Sewer Inspection and Why It Should Be Done?

Merely a handful of people who buy homes for the first ask for the sewers to be thoroughly checked before finalizing the deal with the seller. Getting a thorough checking of the sewers is not something that is on the top of the buyers' priority list. Rather it is an important piece of detail that is most often overlooked. People know all about inspecting but little or nothing about checking the sewer lines. Prudent buyers should however pay as much attention to the sewerage as they would to the electrical circuits inside the house.

Finding out whether the sewer lines are faulty or not, is necessary before purchasing a house and not after the deal is closed. Experts on residential properties advise their clients to get an inspection of the sewer done if the house is more than 20 years old. Although apparently it may seem that the lines are working fine, but sometimes tree roots that have extended underground tend to block them and cause trouble.

Reasons for Inspecting Sewer Lines

Tree roots that extend into sewerage lines are a major problem that is encountered frequently. The roots creep into cracks and crevices, where they expand and grow in size and sometimes ultimately cause the sewer lines to burst. This demands immediate attention and sometimes excavation is needed to solve the problem.

Houses that were constructed before city sewers came into existence mostly relied on cesspools. After the installation of public sewerage systems, the cesspools were left untouched in most cases and were attached via ducts to the main sewer line. The existence of a cesspool would not be confirmed until a sewer inspection is done.

There is a third reason too. Most homes constructed prior to the 1950s have sewer lines that have been made out of a type of tarpaper called Orangeburg, which tends to disintegrate and break down with the passage of time. Sewer lines made of Orangeburg demand immediate replacement, which again would not be clear without an inspection.

Inspecting Sewer Lines

Plumbing companies generally use a special kind of camera to check sewers for any faults. Most estate agents have a ready list of plumbing service companies who can be contacted for assistance. They insert tiny video camera in the sewerage line and check it thoroughly by watching closely the image that appears on the monitor. This method not only brings to light any clogging or other malfunction but also gives a good idea regarding the general condition of the sewer. If any repair works are required the plumbing company will be able to provide assistance. Such inspections generally cost $300 to $450 but it is an extremely worthwhile investment.