the drain field or the pipes themselves. The contents of surface water runoff include runoff from roofs and other impervious surfaces, rainfall, melting snow or ice, excess irrigation water and other forms of surface water. Regularly check for damp spots to make sure you'll find it earlier if there is a problem!

• As you walk around the home, look around to see if you notice substantial ground movement or shifting.  If you see large cracks in the soil around the perimeter of the home that could be caused by excessive drying of the soil or could be from shifting.  If the shifting is substantial, this could affect the waste pipes. 

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During the sewer camera inspection, the inspector will be looking for items like this:

• Broken or cracked waste pipes

• Belly in the pipe

• Narrowing of the pipe

• Pipe offset

• Obstruction/Blockage

• Excessive Rust/Corrosion/Scaling

• Root intrusion

• Scaling

• Rust

• Obstruction/blockage

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At the conclusion of the sewer camera inspection, the inspector will provide you with a detailed verbal report along with a written report to follow.  He will explain any concerns he may have so that you can discuss your options with your Real Estate Professional.  If you have any questions during, before, or after please feel free to contact Nathan at 210-213-2537

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