A sewer scope inspection is typically performed by our Plumbers in Victoria BC alongside or for a home inspection during a real estate transaction. This can be especially important if buying an older home. Homeowners can also benefit from getting a camera inspection of their sewer lines every few years for routine maintenance or if they have older pipes in their home.
Find out more about sewer scope inspections and why they are important for homeowners and prospective buyers.
What is a Sewer Scope Inspection?
The sewer line runs from the home to the city’s water system. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to maintain the line that takes wastewater away from the home.
Using special equipment, your highly trained Victoria plumber will run a camera through your pipes and drains to check for any damage or leaks. A small camera on the end of a long cable is run through your pipe system and will show the technician if there are any problems you should be aware of in the home’s sewer line.
This will take about 1 hour to complete. The technician will be able to give you some indication of findings immediately, but may need to review the recorded results for a more thorough report on the condition of the pipes.
Why Get a Sewer Scope Inspection?
A closer inspection of your drains and pipes is not typically a plumbing service included in a regular home inspection. If there are problems with the plumbing system, a sewer inspection can make you aware before purchasing a home. An inspection can save you thousands of dollars. Upgrading plumbing can be costly. Issues the plumber might uncover include:
- Clogs or blockages
- Cracks, damage, or imperfections in the pipes
- Tree roots growing in the line
- The type of material for the current pipes and whether it needs replacement
- Pipe corrosion or deterioration
- A sewer line belly or low spot
- Any separation or failure of the pipes, like leaking joints
Damaged or leaking pipes can cause structural damage to the building if the issue isn’t dealt with. A pipe inspection can uncover problems with the pipes and sewer before creating a concern with the foundation.
Exposes Health Risks
A sewer system that is not properly draining waste away, that leaks, or that backs up can pose health risks for you and your family. This might be bacterial and fungal infections, parasites, viruses, moulds, or harmful gases. This is why routine maintenance is important.
Who Should Get a Sewer Scope Inspection?
As mentioned, a sewer inspection can reveal a lot of information for prospective homeowners. Knowing in advance what the situation is with the piping system will give you additional knowledge to make your decision. It may even help you to negotiate a better price on the home, or you can plan for any upgrades or drain repairs needed.
An inspection is also recommended for new home builds. This is because the sewer pipes are new and not yet tested.
Additionally, it is a good idea for homeowners to have an inspection every few years for routine maintenance. Also, if you notice any of these issues, book a Victoria plumber to come out and do a sewer inspection:
- Water is backing up in the home
- Shifting or movement of the ground around the home
- The house is 20 years or older
- Large trees or roots on the property
- Foul odour or smell coming from the drain
- Bubbles in the toilet or when a sink is draining
- Toilets won’t flush or plunge
Get a Sewer Scope inspection from a Victoria BC Plumber
Our plumbers in Victoria, BC, provide camera inspections throughout the Greater Victoria region. Many home inspectors are not equipped to provide this specialized plumbing service. Any plumbing problems uncovered can be diagnosed and plumbing repairs handled by our team. Contact our plumbing team at 250-514-4044 or book online for a Victoria, BC, plumber to give you a sewer scope inspection.