A sewer video camera inspection is a great way to see what is going on inside your sewer line without having to dig it up. This type of inspection is also known as a sewer cam inspection, or just plainly as a sewer inspection. There are many benefits to getting a sewer cam inspection including being able to see the condition of your sewer line, finding blockages, and leaks.
Just like a car needs an oil change to stay running smoothly, your home needs a sewer inspection to avoid any nasty surprises down the line. Neglecting to get a sewer inspection can lead to costly repairs down the road, just like not getting an oil change can ruin your engine.
On top of the benefits, there are also several reasons why one might need or want a sewer inspection. Here are five signs that it might be time for you to get a sewer video camera inspection. If you’re experiencing any of these sewer problems or are in any of the following scenarios, it might be time to give a plumber a call:
1. You’re buying a home.
If you’re in the process of buying a home, you’re going to want to have a sewer inspection done as part of your due diligence. This is especially true if the home is an older home or if there have been any issues with the sewer line in the past. Most home buyers these days wouldn’t dream of buying a home without a sewer inspection.
Usually, when you’re buying a home, you would hire a home inspector to inspect not only the sewer line, but also the rest of the home. Many times, the home inspector will recommend that you get a sewer video camera inspection as part of their report, though they normally do not provide this service themselves.
Why you need a sewer video inspection before buying a house:
Buying a home is a huge investment, and you want to be sure that the home you’re buying doesn’t have any hidden problems. A sewer inspection will give you peace of mind knowing that the sewer line is in good condition and won’t need any repairs right away, protecting your investment in the immediate years and months to follow.
A sewer video camera inspection allows you to take a closer look at the sewer line and see any potential problems that might not be obvious to the naked eye (or to the average home inspector). This way, you can make an informed decision about whether or not to buy the home.
2. You’re selling a home.
If you want to get the biggest payout for your home, then invest in a proper sewer inspection before putting your home on the market. A sewer inspection will give you an idea of the condition of your sewer line and whether or not it needs to be repaired or replaced. This way, you can make the necessary repairs before listing your home and avoid any potential problems that could arise during the sale.
This gives any potential buyer confidence that the home they’re buying is in good condition and that they won’t have to worry about expensive repairs right away, and will help you close sooner.
Selling your house? Get a sewer inspection, first.
Hiring a home inspector or plumber to perform a sewer inspection before you list your home will give you a much better chance of closing the deal and getting top dollar for your home. Studies show that sellers who perform pre-listing inspections, like sewer inspections, sell their homes faster and for more money.
3. You’ve never had a sewer camera inspection.
If you’ve never had a sewer video camera inspection and your home is more than 50 years old, it’s probably time to get one. Older homes are more likely to have problems with their sewer lines, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
While you may not think that there’s anything wrong with your sewer line, it’s always better to get it checked than to let it get wrecked.
4. You have a large tree in your front yard that’s over 20 years old.
Tree roots are the biggest culprit when it comes to sewer line damage. If you have a large tree in your front yard that’s over 20 years old, it’s definitely time to get a sewer inspection. The roots of the tree could be growing into and damaging your sewer line, causing all sorts of problems.
Sewer line damage from tree roots is one of the most common problems that plumbers see, so if you have a large tree in your yard, it’s definitely time to get a sewer inspection.
Why are tree roots a problem for sewer lines?
You might be wondering what makes trees so damaging to sewer lines. Well, tree roots are very strong and can grow into the sewer line, cracking it and causing leaks. In some cases, tree roots can even cause the sewer line to collapse, which is a very serious problem. Tree roots are attracted to the water and moisture inside of the sewer line, so they will continue to grow into the sewer line as long as there is water.
A collapsed sewer line is a very serious problem that can cost tens of thousands of dollars to repair. If you have a large tree in your yard, it’s important to get a sewer inspection every few years to make sure that the roots are not causing any damage.
5. Your sewer line has been backing up regularly.
Has your sewer line been backing up regularly? If so, it’s definitely time to get a sewer inspection. Sewer line backups are usually caused by blockages, and these blockages can be caused by anything from tree roots to grease buildup. It’s hard to tell without a proper sewer video camera inspection, though, so don’t wait until it’s too late.
Get a sewer inspection if your sewer line has been backing up.
If you’ve been having sewer line backups, it’s important to get a sewer inspection as soon as possible. If you don’t, you could be dealing with a serious blockage that could cause extensive damage to your home.
Sewer video camera inspections are the best way to determine what’s causing your sewer line backups. If you’re having regular sewer line backups, don’t wait – get a sewer inspection today.
Who does sewer inspections?
There are generally three different groups of people who perform sewer inspections, and they are Home Inspectors, Plumbers, and Handymen. Below, we will talk about the pros and cons of hiring each for the job:
Home inspectors:
Hiring a home inspector to perform a sewer line inspection is a great option if you’re selling your home. Home inspectors are trained to look for any and all problems with your home, including sewer line problems. They will also be able to provide you with a detailed report of their findings, which can be very helpful when it comes time to negotiate with buyers.
The downside of hiring a home inspector for this is that they are notorious for missing or overlooking certain problems in the sewer line that are very far down the line – and this is due to the fact that they don’t normally carry a sewer video camera with them.
Plumbers:
Hiring a plumber for a sewer line inspection is a great option if you’re having sewer line problems or if you think you might have a blockage. Plumbers are trained to deal with all sorts of sewer line problems, and they almost always carry a sewer video camera with them. This means that they will be able to get a good look at your sewer line and determine what the problem is.
The downside to hiring a plumber for a sewer video inspection is that a plumber is, generally speaking, normally only trained to look for plumbing issues. So, if you’re selling a home, it’s best to hire a plumber to look at your sewer line, and a home inspector to look at everything else!
Handymen:
Hiring a handyman for a sewer line inspection can be a good option if the handyman is trained specifically to inspect sewers… but, we normally advise to stay away from handyman generalists. This is because, while a handyman might be able to find some problems with your sewer line, they are not specifically trained to do so. This means that they could easily overlook something that a trained professional would catch. They are also often unlicensed.
Do you need a sewer inspection?
That depends on whether or not you fit into any of the situations we talked about above. Are you buying or selling your home? Have you never had a sewer line inspection before? Do you have a huge tree growing in your front yard? Does your sewage system regularly back up? If your answer to any of these questions is “yes”, then guess what – you need a sewer inspection!
Sewer inspections are important, and they can save you a lot of money in the long run. If you think you might need one, contact us today. We will be able to come out to your home, inspect your sewer line, and let you know what needs to be done.
How much does sewer inspection cost?
Sewer video camera inspections can cost anywhere from $175 to $500+, depending on how far down the line the camera needs to go. Home inspectors typically charge by the hour, so the cost of a sewer line inspection will depend on how long it takes them to inspect your home. Plumbers typically charge by the job, so the cost of a sewer line inspection will depend on the severity of the problem.
Here at Western Rooter & Plumbing, we provide sewer video camera inspections for $175 – you can learn more about our plumbing pricing here.
