You already know that as Roanoke’s premiere home inspector, we help to make sure your dream home doesn’t become a nightmare with our presale home inspections. But how do we help you avoid – to put it delicately – really crappy situations. The answer is as straightforward as the method is bendy and flexible: we use sewer scopes.
What is a Sewer Scope?
A sewer scope is an inspection of your sewer line – specifically the part that connects your house’s plumbing to the public sewer system. We use a small high-resolution camera, which we attach to flexible but rigid cable.
Is it a dirty job? Yes. Is it important for your home? Absolutely.
We partner with an excellent local plumbing company – MayDay Plumbing for all of our sewer scope inspections.
Who Needs Sewer Scope Inspections?
You need a sewer scope inspection if you have both of the following conditions:
- You’re buying a home
- You will be connected to a public sewer system
You probably already know if you meet the first condition. You’re in the process of home shopping and you may have already found a home that suits your needs. Now it’s time for an inspection.
Of course, you may also want a sewer scope inspection if you already own a home, particularly if you suspect that you have a problem or are worried about a potential one.
The second condition depends on where the home is you’re considering. Some areas of Southwest Virginia use septi instead of the public sewer system. If your home gets a water bill, you’re probably connected to the public sewer.
If you have any doubt, contact the local sewer or public utility department.
What Do Sewer Scope Inspections Help Prevent?
Sewer scopes help you determine the condition of your sewer line. While the public sewer system is the responsibility of the local utility company, and you already know that your pipes are your own concern, the sewer line on your property that connects the two is the responsibility of you, the home owner.
While you should always include a sewer scope before purchasing a home, there are several other situations where sewer scopes are particularly necessary.
Older Homes
Like so many other things, sewer technology has come a long way in modern times. As a result, older homes are more likely to have used outdated material that is more prone to failure. If your home was built before the 1980s, consider a scope.
Home with Large Trees
One of the most frequent culprits of sewer line damage is large trees. As trees grow, their roots may encroach upon your sewer line, bending or even puncturing them. Yuck.
Anywhere Where You Are Planning Renovations
Like buying a home, home renovations are a turning point that require doing your due diligence. So before doing a major home remodel, check out your sewer line. IF you find an issue, or see the potential for one, there is no better time to make repairs.
Property Where You Already Suspect a Problem
Of course, if you suspect a problem with your sewer line, a sewer scope is a relatively low cost way to check for damages. Reasons that you might suspect damage may include unexpected changes in your water bill, drainage problems, or a request from the utility question.
Ready to Schedule Your Sewer Scope?
If you’re thinking about buying a home, you already know that you need to consult a team of expert to help you make the right decisions. But when you contact your certified home inspector, ensure that they can also provide sewer scopes (or if relevant, well inspections). Detail View Home Inspections is here to help you make one of the most important decisions of your life.
