The EPA reports that household water leaks waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water each year. As well as all the money you waste on water that you never use, the economic impact of water damage can be huge. If you have a damaged sewer, you face the risk of foundation problems and even sinkholes emerging. If you suspect you’ve got an issue, you need to get a sewer scope inspection. But what are they, and when are they necessary?
Read on for everything you need to know in our sewer scope inspections guide.
What is a Sewer Scope Inspection?
Every property connects to city sewers, an HOA tap, or a septic tank via a lateral sewer line. This line is out of sight and frequently out of mind. Unfortunately, it’s easy for many of us to forget it’s even there when either maintaining our homes or thinking about purchasing a home.
The problem is that these sewers are susceptible to:
- Clogs and blockages
- Backflow
- Cracking
Some telltale signs include strong sewer smells in the home, damp spots on the lawn, or at its worst, contamination of your drinking water. This could expose your family to potentially deadly germs, including Cryptosporidium, Legionella, and Salmonella.
During a sewer scope inspection, the inspector will run a camera along the length of the sewer. They will examine the entire length of the sewer, looking for any signs of blockages or damage. They’ll then prepare a report advising you on how to fix any issues.
When to Get a Sewer Scope Inspection
Every homeowner should schedule routine sewer scope inspections as part of their regular maintenance program. This is especially true in the following instances:
- Older property
- Damp patches on the lawn
- Increase in rodent activity
- Large trees that could damage sewers with their roots
Homes built before 1984 commonly had clay sewer pipes. They’re more susceptible to damage, so they require regular inspection.
Essential for Homebuyers
No homebuyer wants to start paying for structural repairs as soon as they move into a home. But the only way to be sure that the sewer line is in good condition. If you purchase a plumbing scope inspection, check that it includes a sewer scope inspection.
The report will either set your mind at rest or allow you to make some informed decisions. You could use it to ask the seller to pay for the cost of repairs.
Ready for a Sewer Scope Inspection?
This guide for sewer scope inspections has shown that they can save you a lot of frustration and expense down the line. They can help you spot and fix problems early before they do serious damage. They can also help you to make an informed decision about a property purchase.
At Central Florida Building Inspectors Inc., we’re proud to offer high-quality sewer scope inspections. In some cases, they’ve saved Florida homeowners thousands of dollars!
Call us today at 407-658-8297 or schedule a sewer scope inspection online today!
