Why Should I Pay Extra For A Sewer Video Inspection?

When purchasing a home, what can you do if you believe that there are severe plumbing issues? The owner may claim otherwise, and you may believe that a visit from a home inspector will be enough to “eliminate” any plumbing problems. 

As qualified home inspectors, we can tell you that a regular inspection is nothing like a dedicated cast iron pipe inspection as there usually isn’t enough time to thoroughly evaluate the condition of the plumbing. Sadly, any broken sewage pipes or sewage drains can cause an incredible amount of property damage, and resolving the problem can cost you up to $20k depending on the extent of the plumbing trouble. 

So, how can you find issues with the plumbing in a home without tearing down the floor and digging deep?

Easy - scheduling a sewer video inspection!

Considering a sewer video inspection is often overlooked, you likely don’t have an idea what it entails, what it can find, and how it can help you make the best purchasing decision. Fret not, as we’ll take a closer look in this post.

What Is A Sewer Video Inspection?

Normally, sewer lines are built under the foundation of a house. This involves a concrete slab approximately 4 to 5 inches thick, with around 2 feet of soil covering the pipes. 

To gain access to the plumbing system and identify potential issues, a specialized sewer video camera head, attached to a flexible cable, is introduced into the primary sewer line cleanout, or alternatively, the vent stack. 

This camera is threaded through the pipes, and the inspector observes the live feed on a monitor at ground level to assess the condition of the pipes.

Leaks may not be that easy to find with a sewer video inspection because they occur when water escapes from a pipe through a hole or crack. Since the camera is in the pipe, it’s impossible to visualize what’s happening outside, so a camera can only ascertain the internal condition of the piping. 

Yet, a sewer video inspection can easily identify drainage and stoppage issues along with roots, mud, broken pipes, and blockages. Most importantly, since cast iron pipes are a no-no in the modern age and often have to be replaced, a sewer video inspection can serve as a replacement for a cast iron pipe inspection. This helps you avoid buying a home with an outdated system. 

Lastly, a sewer camera can be used to check components such as fittings, tees, and other types of connections within the sewer system. 

Benefits Of A Sewer Video Inspection

There are plenty of benefits to scheduling this service along with a regular home inspection, including:

1. A Non-Invasive Method Of Checking The Pipes

It’s generally impossible to access the pipes without making a mess. Fortunately, using a sewer camera is quick and non-invasive and you don’t have to worry about damaging the seller’s property.

2. Identify Sewer Problems

The sewer systems are intricate and expansive, so locating a clog or crack often seems impossible. A significant advantage of a sewer video inspection is the ability to precisely identify the location of a leak, blockage, or shifted pipe.

Certain sewer line materials, such as cast iron, are susceptible to corrosion. If there are concerns about rusting in your sewer lines, a non-invasive inspection can confirm or dispel these suspicions. In cases where tree roots have penetrated the sewer pipes, a plumber can utilize the camera to assess the extent of the issue.

Sewer line problems can manifest as various plumbing issues within the home, such as slow-moving drains, water backups, and unpleasant odors. Scheduling a camera inspection grants you access to the pipe, leaving no potential problem unnoticed. 

3. Avoid Future Sewer Line Issue

When buying a home, you don’t want to inherit the previous owner’s issues. Engaging a professional technician for a comprehensive inspection offers valuable insights into the condition of the sewer lines, providing peace of mind that everything is in good health and you’re not purchasing a money dump. 

Furthermore, the use of a sewer camera allows for the identification and resolution of potential problems before they escalate into serious and costly issues. Proactively addressing these concerns can result in substantial savings in both time and money on future repairs. 

You can use the findings to inform the seller what repairs they have to do before you close the purchase. Or, if they’re unwilling to do so, you can negotiate a price that accounts for the price of repairs. 

Signs You Should Schedule A Sewer Video Inspection

Granted, this service may not be needed in all cases. But there are plenty of signs that indicate you need a video inspection before purchasing a home, some of which include:

• Water backing up inside the home: despite what the owner is trying to convince you of, this is never normal. The occurrence of water backing up inside or under the house serves as a clear indicator of potential issues, including a damaged or broken sewer line, or a substantial clog. 
  
  
• Presence of large trees in the yard: while not always an indication of damage, the roots of large trees can start growing around pipes and cause extensive damage. 
  
  
• Shifts in terrain on the property: if the terrain has shifted significantly, it may have affected the pipes
  
  
• Lush patches of grass: an unidentified sewer leak may encourage plant growth on the property. 

If you notice any of these signs, scheduling a sewer video inspection can help you clarify whether there are expensive forms of damage in the plumbing or sewage system. 

Ready To Move Forward?

Now that you’re familiar with the intricacies of the sewer video inspection, you can see just how amazing technology is in aiding inspectors in bringing you the highest service possible. All that without doing any digging on the property!

If you’re ready to move forward, don’t hesitate to reach out to Certified Inspectors. As the most effective and qualified inspection company in the state of Florida, working with us ensures that you’ll receive the best possible service for the money and the highest degree of customer service. 

Book an inspection now - call (561) 570-6311 or fill out our contact form.