Why a Sewer Scope Inspection is Essential for Homebuyers

Buying a home is always a thrilling experience. You walk through beautiful kitchens, cozy living rooms, and everything is perfect around you. The thing that most buyers miss is hidden underground. The sewer line is the most critical part of a home. Being underground, checking the sewer line in a walk-through is impossible. 

A special sewer scope inspection is required to check the condition of the sewer line. Only those buyers who like to have expensive surprises after purchase don’t get a sewer scope inspection. Other than the buyers, homeowners who are conscious of sewer line protection also schedule this inspection.

What is a Sewer Scope Inspection?

A sewer scope inspection involves small waterproof cameras going through the sewer line. The cameras visualize hidden issues such as blockage, root intrusion, or cracks. This inspection provides a report along with a video showing the actual condition of the sewer line.

Why Sewer Scope Inspection is Critical for Homebuyers?

A general home inspection covers systems and structural components within the building. It does not include inspection of systems outside the underground. 

The sewer line, which is the least focused part of a home, can have bigger problems. These problems can lead to an unhygienic living environment within a home. That’s why it is necessary to get a sewer scope inspection while buying a home. 

Home buyers should prioritize the sewer scope inspection for the following reasons:

• Early Detection of Expensive Problems

A damaged sewer line can lead to various issues, including raw sewage backups into the home. It can damage the foundation and cause widespread health hazards. A sewer line not fixed in a timely manner can cost thousands to a new home buyer.

• Older Homes are Vulnerable

Issues with the sewer line are possible even in new homes, but older homes are most likely to have problems. 

• Tree Roots Pose a Threat

The homes with trees around them usually get the sewer line disturbed by the roots. The roots naturally seek moisture, and sewer lines offer a constant source; that’s why their intrusion is more common.

• Negotiation Before Closing the Deal

If a sewer line has defects, the homebuyer can negotiate for repairs before closing the deal. Due to such a vulnerable issue, the price for the home can also be reduced. Well, on the negotiation table, the buyer can also ask for the sewer system repairs. So, it all depends on the status of the system and the deal between the two parties.

Early Signs of a Problematic Sewer Line

The sewer system indicates if an issue is evolving underground. The signs of a problematic sewer line are:

• Frequent Drain Clogs or Slow Drains

If you notice that the drains of your home get clogged often or wastewater drains very slowly, it indicates that there is a problem in the sewer line. 

• Gurgling Noises in Pipes

While wastewater is drained, strange gurgling, bubbling, or glug-glug sounds can be heard, which indicate that air is trapped in the pipes and that the sewer line is partially blocked.

• Foul Odors Coming from Drains

If an unpleasant smell comes from toilets, sinks, or shower drains, the wastewater is not moving properly through the system. It is a warning that your sewer line is going to create a problem sooner.

• Sewage Backups

When the sewage system issue gets severe, there will be water or waste backup in the home. This shows that either the sewer line is broken or blocked. 

While facing any of the above problems, it is necessary to go for a sewer line inspection that can explain the reason for the problem, and you can get it fixed to ensure sewer line protection.

The Importance of Sewer Line Protection for Homeowners

Beyond the initial purchase, maintaining sewer line protection throughout homeownership is essential. A well-maintained sewer system can help the homeowner save thousands from repairs and maintain a clean indoor environment. This increases the value of a home. 

Regular sewer scope inspections can help to ensure long-term protection of the system. Meanwhile, for buyers, it all begins with that first inspection before the deal is closed.

Conclusion

Purchasing a home is one of the biggest financial decisions. Ending up buying a home with serious issues puts all your savings at risk. That’s why it is necessary to inspect all the components in a building and make a decision based on the inspection report.

The sewer line hidden underground must be inspected, as a visual inspection cannot identify the system’s actual status. Book a sewer scope inspection today to avoid any unpleasant surprises.