What Is a Sewer Scope Inspection?

A sewer scope inspection is a form of plumbing inspection that involves the use of specialized equipment to inspect the sewer lines and assess their condition. This type of inspection is typically carried out by a trained professional who uses a video camera to visually inspect the inside of the sewer lines. The camera is designed to be flexible and can navigate through bends and turns in the pipes to provide a comprehensive view of the entire system.

Who Is Responsible for Sewage Backup?

The responsibility for sewage backup typically lies with the property owner. This is because the main sewer line that leads out from the property and connects to the local sewer system is typically the responsibility of the property owner. Any blockages or damage to this line can cause sewage backup in the property, and it’s the owner’s responsibility to address the issue and ensure that the line is cleared or repaired.

There are situations where the responsibility may lie with the local government or utility company. If the blockage or damage occurs in the main sewer line that is owned by the local government or utility company, then they may be responsible for addressing the issue and clearing the blockage.

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Signs You Need a Sewer Scope

If you currently own your home, consider looking for the following to see if you need a sewer scope inspection:

Water Back Ups – This could indicate damage or breakage to the sewer line, or a significant clog.
Large Trees & Roots – One of the most common causes of sewer pipe damage is the growth of roots around the pipe. Roots can grow around and constrict the pipe, breaking it, or grow into small cracks in the pipe, clogging it or causing leaks.
Older Homes (Pre-1970) – Older homes are more likely to have sewers that are degraded and damaged.
Structural Movement – If the soil around a house seems to have shifted, the pipe may have been affected. If it has moved, it could have broken or become bent and damaged, which may require a costly repair.
Lush Patches of Grass – This is a common sign of a septic or sewer leak. Given its contents, sewer water is actually a powerful fertilizer that can help encourage plant growth. If you see a suspiciously healthy-looking area of the yard, especially if the rest of the lawn seems to be less lush or green, you should be suspicious.
Rodents or Pests – Pests and rodents can live in sewer systems.

What If You Are Buying a Home?

We recommend getting a sewer scope inspection whenever you are purchasing a home, but especially when the home was built before 1970. This is because homes older than 1970 may have Orangeburg or cast-iron drain lines.

These drain lines are too old to be used today and usually need replacement. They can suffer from root damage, rust, degradation, and ultimately cause backups or sewer smells in the home.

This inspection includes a camera visual inspection of the main sewer line.

This includes one access point, either plastic cap cleanout or toilet.
Toilet pull must be approved by owners/sellers/agent.
No cast iron cleanouts removed.
All cleanout caps and/or toilets are restored to full operational condition.
The interior house plumbing is not included in the scope of this inspection.

NOTE:

With Inspection: $350

Without Inspection: $400

DS Home Inspection Services, LLC provides Pre-Listing Home Inspection Services to clients across Fort Washington, Temple Hills, Oxon Hills, Accokeek, Clinton, Hyattsville, District Heights, Capitol Heights, Crofton, Laurel, Brandywine, Bowie, Bethesda, Rockville, La Plata, Waldorf, White Plains, Bryans Road, Hanover, Baltimore, Parkville, Towson, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Herndon, Lorton, Vienna, Falls Church, Woodbridge, Virginia, Ashburn.

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