Key Takeaways
- During a sewer scope inspection, a video camera is used to examine the lateral sewer line connecting a house to the municipal or homeowners association (HOA) tap or septic tank.
- It is crucial to schedule sewer scope inspections as a part of routine maintenance, before buying a property, when there are recurrent plumbing problems or backups, and if your home has old plumbing systems.
- During a sewer scope inspection, a specialist locates the entry point, performs an initial examination, and inserts a specialized camera into the sewer line to record the pipe. The process usually takes less than an hour.
- A sewer scope inspection helps buyers make informed decisions, detects early problems to avoid expensive repairs, and encourages regular maintenance to extend the lifespan of the sewer system.
Learning About The Process of Sewer Scope Inspections
A sewer scope inspection is a video examination of the lateral sewer line that connects a house to the municipal or homeowners association (HOA) tap or septic tank. Scheduling routine plumbing scopes helps ensure your sewer system functions correctly, reducing the risk of sewage blockages or backups.
Every property owner should know what to expect during sewer scope inspections. During a sewer scope inspection, an expert will visually assess your sewer line before inserting a camera into the sewer line to record the pipe. The entire process usually takes less than an hour, but each property has different needs that may alter the inspection’s duration.
Knowing when to schedule sewer and drain inspections is crucial. These plumbing scopes can help home buyers make informed decisions, minimize expensive repairs, and keep your sewer system in the best condition possible. Consult a trusted environmental remediation company like Alpha Environmental to discuss whether your sewer system needs an inspection.
What is a Sewer Scope Inspection?
During a sewer scope, an environmental professional employs a specialized camera to examine the inside of a sewage line, usually from a property’s plumbing system to the septic tank or municipal connection. Its goal is to locate problems that could jeopardize the sewer system’s functionality, such as blockages, leaks, sewage overflow, or pipe degeneration.
Frequent sewer scope inspections help you discover plumbing problems early, which is essential for maintaining a healthy and effective sewer system. Early detection of plumbing issues such as root invasions, cracks, or clogs in pipes allows homeowners to take timely action before they worsen and require more expensive repairs. By being proactive, you can lessen the risk of untreated wastewater leaks causing property damage, sewage backups, and health problems. Furthermore, routine inspections can help increase the sewer system’s lifespan and preserve functionality.
When Should You Get a Sewer Scope Inspection?
Each property and plumbing system is different and has unique needs, but common scenarios may affect when you need a sewer inspection. Some examples of situations that a sewer scope inspection can benefit are:
- Prior to buying a property – Checking the functionality of your new building’s sewer system before purchasing it can help you make informed decisions.
- During recurring plumbing problems – If you are having sewer-related issues like backups in the drains of sinks, toilets, or showers, a sewer scope inspection can help diagnose the issue.
- If you have an old plumbing system – Older homes have antiquated plumbing pipes that should be closely monitored to ensure no deterioration occurs, which could otherwise lead to water damage throughout the property.
- As a part of regular maintenance – Routinely checking your sewer system will facilitate early detection and allow you to maintain the functionality of your plumbing system for as long as possible.
Routine sewer scope inspections can be very advantageous for homeowners, so it is best to schedule a sewer inspection every few years or sooner if you experience the above scenarios.
Keep Your Sewer System Functioning with Professional Support
At Alpha Environmental, we use the latest methods to provide thorough sewer inspection and repair services.
What to Expect During a Sewer Scope Inspection
Knowing what occurs during a sewer scope inspection can help you adjust your expectations and make informed choices when scheduling with an experienced environmental remediation team. Some steps that the professionals may perform during an inspection include:
- Initial Assessment – Most plumbing specialists will begin with a preliminary sewer system assessment, surveying visible plumbing components and inquiring about the performance of your sewer system.
- Setup – Before taking a comprehensive look inside the pipes, the professional must locate the access point to the sewer line and set up his tools, including a specialized camera that can fit within the pipes.
- Inspection Process – The technician inserts the small camera into the sewer line and captures real-time video footage of the inside of your sewer pipes.
Depending on the size and condition of the sewer line, a sewer scope inspection usually takes between 15 minutes and an hour. Nevertheless, some properties may have unique needs that affect the duration of the inspection.
Interpreting the Results
Thanks to the camera’s real-time viewing capabilities, you can watch the inspection in real-time and ask questions. This transparency can help you better understand why certain repairs may be necessary.
What Could Be Wrong?
If the environmental professional identifies any issues, they can show you through the camera. Some examples of common sewer system complications are:
- Blockages from waste
- Cracks or fissures
- Age-fueled pipe deterioration
- Root intrusion from nearby trees or shrubs
Understanding the Condition of Your Pipes
In addition to revealing concerns in real-time, the environmental remediator can provide a post-inspection report. Some examples of components that this report may include are:
- Recorded video footage of your plumbing system’s interior
- A list of identified issues
- Recommended actions
Trustworthy, considerate environmental remediation companies like Alpha Environmental will resolve any questions or concerns you have about your post-inspection report or any other element of your sewer scope inspection.
Benefits of a Sewer Scope Inspection
A sewer inspection can help homeowners and home buyers alike, helping them understand the state of the inspected property in different ways. Some examples of benefits you may experience from a sewer scope inspection are:
- Early problem detection – By performing routine inspections, specialists can help you identify plumbing issues immediately, preventing problems from worsening and necessitating costly repairs.
- Informed decision-making – Sewer scope inspections can inform property buyers by comprehensively inspecting the sewer system and highlighting any necessary repairs.
- Maintenance and longevity – Regular inspections can contribute to the longevity and reliability of the sewer system by making it easier to complete repairs as needed and preventing issues from festering.
Sewer scope inspections can be advantageous for nearly everyone. They are essential for understanding your sewer system and any related complications.
Why Choose Alpha Environmental for Your Sewer Scope Inspection
Schedule frequent sewer scope inspections to keep up with your sewer system maintenance. Using advanced technology like small specialized cameras, experienced professionals can provide thorough and accurate assessments, lowering the risk of clogs or backups by ensuring the sewer system is operating correctly.
Through routine inspections, you can detect problems early and facilitate informed decision-making. Drain inspections can be especially beneficial for new home buyers, people with old plumbing systems, and anyone experiencing frequent plumbing issues.
Alpha Environmental offers reliable sewer services in Portland, Oregon, such as plumbing scopes and sewer drain cleaning. With several years of experience, we have the knowledge to guide you through the sewer scoping process and clarify any of your concerns. We are committed to transparency, customer education, and your overall satisfaction.
Contact Alpha Environmental today to schedule an expert-led sewer scope inspection.
