Key Takeaways
- A sewer inspection uses advanced tools like specialized cameras to locate debris clogs, pipe fractures, and plant intrusions throughout a sewer system.
- The process may involve a preliminary visual inspection, equipment setup, a camera scope, detailed reporting, and, if needed, recommendations for cleaning or repairs to address identified issues before they worsen.
- Although each timeline varies based on the complexity of the sewer system and the issues being addressed, most sewer camera inspections take between 30 minutes and a few hours.
- Some common factors that can significantly impact a sewer inspection’s timeline are the property type, purpose of inspection, sewer accessibility, and potential findings.
Learning How Long a Sewer Inspection Takes
For most properties, a sewer inspection can be completed within 30 minutes to a few hours, but various factors can affect how long a sewer inspection is. For example, the property type and accessibility of the sewer line can change the answer to “How long does a sewer scope take?”
Although every property is different, the sewer process usually starts with a walk-through visual inspection and ends with maintenance recommendations based on the findings from the high-definition camera scope. Depending on the discoveries, more steps may be required, ranging from mineral build-up in pipes to large tree roots penetrating sewer lines.
This article can help you better understand what you can expect from a sewer camera inspection. However, contacting a skilled professional who can assess your unique circumstances and provide tailored insights is still essential.
What is a Sewer Inspection?
A sewer inspection involves using advanced techniques and cutting-edge tools like high-definition cameras to evaluate the condition of sewer lines and identify any underlying issues. This process promotes early detection of potential complications, which is crucial for maintaining the health and functionality of your property’s plumbing system.
Common Issues Identified During Sewer Inspections:
Some examples of frequently encountered problems detected by sewer inspections include:
- Debris clogged drains
- Pipe fractures
- Mineral build-ups in pipes
- Large trees or plants growing near sewer lines
Neglecting to address the issues above can lead to more complications down the line, such as backups and water damage, which can require more extensive remediation efforts. Therefore, it is essential to know when you need a sewer inspection. If you are experiencing unusually slow drains or unexplained noises, promptly contact experienced environmental professionals like those at Alpha Environmental.
The Sewer Inspection Process
One of the most prominent parts of a sewer inspection is using high-definition cameras to view the sewer system’s interior clearly. However, many prerequisite and follow-up tasks are also imperative to the operation.
Each project may look slightly different; however, some steps that are typically involved in the sewer inspection process are:
- Visual inspection – The environmental specialist will usually start by conducting an initial property evaluation, looking for slow drains, foul odors, mold growth, or unusually wet patches in the yard to detect problem areas.
- Equipment setup – Next, the specialist will locate entry points to the sewer line and prepare their equipment, which usually includes a flexible camera and access tools.
- Camera scope – Then, the specialized high-definition camera attached to a flexible wire is inserted into the sewer line to capture real-time, full-color footage, facilitating the diagnosis of issues.
- Reporting – After the thorough sewer camera inspection, findings are compiled into a detailed report that is shared with the property owner. This report includes video footage and expert insights.
- Maintenance recommendations – The environmental professional can offer tailored maintenance suggestions to address any identified concerns and prevent future problems.
If issues are found during the inspection, cleaning or repairs may be necessary. For example, if clogs or debris are detected, sewer cleaning may be performed alongside the inspection to restore proper flow. Additionally, if a significant pipe fracture is pinpointed during the inspection, a form of trenchless sewer repair, such as pipe bursting or horizontal directional drilling, may be necessary to curb problematic leaks.
At Alpha Environmental, we use the latest methods to provide thorough sewer inspection and repair services.Keep Your Sewer System Functioning with Professional Support
Factors Affecting the Length of a Sewer Inspection
The duration of a sewer inspection can vary significantly based on the type of inspection and where it is taking place. The following factors can potentially shorten or lengthen how long a sewer inspection is.
Residential Inspections
Sewer inspections at small or average-sized homes are often the quickest because most residential properties have relatively small and straightforward sewer systems. Since their pipes are not very complex or lengthy, environmental specialists can more easily navigate them with their specialized cameras and complete the job faster.
Nevertheless, factors such as the size of the property, the age of the home, and the accessibility of the sewer lines can increase the time needed to complete a residential inspection. For instance, if the pipes are located under landscaping or in hard-to-reach areas, the environmental professional may have to spend more time strategizing and accessing the entry ports before performing the camera scope.
Industrial or Commercial Property Inspections
In comparison to residential sewer scopes, inspections for industrial or commercial properties typically take longer due to their more extensive and intricate sewer systems. Many industrial properties have multiple drainage points, complex pipe networks, and underground infrastructure that can make sewer access and inspection more time-consuming.
Additionally, some commercial properties run higher volumes of wastewater, which may include industrial byproducts like chemicals and oils that demand pre-treatment before the specialist enters their sewer lines. Plus, the presence of large equipment, heavy foot traffic, and environmental regulations can further complicate inspections and follow-up maintenance.
Nevertheless, each commercial facility is unique. The property size, relevant regulations, and sewer system type can impact the complexity and duration of the inspection.
Purpose of the Inspection
Sewer inspections can be performed for many reasons. Did the property owner notice a clog, leak, or structural damage—or did they schedule the inspection to be proactive? Routine maintenance inspections often take less time because they are solely intended to confirm that a sewer system is functioning correctly, potentially eliminating the need to investigate specific problems.
In contrast, inspections that address specific issues may require more in-depth diagnostics to pinpoint the problem, assess its extent, and find an appropriate solution. Therefore, they are usually more time-consuming.
To save time and find issues like debris buildup before they cause other problems, such as sewage backups, schedule annual sewer camera inspections even if no drainage problems are detected beforehand.
Sewer Inspection Findings
If the camera scope reveals significant issues, like fractures or tree root intrusions, more time may be needed to conduct more diagnostics. The specialist may have to employ additional tools or re-examine areas to understand the problem entirely. Plus, developing an appropriate repair plan can also take extra time.
Although they might not be completed at the same time, follow-up maintenance or replacements can leave your sewer system out of commission for longer periods. For instance, clearing a clogged sewer line may take between one and three hours, while executing a trenchless sewer line replacement may take up to two business days. Your environmental specialist should have tailored insight into how long it will take to repair your broken sewer line based on your unique situation.
Accessibility of the Sewer
As mentioned when discussing property types, the complexity of entry points can significantly impact the duration of a sewer inspection. If accessing the sewer line is easy, the process may be completed faster than usual, but the experience may take a long time if entry is challenging.
Some examples of common obstacles that can hinder entry for sewer inspections are:
- Rocky, sandy, waterlogged, or frozen soil conditions
- Obstructed, collapsed, or severely damaged pipes
- Hidden, improperly marked, or hard-to-reach entry points
- Dense tree root systems surrounding the sewer lines
- Debris buildup blocking access points
The factors above can affect the project’s timeline and the cost of your sewer inspection. As a general rule, more complex sewers demand more considerable expenses and planning time.
Schedule a Reliable Sewer Inspection from Alpha Environmental
How long a sewer scope takes can vary depending on the property’s layout and potential plumbing issues; however, most inspections can be completed in less than a few hours. The initial visual inspection, equipment preparation, camera scope, and reporting can take a substantial amount of time, but cleaning and repairs, which are performed as needed, can further prolong how long a sewer inspection is.
To fully understand what you can expect from a sewer camera inspection, contact the trusted, highly qualified specialists at Alpha Environmental. Our skilled team provides reliable sewer inspections tailored to each property’s unique needs. We use state-of-the-art tools and techniques to identify and address issues promptly, minimizing disruptions to your everyday life or business.
Contact Alpha Environmental today to learn more about our superb sewer services.
