Get A Sewer Scope Inspection Before You Buy near Lexington, KY
A home inspection is almost always part what people know of the home buying process, but you may have never heard of a sewer scope inspection. In a nutshell, a trained technician runs a tiny camera through your plumbing to check for any leaks or other damage. While this type of inspection is not usually part of a regular home inspection, it generally occurs during real estate transactions. Are you ready to learn more about sewer scope inspections? Let’s get started!
The Process
Many technicians choose to get started on the highest point of access and access a vent stack on the opposite side of where your sewer ends. This tactic provides the best chance to spot any damage as it gives a clear view of your sewer line from start to finish. The inspection will take about half an hour, and the technician should be able to share the initial findings with you immediately. However, we recommend you wait for the final report with conclusive results before making any decisions regarding your sewer.
Why Do I Need A Sewer Inspection?
The wastewater from your home is carried to the public sewer system via the lateral sewer line, and it’s the homeowner’s responsibility to maintain it. Unfortunately, if your home was built before 1975, this line likely contains outdated material that is more vulnerable to cracks and damage from tree roots. A sewer leak or backup poses several health risks, including:
Bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections
Viruses
Noxious gasses
Mold
A sewer leak can also cause structural damage to your home and cause the foundation to shift.
Signs You Need a Sewer Scope
If you didn’t have a sewer scope inspection performed when you purchased your home, now might be the time to do so. There are a few things to be on the lookout for to determine if you need a sewer inspection.
Water backup: This is an indicator of a break in the line or the presence of a large clog.
Large trees: Large trees mean large roots which can compress sewer lines, especially in older systems.
Extra green grass: If you suddenly notice patches of extra healthy grass, especially if the change doesn’t occur throughout your whole lawn, you may have a sewer leak. Sewer water is a fantastic fertilizer!
Rodents: A sudden uptick in the number of rats or mice you see around your house could mean you have a sewer issue. Rodents and other pests often live in or around sewer systems.
Worth the Cost?
You may be wondering if a sewer scope inspection is worth the cost. In a word, yes! The cost for a standalone sewer inspection will run you around $400. The cost to replace sewer drains (brace yourself) can range from $3,000 to $30,000. Depending on the location of the drains, flooring in your home may have to be torn up, which adds a substantial amount to the cost.
Contact Us
Have we convinced you of the merits of a sewer scope inspection? When you’re ready to schedule yours, give us a call at 1-800-975-0275. We also offer a number of other services, including radon testing and termite inspections. Stop by and see us in Lexington, KY! Not in Lexington? We’re proud to serve the areas of Lexington, Louisville, Liberty, Somerset, Georgetown, Nicholasville, and Central Kentucky.
