You have a lot to accomplish during the home-buying process, from making offers to coordinating with inspectors if you’re considering doing so. You’ve probably heard of the typical 4-point house inspection, but it’s simple to overlook another vital inspection: a Sewer Scope Inspection in Maryland. Regular sewer line inspections are essential to keep your house healthy and guard against potential damage.
The most crucial information about getting a sewer scope inspection done and what to look for is covered below.
What Is A Sewer Scope?
Plumbing or sewer line scope inspections are pretty easy to do. An experienced inspector will view and capture video of your pipes using a flexible borescope camera.
The main drainpipe of the house will be used to guide the camera as it travels through the sewage pipes. Your sewer scope inspector in Gaithersburg, MD, will check your sewers for any obvious cracks, breaks, or clogs and report any structural damage or health issues.
Depending on the size of your home’s sewer system and the nature of the problems, a drain inspection may take a few minutes to half an hour. Before buying your dream home, you should prepare for a plumbing scope inspection, and as your house ages, you should prepare to have them done often.
Should You Get A Sewer Scope Inspection?
There are many justifications for getting a sewer scope inspection. You should be aware of the potential risk if you don’t get routine sewer inspections performed. Having regular inspections can help you keep away from the following problems.
Health Risks
Numerous health problems might result from a leak or blockage in your sewage system. Here are a few health risks you can experience if your sewer system isn’t fixed.
- Fungi
- Harmful gasses
- Sewage
- Mold Spores
- Bacteria
Structural Problems
A broken sewer could harm your home’s structure. For instance, sewer line leaks in crawl spaces may result in significant mold problems. The combined effects of deteriorated or damaged sewer systems are listed below. They may also indicate that a sewer scope inspection is required.
- Sinkholes
- Mold Issues
- Foundation Issues
- Flooding in the yard or home
Signs You Need A Sewer Inspection
As mentioned above, sewer line repairs are among the most expensive home repairs. You can avoid investing in a house with sewer/septic system problems by getting a sewer scope inspection.
Suppose you can locate a house inspector who provides this service and other customary Home Inspection Services, including lead and asbestos inspections. In that case, you could even save some money on a sewer scope inspection. You’ll typically get a better rate if you package these services. Before purchasing a home, prospective purchasers should be aware of the warning signs that a sewer scope inspection is required. The most typical warning signs that the sewer system may require maintenance or is at risk of harm are listed below.
- Seeing rodents above ground could indicate congestion or other issues, not merely an infestation, as rodents are frequently seen in sewer systems. If you see evidence of pests in your house, you should also think about getting a pest inspection.
- Water backups in your home or crawl spaces may indicate that the sewer line has been damaged or broken.
- Offset pipe couplings can be produced by soil movement brought on by natural causes, such as heavy rain. Clogging or leaks may result from this.
- Your grass may benefit from fertilizer from sewer water. It may be a septic or sewer leak if you observe a lush green patch of grass in your yard, but the rest of your grass appears normal.
- Large tree roots have the potential to encircle and pressure sewer pipes, causing them to break or crack. Even tiny gaps may be penetrated by roots, which can result in obstruction or leakage.
- Sewers in older homes (built before the 1970s) are more likely to have existing corrosion or cracks. There may remain clay sewer pipes in homes constructed before 1984 that are readily damaged or crushed.
The Cost of Sewer Scope Inspection
The price of a sewer scope in Gaithersburg will differ depending on your location, the Sewer Scope Inspector in Gaithersburg, MD, you selected, and specifics about your house. Your sewer line will typically need to be repaired at $2,556, which is more expensive than the inspection itself. A sewer line camera check, however, will often cost between $250 and $500. Although this may appear expensive, replacing your sewer drain or pipes would be much more costly.
Unfortunately, home insurance rarely pays for these sewage repairs, so you’ll have to pay for them yourself. Even if the house they bought was recently built, new homeowners should consider having a sewer inspection done. It’s preferable to be secure with a well-kept sewer than to neglect it and accrue extra costs.
What To Look For in Sewer Scope Inspection Results
What should you check for during the inspection? Usually, you’ll keep an eye on the video feed as everything happens. You and your inspector will be looking for the following:
- significant obstructions or clogs in the sewer pipe
- imperfections, damage, or flaws in the line
- What material was used to make the line (clay, concrete, plastic, metal, etc.)
- roots encroaching on the line
- failure or disconnection of the line
- Potential septic tank harm or problems (if present)
Your inspector will explain everything to you and guide you through the procedure if no problems are found; fantastic! If there are any minor issues, you might be able to negotiate a better price for the house or, at the very least, budget for the repairs over the coming years. Finally, suppose there is a significant problem. In that case, you may be able to walk away from the sale, demand that the homeowner make the necessary repairs themselves, or negotiate a price reduction with them.
