Why you should have your sewer line inspected regularly
Considering every household has a lot of waste over a year, it’s completely understandable why many septic systems get overloaded and malfunction. The problems with septic systems develop slowly and make a huge mess mainly because people don’t detect them on time. It’s just easy to overlook the need to inspect the sewer that goes deep underground, far away from the eyesight. However, if you let these problems build and neglect regular inspections and maintenance, you are likely to face expensive and troublesome system bursts.
Instead of paying thousands of dollars on urgent repairs, you can learn to prevent sewer line problems and avoid them altogether. We are here to help you with the crucial process of sewer inspection and maintenance. With us, you’ll learn why you should have your sewer line inspected regularly and how to do it properly so you don’t end up with bursts in the system.
Is a Sewer Inspection Necessary?
Sewer inspections are necessary and should become part of your regular house inspection checklist. Many homeowners make the mistake of neglecting their sewer line, thinking this part of their property doesn’t require much care. However, no matter how durable the sewer system turns out to be, it’s still prone to damage and can malfunction. Unfortunately, these problems often arise when and where least expected.
To prevent unfortunate events that could cost you an arm and a leg, make sure to inspect your sewer system every now and then and maintain it properly. Not convinced yet? Read on to find out what can happen to your home if you neglect the problems in your sewer system.
Risks of Ignoring Sewer Line Maintenance
- Expensive Repairs. Sewer line repairs are pricey, to say at least. Regular inspections and maintenance might seem like an unnecessary and costly investment, but these actions will save you a lot of money in the long run.
- Excessive Damage. If you inspect the sewer line regularly, you can catch problems early on and prevent their growth. That way, you can avoid excessive repairs and expensive damage to the property.
- System Collapse. When left untreated, sewer line problems can lead to extreme damage and even cause the entire system to collapse. This is especially true for older homes and sewer systems that have been used for many years.
- A Threat to Your Home. Sewer damage isn’t only expensive but dangerous for the structure of your home. They often lead to issues such as flooding and water leaks, which furthermore result in damage to your property and completely ruined home aesthetics.
Benefits to Sewer Inspections
Regular sewer line inspections have more benefits than it might seem at first. With regular checkups, you get to monitor the condition of your sewer line and keep it in top condition at all times. Plus, you can determine what steps you need to follow to minimize wear and tear.
When you take a look at your sewer line now and then, you also minimize the work you have to do in the future. Truth to be told, it’s better to run a quick inspection every year or so than to spend hours and days cleaning and repairing the sewer. Regular inspections are as cost-efficient as time-saving.
Lastly, if you’re about to buy a new house, don’t forget to perform a sewer inspection before the purchase. This will help you detect underlying issues and prevent additional costly investments. The best would be to hire a plumber and let the expert assess the condition of the sewer. With the report coming from a professional, you can address the problem to the sellers and make sure they resolve it before you buy a house.
The Process of Sewer Inspection
Sewer line inspection is usually performed by sending a mini camera down the pipe to check the condition of the entire system. Live video footage allows plumbers to determine the root of the problem and where it’s taken place. Once the inspection is performed, the plumbers will advise you whether to repair the damage immediately or not. In most cases, it’s best to take care of the problem right away and prevent more excessive damage.
Most plumbers recommend carrying out sewer line inspections every six to twelve months. However, your trusted plumber will give you more information on the topic, depending on the condition of your sewer system and the situation. If you still don’t have a plumber and you’re in need of plumbing services in Phoenix, call us! Hansen Family Plumbing and Air is here to help you run a sewer inspection, maintenance, and replacement with the greatest accuracy and at an affordable cost.
The Importance of Hiring a Professional Plumber
With the help of professionals, you take all the guesswork out of the equation. After performing a sewer inspection, your plumber will pinpoint the root of the problem and take care of it immediately. There won’t be any extra expenses or DIY mistakes. You can sit back and relax, knowing your home is safe. Plus, you get to run the inspection and necessary repairs without spending a lot of money.
Another benefit of having your sewer inspected by professionals is accuracy. Plumbers use special tools and techniques to find problems. They also conduct video inspections and explain to homeowners the root of the problem, so they can have a better idea of what’s happening. The video evidence also comes in handy when it comes to working with the insurance company. With a sewer line inspection report, you can support your claim and get insurance coverage with ease.
FAQ
To make sure you have a good grasp of the topic, we answer some frequently asked questions about sewer line inspection, maintenance, and repair. Hopefully, this will help you decide on the actions you need to take to keep the system running smoothly and protect your home.
How often should I have my sewer inspected?
It all depends on the condition and age of your sewer line. If you took good care of the system over the years and it’s less than 10 years old, a yearly inspection should do the trick. For older and less maintained sewer lines, we recommend a checkup every six months or so. Other factors such as the property size, the trees on the lawn, and the number of residents should also be considered. Your sewer maintenance service company will advise you on the best action depending on the situation.
How much does it cost to scope a sewer line?
A sewer scope price depends on several factors, including the length of the plumbing, the reason for the inspection, and the results. If a plumbing company finds issues in the sewer line and you decide to trust it with the repairs, that will certainly cost more than the initial inspection. An inspection alone can range anywhere between $100 and $1,000. We recommend you ask a plumber for the quote first and then decide whether to proceed or not.
Is sewer line repair covered by homeowners insurance?
Unfortunately, homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover the sewer line repair or replacement in most cases. If your system is malfunctioning due to old age or regular wear, your insurance company won’t approve your claim. You will only get coverage for sudden damage, that is, unexpected situations that cause financial losses. These situations often occur due to other people’s negligence (e.g. sloppy contractors who install the line improperly) or weather.
Still, keep in mind that even the damage from tree roots is gradual and won’t be accepted by your insurance company. That’s why it’s essential to run regular sewer inspections and make sure everything is in order. Plus, you can provide evidence to your insurance company that you take care of the sewer line, and thus, get approved for claims easier.
How do you know when your sewer line needs to be replaced?
When you neglect common sewer line issues, you are likely to face damage or complete failure of the entire system. Gurgling noises in the toilet, extremely slow drains, bad smells around the house, or damp patches of the lawn are all the signs it’s time to replace the sewer line. However, the final assessment can come only from your plumber after the sewer system inspection.
Get the Inspection Done With Hansen Family Plumbing
If you think you have a problem with the sewer line or the time has come for a regular inspection, Hansen Family Plumbing and Air is at your disposal. We are a highly qualified and experienced plumbing company serving Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, and other surrounding areas. Our licensed and trained professionals are well-versed in all kinds of plumbing services, including drain sewer inspection, repair, and replacement. They provide the highest accuracy on the job site and ensure customer satisfaction after every project.
Don’t let your house stay unprotected, and consult professionals on your plumbing, drain, and sewer systems. Hansen Family Plumbing and Air will not only be there for emergencies but provide the much-needed guidance when it comes to DIY inspections and maintenance. Contact us here and resolve your sewer line problems once and for all!
