What to Expect During a Sewer Inspection

Table of Contents

• Key Takeaways
• Why Sewer Inspections Are Important
• Signs You Need a Sewer Inspection
• How to Prepare for a Sewer Inspection
• What Happens During a Sewer Inspection
• Protect Your Plumbing with a Sewer Inspection

Sewer inspections are important for maintaining the health of your plumbing system. They help detect issues like clogs, cracks, or tree roots in the sewer lines, allowing you to address them before they lead to costly repairs.

At Tom’s Plumbing and Drain Service, LLC, we use specialized cameras to pinpoint issues with precision and provide clear interpretations of our findings. This process helps assess the condition of your sewer lines and ensures prompt action is taken to avoid further disruptions.

If you’re experiencing plumbing issues, don’t wait for them to worsen. Contact us today to schedule your sewer inspection and protect the long-term health of your plumbing system.

Key Takeaways

• Regular sewer inspections help prevent costly underground repairs by identifying issues such as clogs, cracks, and root intrusions before they escalate.
• Early detection of leaks or blockages saves money by avoiding major damage and extending the lifespan of your sewer lines.
• Slow drains, unpleasant odors, frequent backups, and changes to your lawn are indicators that a sewer inspection is needed.
• Clear access points and communicate any past plumbing issues to the inspector. Request an estimate and schedule inspections at convenient times.
• Specialized equipment, like cameras, is used to assess your sewer lines, detect issues, and provide detailed reports with video and images.
• Sewer inspections are an affordable way to prevent disruptions. Early action helps keep your plumbing in good condition for the long term.

Why Sewer Inspections Are Important

Routine sewer inspections, including camera inspections, are essential for your home’s plumbing system. These inspections identify hidden problems, preventing costly repairs. Early detection of small leaks, blockages, or cracks helps avoid major backups and property damage.

Sewer inspections can also extend the lifespan of your sewer lines. Catching broken or deteriorating pipes early allows for proactive repairs or replacements before a major failure occurs.

In municipal sewer systems, regular inspections help prevent issues like raw sewage leaks, which could pose environmental and health risks. By maintaining your sewer lines, you help protect both your home and the surrounding environment.

Signs You Need a Sewer Inspection

Sewer problems often start small, but they can escalate quickly if ignored. Recognizing the signs early can help you avoid expensive repairs.

Here are common indicators that you may need a sewer inspection:

• Slow Drains: Multiple slow-draining fixtures, like sinks, showers, or toilets, often point to a blockage in the sewer line. A professional sewer inspection can pinpoint the issue accurately.
• Unpleasant Odors: Unpleasant smells from your drains or yard may indicate sewage or gas leaks. These odors are typically caused by blockages or cracks in your sewer pipes. Sewer gases can be harmful, so it’s essential to address them promptly.
• Frequent Backups: Wastewater backups in your toilet or drains signal problems in your sewer line, such as heavy clogs or pipe damage. Left unchecked, these backups can create unsanitary conditions and cause property damage.
• Unexplained Lawn Changes: If your lawn has unusually green patches or standing water, it may be a sign of a leaking sewer pipe. Sewer inspections can identify and resolve these issues before they cause damage to your landscaping or foundation.

How to Prepare for a Sewer Inspection

Proper preparation can make your sewer inspection more efficient.

Here’s how to prepare:

1. Clear Access Points: Ensure the access points to your sewer system, such as cleanouts or drains, are free of obstacles. Remove any plants, leaves, or debris that may block access.
2. Communicate Concerns: Inform the inspector about any previous plumbing issues, such as slow drains or recurring clogs. This will help the inspector focus on the most likely areas of concern.
3. Understand Costs: Sewer inspections typically last between 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of the system. Request an estimate ahead of time, and ask about additional costs for services like pipe cleaning or relining.
4. Schedule at the Right Time: Choose a time for the inspection when it will cause minimal disruption. Scheduling it during a weekday often minimizes disturbances.

What Happens During a Sewer Inspection

Sewer inspections use advanced technology to give a clear view of your sewer system’s condition.

The steps typically include:

• Initial Assessment: The inspector will conduct a visual inspection of accessible areas like drains and cleanouts to identify any obvious damage or signs of leaks.
• Equipment Setup: Specialized equipment is set up, including high-resolution cameras and flexible cables. These tools allow the inspector to capture live footage of the inside of your sewer lines, helping identify potential issues.
• Inspection Process: The camera is lowered into the sewer line, allowing the inspector to check for problems such as clogs, cracks, or root intrusions. In some cases, sonar or drones may be used to assess larger systems.
• Identifying Issues: Common sewer problems include clogs caused by grease, tree roots, or debris; pipe corrosion or cracks; and collapsed sections. The inspector will provide a detailed report with photos or video footage to document the findings.

Protect Your Plumbing with a Sewer Inspection

Sewer inspections are a cost-effective way to prevent costly underground repairs. Early detection allows you to address minor clogs and avoid larger, more disruptive problems. Though simple, the inspection process uses advanced equipment to provide accurate results and peace of mind.

At Tom’s Plumbing and Drain Service, LLC, we focus on your comfort and the long-term health of your plumbing system. Whether you’re dealing with odors, slow drains, or backups, our team is committed to providing fast, reliable service for all your plumbing needs.

Need a sewer inspection? Call us today for professional service and expert solutions. We’re ready to help keep your home’s plumbing system in top shape.