sewer scans

Get to the root of the problem!

One of the more costly repairs to a home is a new lateral sewer pipe – although pipes can last for 50 years or more, a video inspection of your sewer pipe can give you the information you need to make an informed decision when purchasing a home.

Before 1984, many houses were built with clay sewer pipes or piping susceptible to root intrusion and breakage, which could result in expensive pipe repairs. The sewer scan inspection produces a video of the main sewer line that will allow you to see the current pipe condition and can identify issues like cracks, obstructions, breaks, root intrusion, misaligned joints, and crushed lines in the pipe.

BR Home Inspections Services can provide a sewer scan as part of a regular home inspection, or as a stand-alone service.

What Is a Sewer Scope?

A sewer scope is a video inspection of the lateral sewer line leading from the house at/near the foundation and connecting to the city or HOA tap or septic tank. A lateral sewer line is the privately-owned pipeline connecting the property to the publicly-owned main sewer line, HOA tap, or septic tank.

Sewer-scoping the line can reveal blockages, damage to the pipe system, and other problems, which are vital for homeowners and home buyers to be aware of.  For example, if there is a damp depression in the lawn above the sewer line, or if there is backflow into the home, or if contaminants have been discovered in the potable water supply, a sewer scope inspection can be critical to identifying and confirming these problems, which must be addressed immediately.

Call 330-333-0783 to Schedule your Sewer Scan Inspection today

All homes have a sewer line that is buried in the ground and takes wastewater away from the house. The portion of the pipe from the house to the property line is the responsibility of the homeowner. Sewer line pipes can be made from several types of materals: 

Clay Pipes

Clay pipes are found in older homes or neighborhoods. They are heavy and more difficult to work with than plastic, so they are not typically installed in newer homes. Clay pipes are highly resistant to chemical degradation, however roots are likely to attach to the porous surface which can cause breakage or blockages.

Cast Iron Pipes

Found in older homes or neighborhoods, these are not as common in modern installations.  These pipes can sustain high pressure but are susceptible to corrosion and have a lifespan of 30 to 50 years.

Fiber Conduit Pipe

Fiber conduit pipes are made of tar paper and have a lifespan of approximately 50 years depending on the ground conditions and usage.

Plastic Pipes

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and PVC are used most frequently today. Because of the smooth surface, they are less likely to have roots attach to them, however they are prone to breakage.