Sewer Pipe Scoping
When buying a pre-owned home, it is wise to have a sewer inspection completed at the same time as the home inspection. Homeowners own the length of drainpipe that extends from the house to the city main (below soil, or driveway – and usually in the front yard).
Main sewer pipes at many older homes are made of clay or cast iron. Over time, joints can separate, cracks can form - and tree roots can find their way into the pipe – causing clogs or backups.
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What age homes should be scoped?
While problems are more common in older drainpipes, they can also occur in modern, PVC / plastic pipes. Unfortunately, this happens more commonly than most people think.
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During your inspection, we will run the water in the home for an extended period of time (generally over 1 hour). In some cases, this will reveal evidence or symptoms of a problem with the main sewer pipe (i.e. water backing out of the floor drain). Ultimately only a camera inspection can identify the actual condition of the pipe. Since sewer pipe repair/replacement can cost thousands of dollars, we highly suggest that you hire a specialist to evaluate the sewer pipe interior (mainly if your home was built before 1980).
