What’s the purpose of Sewer Scoping?
Remember that one time you clicked “Like” on a friend’s social media post about a cute kitten, and now your newsfeed is nothing but cat videos and ads for the “World’s greatest kitty litter”—and you don’t even own a cat? Right, so a sewer backup is just like that; everything you don’t want to see keeps showing up in the wrong places at the wrong time.
A sewer scope from Top To Bottom Services helps to give you invaluable information and identify possible issues before a back-up ever occurs. This may assist you with negotiating with a seller, or help you to budget for repairs on your own home—either way, you won’t be sorry you requested this service!
Why should I have scoping performed?
How is scoping done?
What types of issues could be found, and what do I do?
Why should I have scoping performed?
The drainline that is buried is usually the homeowners responsibility from the Home to where it meets the public sewer, usually the street in front of the home. If repairs are needed, the homeowner would be responsible for all of the excavating needed to make those repairs, as well as the repair cost.
→ If you are buying, you need to understand that this service is outside the scope of an inspection, and only a few companies—like TTBS—have the ability to add this onto a home inspection!
→ If you own a home and have noticed slow drains that you can’t find a clog in, or experienced a backup, this can help identify why.
→ If you are having a new home built—yes, you read that right—you should have a scoping performed at the Final Walkthrough. The buried pipes can become damaged from construction equipment driving over the unpacked soil and placing pressure onto the pipes!
→ If you are buying, you need to understand that this service is outside the scope of an inspection, and only a few companies—like TTBS—have the ability to add this onto a home inspection!
→ If you own a home and have noticed slow drains that you can’t find a clog in, or experienced a backup, this can help identify why.
→ If you are having a new home built—yes, you read that right—you should have a scoping performed at the Final Walkthrough. The buried pipes can become damaged from construction equipment driving over the unpacked soil and placing pressure onto the pipes!
How is scoping done?
Our certified inspectors and technicians will perform this scoping service, once access to a drainline cleanout has been located.
→ As long as we are able to remove the cleanout cap, we can do the scoping.
→ We will run the camera reel up to approximately 150ft, taking photos and video of issues we identify.
→ All findings are included in a report with photos identifying the issue.
→ As long as we are able to remove the cleanout cap, we can do the scoping.
→ We will run the camera reel up to approximately 150ft, taking photos and video of issues we identify.
→ All findings are included in a report with photos identifying the issue.
What types of issues could be found, and what do I do?
→ Relax… yes, while these types of repairs can be costly, that’s not always the case.
→ Buyers should always consult with their Realtor® first, regarding their contract terms.
→ Take our photos/videos of the findings, and consult with a plumbing company—we have a great, trustworthy referral we can give you—and they will go over your options, which may not involve digging up the front yard.
→ Some things we have found in the past include cracked pipes, tree roots growing into the pipes blocking flow, and “bellies” (dips) in the pipes that cause build up of solids.
→ Buyers should always consult with their Realtor® first, regarding their contract terms.
→ Take our photos/videos of the findings, and consult with a plumbing company—we have a great, trustworthy referral we can give you—and they will go over your options, which may not involve digging up the front yard.
→ Some things we have found in the past include cracked pipes, tree roots growing into the pipes blocking flow, and “bellies” (dips) in the pipes that cause build up of solids.
You probably regret clicking “Like” on that cat post… don’t let yourself regret not having a sewer scope performed.
Don’t take our word on it, though. The client from the scoping inspection photo above—with the tree roots growing into the pipe—had this to say when we reviewed the photographs with him:
“This is exactly why I added this service. The cost to know now is far cheaper than the cost when I find out later. It’s a no brainer, more people should add this service!”
Adam B. Rockville, MD Homebuyer
