Sewer Scope Inspection Near Me is an excellent add-on to any home inspection. It’s especially important for older homes. Sewer lines can become damaged for many reasons. Root intrusion, settling, and ground shifting can cause problems. Adding this service is an easy way to provide more value to your clients.
As a property owner, if you are concerned about your sewage lines or suspect damage that could lead to costly repairs down the line, you should get a sewer scope inspection. A specialized contractor will run a camera attached to a long cable through your private lines from the house up to the city sewage line or septic tank. They will be looking for tree roots, ground shifts, hairline cracks, and other signs of trouble brewing in the pipes.
Homebuyers should also have a sewer scope inspection before buying a new home. Clogs and other problems can occur that won’t show up until solid waste is introduced into the system. In addition, homes built before 1970 may have Orangeburg drain lines that are prone to root damage and degradation.
Sewer lines can also develop low areas or bellies that collect water and waste. These can become difficult to maintain and repair and can cause backups or slow draining in the home.
A reputable inspector will advise you on the condition of the lines and offer you options for repair or replacement. They will provide you with a written report detailing the results of the inspection and any recommended next steps.
Adding sewer scope inspections to your list of services can help you expand your customer base and increase the profitability of your business. However, before making the investment in equipment, you should consider the costs and benefits of this add-on service.
To begin with, you will need a high-quality sewer scope camera that is easy to maneuver and can be operated by a single person. You will also need to purchase or rent a portable power unit to provide electrical power to the camera and lights. Once you have the equipment, you will need to attend a training course to learn how to operate and maintain it.
Once you’ve completed the training, you will be ready to start performing inspections. Your inspector will first need to establish the location of the access point and check for leaks at that location. Then, they will place drop cloths to prevent dirt and debris from getting on the camera or the surrounding property. Once the area is prepped, the camera will be pushed through the pipes and any blockages, issues or defects will be documented in a thorough report.
When a home inspector runs a specialized camera along your sewer line, they’re looking for a few key things. They’re looking for clogs, broken pipes, and any other damage that could cause issues in your home or on your property. They’re also looking for the location of your lateral sewer line. This is especially important for older homes that may have a different style of line than newer homes.
A sewer scope inspection can help find these issues before they become a major problem. This means that you might be able to save yourself a lot of time, money, and headache by getting the inspection done early on.
If you’re a home inspector, adding a sewer scope to your residential inspections is a great way to increase your revenue without requiring much extra work. The process only adds about 20-30 minutes to the overall inspection, and you can make a good amount of money from this add-on service.
Before your inspector begins running the camera, they’ll flush out all of your drains to make sure there aren’t any big problems lurking. Then, they’ll locate the access point for the lateral sewer line. This is typically at a manhole or in a cleanout on your property. Your home inspector will then place a drop cloth in the area to protect against dirt and debris being tracked into the house.
Once they’re in position, your home inspector will use a long cable to run the camera down into your sewer line and record the footage. They’ll look for any areas where the line has a low spot (called a belly). These low areas can collect waste and water, which can cause back-ups and structural damage over time.
Another common issue that your inspector will look for is any breaks or cracks in the lateral sewer line. These can be caused by tree roots or just by age and wear. Your inspector will be able to identify the location of the issue and advise you on what needs to be done to fix it.
Getting a sewer scope inspection is a smart move for homeowners and buyers alike. It can help prevent costly repairs down the road, and it can give you peace of mind that your lateral sewer line is in good condition.
A specialized camera mounted on a long cable is inserted into the sewer line to look for damage, blockages and other issues. It’s best to have this inspection done before you start any plumbing work on your home, but it’s also important to have a regular checkup to ensure your lines are in good condition.
This is especially true for new homeowners who are getting ready to buy a home, as damage to the sewer line could cost thousands of dollars in repairs and create unsafe living conditions for future residents. Since it’s impossible to tell the condition of a sewer line from the outside, a home inspector should always conduct a thorough visual inspection and, if necessary, a video sewer scope inspection prior to purchasing a property.
The process of a sewer scope inspection is very simple, and it only takes about an hour for the inspector to complete. The inspector starts by locating the sewer line cleanout, which is usually in the basement or crawlspace. The inspector then opens the access point and flushes out the line with water to lubricate the equipment and prevent it from catching on debris. Once the line is clear, the inspector begins running the camera down the pipe. The camera can see small cracks, collapsed sections and other problems that would be difficult to find with just a visual inspection.
Once the inspector is finished with the camera, they’ll write up a report for the homeowners and potential buyers to review. They’ll note the location of any problems in case the home needs to be repaired, and they’ll also provide recommendations for how to prevent future issues.
Sewer line damage is one of the most common and costly problems that homeowners face, but it’s something that can be prevented with regular maintenance and proper installation. For those looking to sell their homes, a sewer scope inspection is an excellent investment that will help them get top dollar for the property. Homebuyers should always ask for a full sewer scope inspection before making an offer, and homeowners should have their lines checked regularly to avoid expensive repair bills.
Cost
While the cost of a sewer scope inspection will vary depending on where a home is located and its particular needs, this service typically costs about $150-$400. Considering that the cost of repairing or replacing a damaged sewer line can run thousands of dollars, this fee is well worth it in the long run.
As a home inspector, adding this valuable additional service will allow you to broaden your customer base and increase your revenue potential. While the initial investment in camera equipment may be steep, the return on your investment will be much more rapid once you have a steady flow of new clients.
It’s important for inspectors to follow certain protocols when performing a sewer scope inspection. For example, it’s necessary to flush out the access point and drain with water to ensure that your camera can move freely. Additionally, it’s a good idea to pause and document any issues you come across as you push the camera through the pipes.
In addition, if your equipment fails during a portion of the inspection, it’s important to communicate this to your client both verbally and in your report. This will help you avoid any future disputes or claims over what you were able to or not able to inspect.
Adding a sewer scope to your pre-purchase inspection services will also help you protect yourself from liability. Many older homes have Orangeburg and cast iron sewer drain lines that are not as durable as today’s PVC lines. These lines can suffer from clogs, root damage, and other issues that could lead to costly repairs down the road. By incorporating a sewer scope into your pre-purchase inspection, you can identify these issues before they become major problems. This way, you can either walk away from the sale if the issue is serious or negotiate with the seller to cover the repair cost. It is also a good idea to schedule regular sewer scope inspections as a homeowner to identify any small issues before they turn into major problems. This will help keep your pipes in great condition and prevent costly repairs down the road.
