People tend to skip sewer line maintenance while caring for their residences. A well-functioning sewer system is pivotal for maintaining the residents’ comfort and safety. If you’re wondering, “should I get a sewer line inspection” or if it’s time to clean your sewer lines, you’re not alone. Many homeowners don’t realize the importance of regular sewer line inspection until issues arise.
We’ll go over everything you need to know about sewer line inspections and cleaning, why they are essential, and how they can save you money and stress in the long run.
What Is A Sewer Line Inspection?
A sewer line inspection involves checking the pipes that carry waste from your home to the municipal sewer system or your septic tank.
A small camera connected through a flexible cable executes the inspection process. By sending the camera into the pipes, the technician can monitor the real-time condition of the associated pipes.
Sewer line inspections are important for detecting problems early, such as blockages, cracks, leaks, or corrosion. Sewer system inspections become necessary when purchasing a new home or performing important plumbing operations since they offer essential information about sewer conditions.
Why Should You Always Get A Sewer Line Inspection?
If you’re still asking why you should always get a sewer line inspection, there are a few compelling reasons to consider.
Avoid Costly Repairs
One of the biggest reasons to schedule a sewer line inspection is to avoid expensive repairs. Most sewer line problems develop into more critical issues at a fast pace.
Small initial blockages within your drainage system can evolve into major clogs and pipe bursts that will inevitably damage the property.
The early detection of problems during a sewer inspection will minimize your need for expensive sewer line repairs.
The cost of fixing or repairing sewer lines can range between $1,000 and $4,000. The cost can extend up to $10,000 when complete replacements are required. Of course, this depends on the size of your home.
Prevent Health Hazards
Raw sewage entering a damaged sewer line creates several serious health risks for home residents. Harmful microorganisms inside sewage pose risks of causing serious illnesses. A sewer line inspection helps identify potential issues before they become a health hazard.
Locate Blockages Or Lateral Tree Roots
Blockades and tree root intrusions need to be identified through inspection.
The invasion of tree roots is a primary cause of damage to sewer line infrastructure.
The pipes become vulnerable when tree roots in search of water intrude into them and cause cracks and leaks before blocking them.
A sewer line inspection using a camera can reveal root intrusions early, allowing you to address them before they cause major damage.
Use Sewer Line Inspection To Cut Cleaning Expenses
Early detection of problems through inspection helps you bypass expensive and time-consuming sewer line cleaning procedures.
Professional cleaning services become necessary for sewer lines that get clogged multiple times, and the expenses accumulate considerably over time. An inspection reveals the source of continuous blockages, thereby enabling proper repairs to avoid frequent cleaning requirements.
What Happens During A Sewer Line Inspection?
Now that you know why a sewer line inspection is important, let’s look at what to expect during the process.
Inspection Begins With A Camera
Specialized camera equipment requires professional insertion by plumbers or technicians through a clean-out or access points of the sewer line. The camera delivers immediate video feedback, enabling the technician to view inside the pipes.
Evaluation Of Pipes
The technician examines the sewer line for indications of blockages and assesses pipes for cracks, corrosion, and tree root penetration. The assessment will also detect signs that show the pipes have reached a state of damage beyond repair.
Reporting The Findings
Following the inspection, the technician generates comprehensive documentation containing video evidence and photographs, which includes necessary repair suggestions.
Taking Action
You can decide to initiate necessary repairs, perform cleaning operations, or replace pipes based on the findings of the sewer inspections. Usually, a sewer line cleaning serves the purpose of removing the buildup of debris and roots from it.
How To Clean Your Sewer Line
A sewer line cleaning operation works to eliminate accumulation and obstructions, stopping proper water movement in your piping system. The sewer line cleaning procedure contains the following methods:
Hydro Jetting
This method uses high-pressure water streams to eliminate debris, grease, and underground roots from pipes. The water pressure used in hydrojetting operations provides a safe method of sewer pipe cleaning that avoids damaging your pipeline structure.
Snaking
Through snaking, professionals insert a lengthy flexible cable into sewer lines to manually break apart accumulated debris. While professional plumbers can utilize this technique to eliminate smaller stoppages, it often proves insufficient for treating significant root intrusions and buildup.
Chemical Cleaning
Some professionals implement chemical substances to break down the buildup and grease that accumulates inside the pipes. This method is seldom used because it damages aging plumbing pipes.
How Often Should You Get A Sewer Line Inspection?
The frequency of sewer line inspections depends on several factors, including the age of your home, the condition of your pipes, and whether you’ve experienced any plumbing issues in the past. Here are some general guidelines:
- Every 2 to 3 Years: This interval serves as the optimal gap between sewer inspections, especially when pipes are aging or you have experienced previous plumbing difficulties.
- Before Purchasing A Home: If you’re buying a foreclosure or an older home, a sewer line inspection is especially important, as it can uncover issues that may not be immediately visible.
- After Some Weather Calamity: Extensive inspections become necessary after major storms, rainfalls, or floods because these conditions have proven to damage sewer lines and cause blockages.
Conclusion: Why You Should Never Skip A Sewer Line Inspection
If you’re still wondering, “Should I get a sewer line inspection?” The answer is yes, especially if your home is old, you’ve been experiencing drainage issues, or you’re planning to buy a new property. A sewer line inspection helps prevent costly repairs and potential health hazards and ensures your sewer system remains in good working order.
At Blessed Assurance Home Inspections, we offer professional sewer line inspections to ensure that your plumbing system is functioning properly. Blessed Assurance experts assist everyone who buys homes and those selling properties, along with customers looking to maintain their sewer lines in peak condition.
Contact Blessed Assurance today to schedule your sewer line inspection, and enjoy peace of mind knowing your home’s plumbing is running smoothly.
