The sewer line, or side sewer, is the drainage pipe that connects a home’s plumbing to the municipal sewer line that typically lies under the street. The owner of a single family home is almost always responsible for maintaining the sewer line on their private property. Sewer lines can often be compromised or severely damaged by invasive tree roots, exterior construction or landscaping, or ground settlement.

Stages of Root Invasion and Damage

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signs Of Possible Sewer Line Damage

Sewer Line Replacement

There are often visible signs of sewer line damage as it progresses. A video sewer line inspection can help to determine the location and extent of the problem and determine the potential scope of remediation needed.
Stage 1: Slow drains
Stage 2: Sewage backup in interior plumbing systems
Stage 3: Soggy, smelly or settled yard

Repair or replacement of the sewer line can be very costly, depending on the extent of the damage. It is therefore important for both buyers and sellers to know the condition of the sewer line when considering a real estate transaction.

How does THIS perform a Sewer Line Scope?

After carefully protecting the surrounding area with blankets and towels, the Sewer Line Specialist opens the access cap and inserts a Standard Rigid Seesnake Nanoreel with TruSense video camera system.  The video camera is run through the entire length of the external sewer line to the city tap, or until reaching an obstruction that blocks further access. The inspection video is recorded and provided by a url website link or USB memory stick, along with a report that outlines the findings.

Tree Roots and Standing Water Indicating Blockage
Feeding the Camera Through the Line

 

Why should I choose THIS to perform my Sewer Line Scope?

Two reasons:

  1. We are inspectors, not plumbers. We only INSPECT sewer lines to determine the condition of the drain and external sewer line, and to identify components in need of repair. We do NOT offer sewer line repair or replacement services and therefore have no conflict of interest in additional plumbing business. If the need for sewer line repair or replacement is identified, we will refer our clients to qualified contractors.
  2. We provide the convenience of one-stop-shopping for your home inspection needs, but we’re not a “jack-of-all-trades and master-of-none.” Only our Sewer Line Specialist has the rigorous training, certification and state-of-the-art equipment to give you the expertise you require.