Signs That You Need A Sewer Inspection

Sewer problems are usually out of sight, making them hard for homeowners to detect until significant damage has occurred. However, you can catch issues early and take action by watching for certain warning signs.

A sewer line inspection can help you identify the exact issue and address it before it turns into costly repairs. Recognize the common signs of potential sewer issues, when to schedule a sewer inspection, how much one costs, and the benefits of regular inspections.

Common Warning Signs of Sewer Issues

Most of your home’s sewer system is underground, making it difficult to inspect yourself. However, there are signs you can look for that can help you identify potential sewer system problems. Here’s a breakdown of the most common:

Slow Draining or Frequent Clogs

One of the earliest signs of a sewer problem is slow draining in your sinks, tubs, or showers. If you’ve noticed that your drains are sluggish or tend to clog frequently, it could be more than just a minor inconvenience.

Should you get a sewer line inspection for a slow drain? Professionals may recommend it if you cannot find evidence of a clog or DIY solutions don’t help. Persistent drainage issues may suggest a blockage deep in the sewer drain or even tree root intrusions. A professional sewer inspection using a sewer camera can reveal any obstruction in the sewer line, whether it’s grease buildup, debris, or invasive roots.

Foul Odors

Unexplained, unpleasant smells in or around your home can be a sign of a sewer gas leak. A damaged or cracked drain line can let sewer gases out and into your property. One of the compounds in sewer gases is hydrogen sulfide, recognizable by its rotten egg-like odor. Hydrogen sulfide isn’t just unpleasant; it is flammable and hazardous to your health.

Is a sewer inspection necessary after finding foul odors? In most cases, the answer is yes, particularly if you can’t find evidence of mold, bacterial growth, or a clogged drain. A quick sewer scope inspection can identify where the leak is happening, helping you get your sewer cleaned before the problem worsens.

Water Backups

Water backups in sinks, toilets, or tubs are more than a frustrating mess—they’re a clear sign of a blocked sewer line. When wastewater can’t flow freely due to a blockage, it may flow back into your home and potentially cause water damage.

A single water backup is already a plumbing emergency—if it happens more than once, schedule a sewer line inspection as soon as possible. Sewer cameras can detect the cause of these backups and determine whether debris, grease buildups, or collapsed pipes are responsible.

Unexplained Green Patches in Your Yard

If you’ve noticed unusually green or lush patches of grass in your yard, your sewer lines may be leaking underground. Grass and vegetation in your yard will absorb the wastewater seeping into your soil, causing them to grow and appear greener than usual.

If you spot these lush patches, consider scheduling a sewer line inspection to detect and address potential leaks. If not addressed on time, excess wastewater can cause soil erosion, increasing the risk of damage to your home’s foundation.

Mold Growth

While mold and mildew are commonly associated with plumbing leaks, they can also occur due to a sewer line problem. For instance, a broken or cracked sewer line can cause moisture to build up behind your walls or in the basement, increasing humidity levels and creating the ideal conditions for mold growth.

If you’ve noticed mold away from your regular plumbing lines or in unexpected places, contact a professional and request a sewer inspection. They can determine whether excess moisture is seeping in from the sewer lines.

Unusual Sounds (Gurgling or Bubbling)

If your plumbing system starts making strange gurgling or bubbling noises, it usually means that air is escaping from a blockage inside your pipes. These blockages often come from buildups of fat, oil, or grease deep in the sewer lines. Other possible causes include tree root intrusions or crushed pipes.

A sewer inspection can help you determine whether the clog is inside your sewer lines and what is causing the noises.

When to Schedule a Sewer Inspection

Sewer inspections can help you detect and address potential sewer problems before they cause lasting damage. Consider scheduling a sewer inspection in the following situations:

• Buying an older home: If you’re purchasing a home that was manufactured more than 20 years ago, its plumbing system may use outdated, less durable materials, such as cast iron. A sewer inspection when buying a house can save you from unexpected repair costs down the line.
• Experiencing frequent plumbing issues: If you’re dealing with recurring clogs or backups, a sewer inspection can reveal whether your lines are worn out or damaged.
• After prior sewer problems: If your home has experienced sewer issues in the past, scheduling regular sewer inspections can help you monitor the lines’ condition and check whether the repairs are holding up.

Benefits of Regular Sewer Inspections

While many homeowners may only schedule a sewer inspection when a problem arises, routine sewer camera inspections offer numerous benefits:

• Preventative maintenance. Regular sewer inspections conducted by professionals help you catch potential issues before they worsen. It’s a simple way to find and address small cracks, minor leaks, or root intrusions. These small repairs will extend your sewer lines’ lifespan.
• Reduces the risk of emergencies. Routine sewer scope inspections include minor repairs, reducing the risk of severe damage inside your piping. You are less likely to experience plumbing emergencies and their costly aftermath, such as a burst sewer line or a flooded basement.
• Improves your home value. Regularly scheduled inspections can also improve your home’s value. If you’re considering selling your property, potential buyers will be more likely to pay your asking price if they know a professional has recently inspected and checked the sewer lines.

How Much Does a Sewer Inspection Cost?

Homeowners interested in scheduling regular inspections often ask, “How much does a sewer inspection cost?”

The national average cost of a sewer camera inspection is $285. However, the exact price can vary from as low as $75 to $1,000 or more. Potential variables include the length and complexity of your sewer system, the type and location of the sewer issues, and the extent of any necessary repairs. The older the home, the more likely an inspection will take longer due to the higher risk of wear, tear, and damage.

While the upfront cost of scheduling an inspection might seem high, it’s a necessary investment to avoid more expensive damage and repairs. For example, if your sewer line fails, you may face $50 to $250 per square foot of replacement piping, plus the costs of repairing water damage and other issues.

Book Your Sewer Inspection Today

Sewer inspections are essential for maintaining a healthy plumbing system and catching potential problems early. Whether you’re dealing with slow drains or strange odors or are in the process of purchasing a home, a sewer scope inspection can provide valuable insight into the condition of your sewer lines.