Maintenance of sewer systems includes conducting regular sewer inspections. While no one likes to think about their sewer pipe, the consequences of inaction can be uncomfortable and ugly. It becomes indispensable, especially in sanitary installations. Suppose you sense that there is a fault in your sewer line. If this is the case, don't hesitate to seek sewer repair services, e.g. B. a sewer camera inspection.
This article explains the basics of sewage and drainage inspection, including:
- What is a sewer inspection?
- A sewer inspection: why do you need one?
- What are the causes of sewer blockage?
- Warnings that you may need a sewer inspection
- What types of problems can video inspection detect?
What is a sewer inspection?
The sewer inspection is performed with a sewer inspection camera connected to a long cable. The state of the channel is captured by the camera and shows:
- any cracks,
- Tree roots,
- collapsed pipes,
- Clogs and other sewer problems.
- It can also identify potential problems before they become risks or significant problems.
Typically, the inspection takes 30 minutes and the whole process is captured on camera.
How much does a house sewer inspection cost?
A sewer inspection can cost $150 when combined with a home inspection, but alone can cost over $400.
A sewer inspection: why you need one
Before significant damage, health problems, or expensive repairs, homeowners, home buyers, and home sellers can take action thanks to sewer inspection.
Performing a visual inspection of a sewer is recommended for three main reasons:
1. Prevent health risks
Waste water can flow back into the home if sewer lines are damaged or clogged. This water poses a variety of biological hazards that can lead to:
- Bacterial infections
- fungal infections
- Parasites
- viruses
- Harmful gases
- mold
2. Locate and resolve problems that have suddenly become an emergency
It is a typical occasion for sewer inspections. The symptoms you discover outside indicate a problem with the sewage system. However, the actual cause of the problem is unknown. A sewer or drainage inspection is required as soon as possible. It helps to pinpoint the root cause of the problem and find a solution.
3. Stay away from a last-minute emergency
Also, preventive sewer inspections are part of a routine sewage system maintenance cycle. With every year sewer systems are in operation, the likelihood of them collapsing increases.
What are the causes of sewer blockage?
Your sewer line can have problems for a variety of reasons. Let's examine the causes together.
- Poor Installation: It is crucial to determine if the sewer line in your home has been installed incorrectly and start renovating it as soon as possible. Unfortunately, the installation of sewer lines can often be poor. Improper fittings and sharp angles at various points along the pipe are two of the most common causes of leaks.
- Settling: Another potential issue that can cause wastewater problems is settling. When a sewage pipe sinks into the ground, deposits are formed at the same time. "Bells" is the term plumbers use to refer to these pits.
- Poor plumbing materials: Clay or concrete slabs connect older lots to sewers. These pipe materials are fragile and easily damaged by tree roots or landslides. These cracks can appear anywhere along the length of the pipe. Sewage pipes in modern homes are typically made of durable plastic. A video inspection can instantly identify poor-quality pipe materials and warn of possible future problems.
- Soil shifts: Earthquakes, excavations and water tables are all possible triggers for "soil shifts". It refers to the movement of the ground rather than just the land surface.
- Root Invasion: Tree roots are the most persistent invaders in sewers. They expand quickly and squeeze through the smallest cracks to get water out of sewers. Regular inspections with a sewer camera can help identify signs of root damage, which can help avoid more costly repairs in the future.
Warnings that you may need a sewer inspection
If you have a large family, the sewer system is often located in your house. We strongly recommend having the drainage checked about every two years on average. Make sure you are not investing in a property with a damaged sewer line. We recommend anyone planning to buy a property to request a sewer inspection before the transaction takes place.
Here is a list of signs that indicate the need to get a sewer inspection job:
- Clogged toilet: Your toilet can get clogged from time to time, but if this is a frequent occurrence, you should have your drains checked by a professional.
- Green Grass: A sewage leak often has the side effect of making nearby vegetation lush and green. Similar to liquid manure and fertilizer, wastewater stimulates plant growth.
- Bad smells: Bathrooms don't usually have the best smells. However, if you smell something like sewage in your bathroom or anywhere else in your home, a pipe that carries waste may be leaking.
- Water back-up: This may indicate that the sewer pipe is damaged or broken, or that there is a significant clog.
- Large Trees and Roots: The development of roots around the pipe is one of the most common reasons for sewer pipe damage. Not only do roots grow around and around the pipe, but they can also squeeze into minor cracks in the pipe and clog it or cause leaks.
- Structural Movement: The pipe may have been affected if debris appears to have moved near a house. If it has moved, it may be broken, bent, or otherwise damaged, necessitating an expensive repair.
- Pests or rodents: Pest and rat infestations have been detected in sewers.
What types of problems can the video inspection detect?
Due to being one of the best ways to spot problems, pipe video inspections are growing in popularity as a plumbing service. Typical problems that sewer video inspections can uncover are:
- Cracked or broken pipes
- Uneven sewers
- Significant blockades
- Tree roots in the pipes
Final thoughts
When you know more about what happens during a sewer video inspection, you realize how important it is to conduct a sewer inspection as quickly as possible. Take the time to examine your wastewater using the indicators provided in this article. But don't count on it! You should use a sewer camera inspection or call a professional to inspect you.
