Sewer Scope Inspection
Ever wonder what’s happening beneath your feet? Your sewer system might not be top of mind, but it’s a critical part of your property’s health. That’s where sewer scope inspections step in—providing a no-nonsense look into the hidden world of your sewer lines. At SWF Home Inspections, we dig deep (pun intended) to ensure your sewer system is in tip-top shape.
Issues We May Uncover During an Evaluation
Tree Root Intrusions
Sewer Line Failures
Broken Pipes
Sags in Pipeline
Construction Debris
Clogs of Any Kind
What Exactly is a Sewer Scope Inspection?
Imagine a high-tech exploration of your sewer system, minus the mud and mess. Our sewer scope inspection uses state-of-the-art cameras to capture real-time footage of your sewer line’s interior. From clogs and cracks to corrosion and pesky tree roots, we identify and map out potential trouble spots before they escalate into major (and costly) problems.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why are sewer line inspections important?
A home inspection cannot determine the true condition of the main sewer pipe. With a sewer line camera inspection, we can discover any type of problems that exist inside the pipes themselves.
Does the sewer line inspection include all pipes in the home?
When we conduct a sewer line camera inspection, only the main sewer line is inspected. The sewer camera runs from the clean-out to a maximum of 100 feet or until it encounters a blockage, the city’s sewer connection, or the septic tank. All other drain lines, such as secondary drain lines, interior drain lines, and septic tanks, are not a part of this specific evaluation.
Where is the clean-out located for the main sewer pipe?
The clean-out is typically found either installed inside the home in the basement or crawl space, in the garage, or somewhere in the yard. Our inspection team will find the clean-out, remove the cap, and insert the camera.
Are there times when sewer inspections cannot be completed?
If there is no clean-out, if the clean-out is inaccessible, or if the clean-out cannot be removed, we will not be able to perform a sewer line inspection. Once any necessary repairs are made to allow our camera to enter the sewer line, our team will return to complete the sewer inspection.
How do you conduct sewer line inspections?
Our sewer line inspector will insert a camera into the clean-out of the main sewer pipe. The approximate location of any problem within the pipe will be reported in the sewer line evaluation report. This report will be available within 24 hours of the evaluation and will include any photos taken during the inspection as well.
Do I need a sewer line camera inspection if I'm buying a new home?
Although you are purchasing a new home, we highly recommend a sewer line evaluation. The condition of the main sewer pipe is a complete unknown, even for newer homes in the SW Florida area. There could be issues related to tree root intrusions, problems with improper installation, or breakages, clogs, or sags within the sewer pipe, regardless of the age of the home. In new homes, we typically find incorrect installation and construction debris in the line.
If I'm buying an older home, do I need a sewer inspection?
At SWF Home Inspections, we highly recommend sewer line inspections for older homes, as there could be several unknown issues within the main sewer pipe. Many older homes have cast-iron pipes. These pipes typically have an average life expectancy of 40-60 years.
What if there is a problem in the sewer pipe that the camera cannot pass?
If there is an issue inside the sewer pipe, the video camera may not be able to pass through the sewer line. At that time, we will halt the evaluation and recommend further inspection by a plumbing contractor.
Will the sewer line camera inspection cause any damage to the sewer pipe?
No damage will be caused to your sewer line, as we will only be running a small camera down the pipe. The clean-out cap will be removed for this service but will be promptly replaced and left in its original condition once the inspection is completed.
What if you find a problem inside the sewer pipe?
If and when any problems are found within the sewer line, we will document them in our detailed sewer inspection report. This report will include photos as well as detailed notes. We will also make note of how far, in approximate footage from the clean-out, the problem can be found. The next step will require a plumbing contractor to thoroughly inspect and evaluate the home’s sewer line.
What We Evaluate: A Comprehensive Approach
- Visual Inspection of Sewer Lines
A high-resolution camera takes a deep dive into your sewer line, revealing cracks, blockages, and corrosion with striking clarity. It’s like an MRI for your pipes. - Blockage Detection
Whether it’s tree roots playing unwanted guests or debris overstaying its welcome, we locate and recommend fixes for anything slowing down the flow. - Leak Identification
Small leaks can lead to big problems, from water damage to contamination. We detect leaks with pinpoint accuracy and provide repair recommendations. - Slope and Flow Analysis
A proper slope is crucial for keeping things moving smoothly. We identify areas where water may pool or stagnate, which could lead to more serious issues down the line. - Material Assessment
Whether your sewer line is PVC, cast iron, or clay, we evaluate its condition and compatibility with modern standards to gauge its longevity.
Why You Need a Sewer Scope Inspection
- Prevent Expensive Repairs
Early detection of minor issues saves you from future wallet-draining catastrophes. - Peace of Mind
Rest easy knowing your sewer system is running efficiently and safely. - Real Estate Confidence
Buying or selling property? A sewer scope inspection gives buyers confidence and sellers leverage during negotiations.
When’s the Right Time?
- Before closing on a new home or commercial property.
- If slow drains, backups, or strange odors become your unwelcome houseguests.
- As part of routine maintenance to catch potential problems early
WHY CHOOSE SWF?
Whether you’re buying or selling a home or examining one you already own, the certified home inspectors of SWF Home Inspections have the expertise and tools to get the information you need. All of our inspectors utilize the latest technologies like thermal cameras, and as a company, we offer guarantees for Same or Next-Day Inspections, Same-Day Reports, and 200% Satisfaction.
Tens of thousands of home inspections completed each year
We provide unparalleled communication and service before, during, and after the inspection
All Inspection Reports come with a detailed analysis of the home and digital photos of areas of concern
MORE INSPECTION SERVICES
Buying a home is a big decision, and A SWF residential inspection is a key part of the process.
General Home Inspection
Even a brand-new house can have flaws. Spotting problems early ensures they can be fixed by the builders before you move in.
New Construction Inspection
Our sister company, Monument Commercial Inspections has the knowledge, training, and experience necessary to accurately handle all of your commercial inspection needs.
Commercial Inspections
Mold inside your home can harm its value and present serious health risks. If mold is suspected, professional testing is highly recommended to determine the scope of the issue and ensure your safety.
Mold Testing
Protect your loved ones and enjoy peace of mind as our skilled radon team provides a thorough report that identifies risks.
Radon Testing
As hurricanes grow stronger and more frequent, the damage and subsequent insurance claims are driving up rates across the state. Protect your home and reduce your premiums with a home wind mitigation inspection!
Wind Mitigation
Ensuring your drainage system works correctly is crucial to protecting your home, but the underground sewer line is a complete unknown during the real estate transaction, unless a sewer line evaluation is completed.
Sewer Line Evaluation
Termites can cause severe structural damage, so scheduling a professional SWF termite inspection early helps protect your home and prevent costly repairs.
Termite Inspections
A 4-point inspection is a homeowner’s insurance requirement that evaluates the current condition of a property’s four major systems: roofing, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.
