Home Sewer Inspections

Home Sewer Inspections For Potential Home Buyers

Over the years, certain aspects of home inspection have been priotized more than others, such as termite and pest control, radon and carbon monoxide detection, underground oil tanks and asbestos control.

All these aspects are necessary, but there is one aspect of a home inspection that is usually overlooked and that is the main underground sewer pipe line.

In general, a home’s sewer main line is an item that is considered out of sight, out of mind. Currently, sewer line inspections are not part of a home inspection.

For those that have suffered through the inconvenience of a sewer main backup, they know the importance of a pre-purchase sewer inspection. Apart from the unpleasant and unsanitary conditions created by a sewer backup into a basement, there is also the inconvenience of the homeowner and family members not being able to use the facilities.

Anyone who has experienced this situation is familiar with the unexpected costs of possible sewer line repairs or replacement and possible restoration costs due to flood damage.

Apart from use of a sewer line (flushing foreign objects into drain lines), most backups happen because of underlying issues within a sewer main that a homeowner was never aware of.

A home sewer inspection should be as crucial as any other aspect of a home inspection for the following reasons:

• Sewer problems can exist without any noticeable symptoms
• Sewer repairs/replacement can be very costly
• A video inspection can make you feel better about the purchase
• The inspection could expose expensive problems that you should be aware of

Technology

At A Rooter Pros, we are equipped with the latest technology and equipment for proper diagnosis of your sewer main. Using this technology, we can visually inspect the integrity of your sewer line and properly diagnose any issues that can cause future problems and we can confirm that no major issues exist.

Through the use of video camera and locating technology, we can diagnose and exact location of any problem that requires repairs or treatment. A detailed report of findings will be provided along with an actual recorded video copy of the inspection. Apart from video technology, we are fully prepared with equipment and years of experience to perform any repairs, replacementor treatment solutions on your sewer main line.

Little Known Fact

Many are not aware of the fact that problems are common when a sewer line sits abandoned for extended periods of time. In 90% of cases, a stagnant sewer line will have backup issues when put back into service. Stagnant sewer lines tend to have tuberculation buildup (scale) on the inner walls of the pipe, restricting the pipe’s diameter.

Apart from tuberculation, any residual waste, debris or matter that was not properly removed from the sewer pipe prior to abandonment will dry, harden and adhere to the inner lining of the pipe. Also, grease and food particle coagulation can occur, restricting the pipe’s diameter. Often, all three scenarios can occur at the same time leading to a very unpleasant situation once the sewer line is reactivated. A thorough sewer main video inspection will properly detect any of these issues within a sewer main.

Cost

The cost of a sewer video inspection is a price worth paying and inferior to the cost of any major repairs, replacement or emergency service calls during the night.

On average the cost of a typical video inspection will be approximately $325, but can very depending on site variances.

Site variances may include but are not limited to:

• Improper access to sewer line
• Obstructions in sewer line impeding video inspection
• Sewer line already backed up with sewage

Additional processes needed to gain access to perform video inspection such as snaking or hydrojetting.

The cost of a video inspection is a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Scenarios

Upon performng video inspection of your sewer line, here are a few possible scenarios that may result:

Best case scenario

No major integral issues found within the sewer line and no further action is required. You may move in and flush away. (keeping in mind, flush away but do not abuse. No wipes, feminine products, paper towels or any foreign objects)

Worst Case Scenarios

Sewer line is broken or collapsed. Repairs required.
Sewer line is offset. Repairs required.
Sewer line has improper pitch. Repairs required. Possible sewer replacement.
Sewer line has bellowed sections. Repairs required. Possible sewer replacement.
Sewer line is cracked. Repairs required.
Sewer line has excessive tuberculation (scale buildup) Can be treated or replaced.
Sewer line has excessive foreign debris buildup. can be treated or replaced.
Sewer line has excessive grease debris buildup. can be treated or replaced.
Sewer line has excessive roots buildup. can be treated or replaced.

All these worst case scenarios will cause future backup issues and nightmares for new homeowners.

Repair and Treatment Solution Options

At A Rooter Pros, we are completely prepared with the latest technology and equipment and have many years of experience behind us to offer any repair option, replacement option or treatment option.

Fully equpped with the latest innovations in snaking equipment, hydro-jetting equipment, descaling/de-rooting equipment, repair and full line replacement equipment.

For the scenarios which can be treated, treatment costs in most cases will be significantly lower than a full sewer line replacement.

Trenchless Sewer Repair

We are also fully equipped to offer trenchless sewer replacement options which are more reasonable priced compared to full yard trenching methods.

Options and pricing for any necessary repair, replacement or treatment option can be provided upon completion of sewer video inspection.