When you consider all of the things you love about being a homeowner in the city of Portland, problems with your sewer line likely don’t make the list. That’s why at Alpha Environmental, we make it easy to diagnose your sewer problems and provide the information you need to make the best decisions about how to handle them.
If there is an issue with your main sewer line, you may notice a foul “rotten egg” smell, a slow drain or sewage backups that return consistently or exist across multiple drains in your home. The only way to accurately diagnose the cause of these warning signs is through a sewer line inspection, which uses a tiny, flexible video camera to inspect the interior of your sewer lines.
Our sewer camera inspections come with a full-color video of your sewer scope, a report on the condition of your sewer line and recommendations for sewer repair and maintenance.
When Should You Have Your Sewer Scoped?
A sewer scope offers peace of mind that your sewer line is free of major problems. While these inspections provide a lot of helpful information about the condition of your sewer line, they are generally recommended as needed for specific situations.
- Buying a new home: Sewer scopes are typically not included in a standard home inspection, but they are equally important. Your main sewer line can be one of the most expensive things to repair in your home. Having a sewer inspection done prior to closing on a home gives you the chance to negotiate any necessary repairs with the seller. This is especially important for homes that are more than 20 years old.
- Water backing up: If you notice slow drains or water overflowing from toilets, floor drains, sinks or in crawl spaces, you’ll want to have your sewer inspected right away. These problems may be caused by a broken or damaged sewer line and could lead to flooding in your home.
- Large trees in your yard: Roots from large trees and shrubs are attracted to moisture and may begin to grow into small holes or gaps between your pipes. It’s important to keep an eye on trees with deep-growing roots that are located near your sewer lines.
- Homes built before 1984: Before 1984, some sewage systems were built using fragile clay pipes, which are more likely to break or collapse. These pipes can also suffer from corrosion over time.
- Shifting ground on the property: Harsh climates like Portland’s can cause the soil around your pipes to shift, which may lead to sewer pipe misalignment or cause sections of the pipe to sink.
- Extra green grass or growth in one area: If part of your yard is noticeably greener than the rest, it may be an indication that your pipes are leaking.
What Will the Sewer Scope Inspection Find?
Your sewer inspection will provide information on the condition and serviceability of your sewer line and any problems that may require repair. Common sewer line problems include:
- Cracks: If your sewer line is cracked, it will need to be repaired or replaced to prevent pooling in your yard or basement.
- Tree root intrusions: Root intrusions can block sewer water from exiting your home, creating backups or slow drains. They can also cause damage to your pipes.
- Collapsed lines: Pipes that are old or offset can become crushed due to shifts in the ground, wastewater in the surrounding soil or root intrusion.
- Clogs: Severely clogged pipes can cause sewage backup and flooding in your home. Alpha offers a non-invasive Hydro-jetting solution that can help clear blockages.
- Potential septic issues: Water backup or a drain problem may also be a sign that your septic system is failing. Our sewer scope will look for problems in the lines that lead to your septic tank.
If a problem is found, we’ll provide you with information on its location, the severity of the issue and a line repair estimate.
Your sewer inspection report will also include information on the types of sewer lines that are present, including the material of your pipes.
Contact Us for a Sewer Scope Inspection
Whether you suspect a problem with your sewer line or you’re buying a new home, having a sewer inspection will give you the answers you need to make informed decisions. Schedule your sewer scope by contacting us today.
