How Sewer Line Inspections Prevent Costly Repairs

Sewer line damage can develop over time before it causes problems inside the house. You might be surprised when you notice slow drains, recurring clogs, bad odors, and a sewage backup. However, the issue in the pipe may have been around for months or years.

A sewer line inspection done by a professional using a video camera can detect blockages, cracks, root intrusion, corrosion, broken joints, and other conditions that prevent wastewater from flowing properly. Sewer line inspections can protect your home and give you advance warning that you might need to make repairs before a major issue arises. For homeowners in Colorado Springs, getting a sewer line inspection before problems develop can help avoid costly repair bills.

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

---

What Is a Sewer Line Inspection?

A sewer line inspection is conducted using a special camera inserted into the sewer pipe and advanced along its length as the sewer line specialist monitors the video feed. This enables the specialist to locate the problem without digging in the yard, driveway, or elsewhere.

The sewer line camera can also help determine the position and depth of a damaged section. You should consider a sewer line inspection if you are dealing with persistent drain issues, buying an older home, planning sewer work, or checking an aging sewer line.

How Sewer Line Inspections Can Reduce Repair Costs

The cost of sewer line repair depends on the location, scope, and type of damage. Discovering the problem sooner can give homeowners more options before the pipe is severely compromised.

Early Detection of Small Issues

Cracks, root intrusion, and general deterioration in the sewer pipe may not cause a complete clog or sewage backup. A camera inspection can detect these issues even though the sewer line is still operating. Identifying these issues early may allow a smaller section of pipe to be repaired before the damage becomes severe enough to require more extensive repairs.

Locating the Problem Area

If a homeowner doesn’t know where the sewer problem is, digging to find it can result in unnecessary work and property damage. The video camera can be used to pinpoint the area of the sewer line that needs repair. Knowing the location and depth of the issue allows you to limit sewer repairs to just the affected area. This is especially useful if the sewer line passes beneath landscaping, concrete, sidewalks, or other surfaces.

Accurate Information Instead of Guessing

Plumbing problems can produce similar symptoms. For example, slow-draining water can be the result of a clog, root intrusion, or a damaged pipe. A sewer camera shows you what’s happening in your pipe and what the issue is.

An inspection might also save you from spending money on a fix that won’t correct the problem. An inspection can help determine the appropriate repair before work begins. The recommended repair should address the specific problem identified in the pipe.

Sometimes only part of the line needs to be repaired, and other times, if the entire line has worn out or is completely blocked, you might need a replacement.

An inspection can find problems that would result in a backup, but you still need to watch for signs so you can address them quickly.

What Can a Sewer Camera Identify?

A sewer camera might identify:

• Root intrusion into cracks or joints
• Accumulation of grease or debris
• A broken or cracked pipe
• Wear in the pipe wall, especially in older metal lines
• Offsets or breaks at joints
• Collapsed areas
• Normal wear and tear

Any of these issues could mean the sewer line may need to be cleaned, patched, lined, or replaced.

When Should You Get Your Sewer Line Checked?

How often you should have your sewer line inspected will depend on the age, type, and condition of your pipes. According to Spotted Dog, sewer lines should be checked every one to two years. If your home is older, you have large trees nearby, or you’ve had sewer issues in the past, you may have the sewer line inspected more often. You may also want to get a sewer inspection when purchasing a new home. A typical home inspection does not cover the evaluation of a buried sewer line.

How Do I Know If My Sewer Line Needs an Inspection?

You don’t have to wait until a major backup occurs before having your sewer line checked. Certain changes to your plumbing could indicate a bigger problem. Some possible indicators include:

• Double sinks draining slowly at the same time
• Toilet gurgling when another fixture is drained
• Recurring drain clogs
• Unusual odors in or near your home
• Water showing up in the tub or on the floor
• An overly wet or overgrown patch of yard
• A history of tree root issues
• Recent repairs to your sewer system
• Older pipes

A single slow drain might just be a localized clog. If multiple fixtures are draining slowly, it could mean a problem further down the line. A sewer scope could identify a problem that may become significantly more expensive if left untreated. 

Sewer Line Inspections in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs’ weather and soil conditions can take a toll on your underground pipes. Cycles of freezing and thawing, shifting earth, and heavy rain and runoff can all contribute to cracks, broken joints, and other sewer line issues.

Clay and cast iron lines, in particular, are more likely to break down over time. Sewer scopes give you a look at the condition of the pipe, so you know if there are issues before they get worse.

Schedule a Sewer Line Inspection in Colorado Springs

When you know what’s going on beneath your property, you can plan to address the problem. Sewer inspections can help you identify the source of persistent plumbing problems, provide insight into the condition of the line, and inform your next steps.

Spotted Dog Excavating Sewer and Water Repair provides sewer cleaning, repair, replacement, cleanouts, and trenchless repair services for customers in Colorado Springs and surrounding areas. If you’ve experienced slow drainage, repeated clogging, or bad smells, contact our technicians before the problem becomes more serious.

Sewer Line Inspection Frequently Asked Questions

Are Tree Roots Detectable in a Sewer Inspection?

Yes. A sewer scope can detect roots that have grown inside the pipe through a crack, joint, or other damaged part of the line. It also allows you to see how far down the line the roots have grown.

Is Excavation Required to Do a Sewer Scope?

No. The sewer camera typically enters the pipe through a cleanout or other access point. However, if the sewer scope reveals damage that requires pipe access, you’ll need to excavate the area.

Resource: nachi.org

Does a Sewer Inspection Tell Me If I Need a Sewer Replacement?

In part, yes. A camera inspection identifies visible damage. Then, a contractor might suggest replacing the pipe based on pipe type, age, accessibility, etc.

Do I Need a Sewer Scope for a House Purchase?

A sewer scope may uncover problems that a typical home inspection doesn’t cover, especially in older homes, homes with large trees, homes with known sewer issues, or homes without proper sewer records.

How Do I Schedule a Sewer Line Inspection? 

Concerned about slow drains, recurring clogs, or possible sewer line damage? Contact Spotted Dog Excavating Sewer and Water Repair to schedule a professional sewer line inspection. Our team can identify the source of the problem and recommend the appropriate next step for your property.