Request A Quote
Tom's Plumbing and Drain Service, LLC Latest News & Blog

Read about our latest news, announcements, and tips.

Home > Blog > Sewer Inspection > Benefits of Regular Sewer Inspections
A close-up of a rusty metal storm drain cover with water flowing into it, surrounded by wet pavement—a reminder of the benefits of regular sewer inspections for preventing blockages and maintaining smooth drainage.

Benefits of Regular Sewer Inspections

Table of Contents

Regular sewer inspections provide significant benefits by detecting issues like tree root infiltration and cracked pipes early. Identifying these problems promptly can extend the life of your sewer lines and reduce environmental impact.

Taking preventive action saves money and helps avoid future complications for both homes and businesses. If you’re dealing with leaks or clogged drains, don’t wait for the situation to worsen! Trust Tom’s Plumbing and Drain Service, LLC for quick, dependable service.

Our team is equipped to handle any plumbing challenge, big or small, with a focus on customer satisfaction. Contact us today for a free quote and see the difference with us!

Key Takeaways

  • Regular sewer inspections can identify issues such as tree root infiltration and cracked pipes before they escalate, extending the lifespan of your sewer lines.
  • Inspections help catch minor issues early, saving on costly repairs like pipe replacements or emergency repairs. A proactive approach can prevent future damage to property, like flooring and walls.
  • Inspections help keep sewer pipes stable by detecting issues like sagging pipes or cracks, especially important for older homes.
  • Regular inspections reduce wear on your sewer system, ensuring long-term functionality and helping to delay major repair costs.
  • Inspections help prevent leaks that can harm the environment and protect your family from exposure to bacteria and odors from sewer backups.
  • Modern technology, such as high-definition video cameras and trenchless inspection methods, makes inspections faster, more accurate, and less invasive.
  • Routine inspections should be done every 3 years, or more frequently for older homes. They are also critical when buying or selling a home to avoid hidden sewer problems.
  • Look out for persistent sewer odors, wet spots in the yard, or gurgling noises from drains. Addressing these issues early can save you from expensive repairs and system failures.

Why Inspect Sewers?

Sewer inspections are important for keeping your plumbing system reliable and safe. These inspections catch issues underground before they become major problems, ensuring long-term

1. Financial Savings

Orange drainage pipe and drain cover installed in a dirt area with rocks and grass, part of an outdoor construction or landscaping project—highlighting the benefits of regular sewer inspections for maintaining proper drainage.Routine inspections catch small issues, such as clogs or minor cracks, early on. Fixing these problems is less expensive than addressing larger issues, like collapsed pipes. For instance, finding and repairing a small leak is more affordable than replacing an entire sewer line.

Inspections also detect leaks that could cause water bills to rise. Emergency repairs, often needed after major failures, are expensive and inconvenient. A regular inspection schedule helps reduce these risks.

By preventing backups that might damage flooring or walls, inspections help save on property repair costs.

2. Structural Integrity

Inspections maintain the stability of your sewer pipes. Over time, cracks and sagging pipes can cause collapse. For older homes, especially those over 30 years old, more frequent inspections are recommended to address potential weaknesses.

Tree roots often invade sewer lines. Regular inspections help prevent these problems early. Corrosion, another common issue, can compromise pipes if ignored.

Detecting problems early helps maintain the structure’s integrity.

3. System Longevity

Regular sewer inspections help extend the life of your sewer system. By maintaining flow efficiency and addressing wear early, inspections reduce stress on your pipes. For example, annual sewer camera inspections help ensure pipes stay in good condition, delaying costly repairs.

4. Environmental Safety

Leaks in the sewer system can release untreated sewage into the ground and water, causing environmental harm. Inspections identify these issues before they worsen, preventing long-term damage.

5. Health Protection

Sewer backups expose your household to harmful bacteria and unpleasant odors. Inspections remove these threats by finding leaks and blockages before they become serious, safeguarding your family’s health and indoor air quality.

What Inspections Uncover

Sewer inspections are key to identifying hidden problems and ensuring your system works as it should. Inspections provide homeowners with a clear understanding of their sewer system’s health, highlighting vulnerabilities and areas that need attention.

Intrusions

A worker stands by an open storm drain as a metal grate is lifted with equipment attached to a utility truck, illustrating the benefits of regular sewer inspections; tools and chains are scattered on the ground.Tree roots can infiltrate sewer lines, causing clogs, burst pipes, or leaks that may not be noticed for years. Routine inspections catch these issues early, preventing major damage. Non-biodegradable waste can also clog pipes, and inspections find these problems before they worsen.

Degradation

Sewer pipes naturally rust and corrode over time, especially older pipes. These issues show up during inspections, allowing for prompt repair or replacement. Pitting and cracking can worsen over time, affecting the system’s functionality.

Pipe sagging is another problem that inspections can uncover. Sagging disrupts water flow and creates the potential for clogs. Inspections help monitor the health of materials, ensuring the system stays strong.

Obstructions

Grease and sediment buildup often cause blockages in sewer lines. Inspections identify these obstructions, reducing the risk of backups. By detecting these problems early, inspections prevent significant disruptions and keep everything running smoothly.

Modern Inspection Technology

Recent advancements in sewer inspection technology allow for quick, accurate evaluations. High-definition video camera inspections provide real-time views of sewer lines, identifying issues like tree root infiltration, leaks, and cracks.

Most inspections take less than an hour and provide clear visuals without excavation. Trenchless technology allows inspections without disturbing lawns or driveways. This approach is perfect for homeowners looking to avoid property damage.

Additionally, sonar and infrared scanning enhance the accuracy of inspections by detecting corrosion and buildup, providing valuable information for repairs while saving time and money.

When to Schedule Inspections

Sewer inspections help maintain a reliable plumbing system. Scheduling inspections ensures that problems are corrected before they turn into costly or inconvenient repairs.

Routine Checks

For most homes, sewer inspections should occur every three years. For older homes with aging pipes, inspections may need to happen more often. These checks are especially valuable for evaluating buried pipes and keeping the system running smoothly.

Property Transactions

A large plastic pipe fitting lies on red soil next to a trench containing a partially buried corrugated pipe, highlighting the benefits of regular sewer inspections for maintaining underground infrastructure.Sewer inspections are necessary when buying or selling a home. For homebuyers, inspections can reveal hidden issues like clogs or damage, helping them avoid surprise repair costs. Sellers can also benefit from providing proof of regular inspections, showing transparency and adding value to the property.

Warning Signs

Be proactive when you notice sewer warning signs, including:

  • Persistent sewer odors, which may indicate gas leaks.
  • Wet spots or sinkholes in the yard, suggesting underground pipe problems.
  • Gurgling noises from drains, indicating blockages or slow drainage.

Addressing these signs early can prevent major issues and save money.

Long-Term Benefits: Why Regular Sewer Inspections Pay Off

Regular sewer inspections detect problems early, improve system performance, and reduce failures. Today’s technology makes inspections faster, more accurate, and cost-effective, identifying issues before they become costly repairs.

A proactive approach saves money and supports a healthier environment. Trust Tom’s Plumbing and Drain Service, LLC to provide expert sewer inspections and to keep your system runs smoothly. Call us today to schedule your inspection!