Pipe Inspection

Pipe Locators and Sewer Cameras

Replacing the main sewer line can potentially be the most expensive repair ever made to a home in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert, Glendale or one of the many other communities in the area. Homebuyers should take this into consideration and ask themselves, “Do I need a main sewer line inspection?” when purchasing a home. They also should be aware that inspecting the main sewer line (from the home to the city connection) is not included in a standard home inspection and often requires a sewer scope inspection.

Should I Get a Main Sewer Line Inspection?

Simply put not every home needs a main sewer line inspection. We call this service a “sewer scope” at Rainwater Industries. A sewer scope is a specialized service that sends a camera into your main sewer line looking for any causes for concern such as clogs, major blockages, cracks, or tree roots growing into the system. During your sewer scope inspection, our camera will slowly move through the system, recording and documenting any issues during the journey.

Any home that is 20 years old or more that has trees growing in the front yard and has a new cleanout cap is a good candidate for a sewer scope. The new cleanout cap is a good indication of past sewer line problems. If the homeowner has not attended to the past line problems properly, they most likely will reoccur. In newer homes, evidence that the sewer line has settled may indicate a severe problem is developing.

For homes with septic systems, a septic inspection is both recommended and necessary. Newer homes with septic systems are less likely to have a problem.

The Cost of a Sewer Line Inspection

A main sewer line inspection is not usually included in a home inspection for two main reasons:

• One, main sewer line inspection costs are expensive as it requires expensive equipment that most home inspectors do not have and many cannot afford. Plumbers will spend thousands on sewer cameras because they will pay for themselves in one or two years.
• Two, many homes do not have accessible sewer cleanouts and plumbers may not be able to inspect sewer lines. In this scenario, to do an inspection, it may be necessary to install or replace a cleanout or remove and replace a toilet.

Should You Have a Sewer Scope Performed?

There are several reasons why you as a homeowner may choose to have a sewer scope inspection.

• First, issues with the main sewer line. If you are encountering significant clogging or backup problems with your system, a sewer scope inspection may be the best solution for discovering and resolving the issue.
• Second, buying or selling a home. While a sewer scope is usually not included as part of a standard home inspection, some buyers may choose to have one performed anyway, just to make sure there aren’t any plumbing surprises on the horizon. Peace of mind goes a long way when buying or selling a home.

While the average sewer scope inspection takes about half an hour, your exact time will vary based on how easy it is to access your main sewer line and whether or not our camera can move through your system at a reasonable pace.

Sewer Line Inspections at Rainwater Industries

Depending on your specific needs, with advance notice, we can usually have the micro camera available at the initial inspection. Please remember, however, if you have a sewer scope performed there is an additional fee.

Our inspectors will frequently recommend the sewer scope if certain conditions are observed at the inspection location. We can take care of the sewer scope within a day or two and if a plumber is going to be needed, we can schedule you for plumbing service at that time.

When ordering a sewer scope inspection from Rainwater Industries you will receive photos of any issues that are uncovered as well as a video of the inside of the sewer line to aid in requesting and ordering repairs. Moreover, you will be getting an unbiased opinion as opposed to the viewpoint of a contractor who might only be looking to perform additional paid services.

Sewer Line Inspection Services

If you aren’t sure if you should do a sewer scope, our team of courteous professionals can help. For more information on sewer scope inspections or if you would like to schedule one, please contact us today.