The Critical Importance of Regular Sewer Inspections for Your Home

If you’ve ever dealt with a clogged drain or a slow-flushing toilet, you know how frustrating plumbing issues can be. But what if there was a way to detect sewer problems before they became a major headache? That’s exactly what a sewer camera inspection does. This modern plumbing tool allows professionals to see inside your sewer lines, spotting potential issues before they lead to expensive repairs.

In this post, we’ll break down what a sewer inspection is, how it works, and why it’s a must for homeowners—especially those looking to buy a house.

What Is a Sewer Camera Inspection?

A sewer camera is a small, high-tech device attached to a flexible cable. Plumbers insert this camera into your sewer line to get a clear, real-time view of what’s happening inside your pipes. It helps them detect problems such as:

• Blockages caused by grease, wipes, or other debris
• Tree root intrusions that can crack and clog pipes
• Pipe damage, including cracks, collapses, and misaligned joints
• Sagging or bellied pipes where waste collects
• Hidden leaks that may be causing unseen damage

This type of inspection is non-invasive, meaning no digging is required. It eliminates guesswork and provides a precise diagnosis of any issues within the sewer line.

Why Are Sewer Inspections So Important?

Many homeowners overlook sewer maintenance—until a problem arises. Regular sewer inspections offer several benefits that can save you money, prevent emergencies, and give you peace of mind.

1. Avoid Expensive Repairs: A damaged sewer line can cost thousands of dollars to repair or replace. Catching issues early through a camera inspection prevents minor problems from turning into major disasters.
2. Prevent Sewage Backups: No one wants to deal with raw sewage flooding their home. A sewer inspection helps identify blockages before they cause a messy and unsanitary backup.
3. Essential When Buying a Home: If you’re purchasing a home, a sewer inspection can reveal hidden problems that a standard home inspection won’t catch. Many homebuyers don’t realize they are responsible for the sewer line up to the street. Discovering issues before buying can save you from unexpected repair costs.
4. Identify Tree Root Intrusions: Tree roots naturally seek out water sources, and your sewer pipes are a prime target. Over time, roots can break into your pipes, causing major blockages and leaks. A sewer camera inspection can catch root problems before they lead to costly pipe damage.
5. Helps Plan Future Plumbing Work: If you’re remodeling your home or planning a new landscaping project, a sewer inspection ensures that your pipes are in good condition. This prevents unexpected surprises during construction.

How Sewer Cameras Work

A sewer camera inspection is a straightforward process.

A plumber inserts a flexible camera attached to a fiber-optic cable into your sewer line. The camera sends real-time footage to a monitor, allowing the plumber to see inside the pipes. If a problem is found, the camera’s locator tool pinpoints its exact location and depth. The plumber records the inspection for further analysis and recommends the best repair solution.

Thanks to this technology, there’s no need to dig up your yard just to figure out what’s wrong with your sewer system.

Common Sewer Problems Found in Inspections

A sewer camera inspection can uncover a range of plumbing issues, including:

• Tree Root Invasion: Roots can enter small cracks in pipes, expanding and causing blockages.
• Cracked or Broken Pipes: Over time, pipes can deteriorate due to age, shifting soil, or corrosion.
• Major Blockages: Years of grease buildup, wipes, and debris can clog your sewer line.
• Sagging Pipes (Bellies): A sunken section of pipe can trap waste and cause frequent clogs.
• Leaks & Corrosion: Small leaks can develop into major problems if not detected early.

By identifying these problems early, a sewer inspection helps prevent costly emergency repairs.

Sewer Repair Options After an Inspection

If a sewer camera inspection finds an issue, there are two main repair methods.

1. Traditional Sewer Repair: This method involves digging up the damaged pipe and replacing it. While effective, it can be disruptive to landscaping and driveways. Traditional repair is usually necessary for collapsed or severely damaged pipes.
2. Trenchless Sewer Repair: Trenchless repair uses advanced methods like pipe lining or pipe bursting. It requires minimal digging, making it less invasive. This approach is often faster and more cost-effective than traditional repairs.

The type of repair needed depends on the severity of the problem, but catching issues early through a sewer inspection can help you explore less invasive solutions.

When Should You Get a Sewer Camera Inspection?

A sewer inspection isn’t just for emergencies. Here are some situations where it’s highly recommended.

• Before buying a home: Avoid unexpected plumbing problems in your new property.
• If you have frequent drain clogs: Persistent issues may indicate a deeper problem.
• If you notice foul odors: Bad smells from drains can signal a sewer issue.
• After tree removal near your sewer line: Roots could have caused unseen damage.
• Before major plumbing work: Ensure your sewer line can handle new additions.

Regular inspections help you stay ahead of costly repairs and plumbing disasters.

A Smart Investment for Homeowners

A sewer camera inspection is a simple yet powerful way to maintain a healthy plumbing system. Whether you’re buying a home, experiencing slow drains, or just want peace of mind, this inspection can save you from expensive and messy sewer problems.

By identifying issues early, you can avoid costly repairs, prevent sewage backups, and make informed decisions about your property. Don’t wait for a major plumbing disaster—schedule a sewer inspection today and protect your home from hidden sewer problems!

Call 1-Tom-Plumber 

Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need any plumbing, drain cleaning, water damage, or excavation service. 1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, or water damage problem. We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.