The Value Of A Sewer Camera Inspection

Problems to your sewer line may be caused by several factors.  Waiting for an issue to expose itself means you waited too long.  Cost of repairs can range between $1,000 to $15,000+ with an average nationwide cost of $8,000.  Preventative maintenance with an annual sewer line inspection is an excellent way to ensure you don't experience the surprise of a sewer back up into your home causing inconvenience and possibly displacement.  The best time to perform a sewer camera inspection is prior to purchasing the home which may save you thousands in repair costs down the road. 

• New construction/new replacement - It is not uncommon to find issues with brand new installations including poor installation, blockages and damaged pipe.  Identifying issues during your warranty period will save you from potentially expensive fixes down the road. 
• Septic systems - Costly problems can arise in just a few feet of sewer pipe.  Often times grading can be an issue with septic system sewer lines and blockages can be problematic at the tank connection.
• Older homes - Over time pipes may fail, settle or be exposed to root intrusion.  Many pipes in older homes are close to or have exceeded their life expectancy and are in need of replacement.  Plastic sewer pipes are not immune from need of repair.

• Tree roots are one of the top external causes of problems with your sewer lines. Tree roots are attracted to the fertilizer in the wastewater. As roots grow around your pipes trying to get at these nutrients, they create cracks big and small. Tree roots have been known to crush or completely fill whole sewer lines! Even if you don’t have trees in your own yard, a neighbor’s tree could easily become your plumbing nightmare.
• Clogs are one of the top internal causes of sewer damage. Your toilet is not a trash can. Garbage, toys, diapers, cooking grease, paper towels, menstrual products, even too much toilet paper at one time can lead to blockages or clogs in your sewer pipes. Even if you take care of your pipes, dirt, debris, and hair can create obstructions in your sewer lines over time.
• Time isn’t kind to your pipes. General corrosion and sediment build-up can create leaks and blockages. Natural soil movement over time causes sagging sewer lines, which can become a problem when the low spots create repeat blockages, ruptures, or leaks. Regular monitoring and maintenance can help, but ultimately sewer pipes have a shorter lifespan than your sewage needs.
• The method used to install sewer lines isn’t always up to par or improper materials are being used to complete the installation. This can result in breaks, separations and clogs in the lines and sewer service. 

• Sewage contains viruses, bacteria, and other contaminants that can spread disease, and even death to your family and your pets. Wastewater is also full of other toxic substances like fungi, protozoan, pesticides, and residuals from medications. According to the National Resources Defense Council, there are more than two million reports of illnesses caused by sewage every year. Therefore, sewer backup risks are real, and have to be reckoned with.
• You may also experience property damage because of a sewer backup. It is very likely that your pipes will be damaged and you will need a sewer repair. If the sewage water remains in your home for an extended period, you may experience even more damage to your property. This can include the traditional signs of water damage on your walls and floors, as well as insulation and flooring materials that are rendered entirely unusable.
• Fire hazards are also a common sewer backup risk. If the water level has risen to the height of any electrical outlets, plugs, extension cords, or gas-burning equipment, refrain from touching anything and get out of the building as soon as possible. Call a professional to handle this problem, as the risk of starting a fire is tremendous.
• Structural problems my be a consequence of broken sewer lines.  standing water in and around your fondation may cause settlement of the foundation.  Foundation repairs can be costly along with the price tag incurred with repairing the damaged sewer line.

• Odd oder gassy smell - If you have a broken sewer line, your nose will tell you. There should never be smells of any kind coming from your drains. What you may be smelling could be toxic sewer gas that is slowly but surely making its way into other areas of your home.
• Mold or Mildew - If you see any mold and mildew spreading rapidly throughout your home, especially the basement, it could be due to a water or sewage backup from a broken sewer line. 
• Increased bug or rodent traffic - Are you noticing a sudden uptick of bugs and rodents? It could be a sign of a broken sewer line. Rodents often live in the sewers. However, they can make themselves at home in your home by squeezing through the smallest cracks in the sewer line. Likewise, insects see a cracked drainpipe as their perfect breeding ground due to the stagnant water. This allows insects to multiply rapidly.
• Soggy lawn - A broken sewer line can allow wastewater to seep into your ground. Most sewer lines run across your front lawn and meet up with the municipal waste pipes underneath. The soil in your lawn will become soggy and wetter as more water is pumped out of the damaged pipe.