- What is a sewer scope inspection?
- Why would I need a sewer scope inspection?
- What happens during a sewer scope inspection?
- How long does it take to perform a sewer scope inspection?
- How much does a sewer scope inspection cost?
- When should I get a sewer scope inspection?
- Can you perform a sewer scope inspection on a septic system?
A KC Area Sewer Scope Inspection is one of the most important inspections you can get when buying a new home.
Invisible and notoriously insidious, your main sewer line is like your internet connectionā you donāt usually think about it until it breaks.
But by then, itās too late. Youāre already holding your nose as you curse your swampy basement because you wish youād known sooner what you were up against.
Especially when you realize that not only do you have to pay for the smelly damage itās caused, but traffic jams on this particular stenchy superhighway cost anywhere from $500-$20,000 to clear.
This makes it one of the most important inspections you can get when buying a home.
What is a sewer scope inspection?
A KC area sewer scope inspection is a detailed examination of the inside of the sewer drain pipe from the home to the street (or wherever it connects to the city sewer line).
Why would I need a sewer scope inspection?
A clogged, crushed, cracked, offset, disconnected, or broken sewer line can cause thousands of dollars in nasty water damage to your home. Not only that, but since the sewer line is underground, the cost of repair can range from $500-$20,000 depending on depth, location, and amount of damage.
This means a sewer scope inspection will help you avoid future problems, budget for repairs, or negotiate with sellers before you buy the home.
What happens during a sewer scope inspection?
A trained professional passes a long camera through the homeās sewer line until it reaches the end (or it becomes blocked, whichever comes first).
They usually enter through the cleanout thatās located either in the basement or outside the home.
On the rare occasion there is no cleanout they will remove a toilet or go in from the roof.
How long does it take to perform a sewer scope inspection?
A sewer scope inspection usually takes less than an hour.
How much does a sewer scope inspection cost?
A KC area sewer scope inspection will cost between $150-$300, depending on complexity and number of sewer lines (95% of homes only have one).
When should I get a sewer scope inspection?
This is the million-dollar question.
Iāll never discourage anyone (heck, Iāve seen a crushed sewer line in a 2-year-old home and a broken sewer line in a brand-new home), but there are a few circumstances Iād almost insist you do it BEFORE you buy a home in the KC areaā¦
1. The home was built before 1980
From about 4000 BC to about 1960, vitrified clay was the most widely used drain material in the world.
Then from 1960 to 1980, cast iron became the upgrade. With better durability and a lifespan of 80-100 years, it was the new material of choice.
So sewer lines in homes built prior to 1980 are either clay, cast iron, or both.
The problem is they become brittle with age.
You might be thinking, āwait, cast iron pots and pans last foreverā.
True.
But not after 40 or 50 years in moist soil while water, waste, grease, food, and wet wipes work to erode the inside surfaces.
On top of all that, Kansas and Missouri have expansive soils that shift during wet and dry spells.
This means trouble for an old, splintering cast iron drain and provides plenty of reasons to get that sewer line checked.
2. The home is vacant
It doesnāt take much to make drain lines crack and leak ā even in a new home.
And when the home is occupied those cracks keep tree roots watered and happy.
But when the water stops, those thirsty roots start searching for water and become a pain in your drain.
So unless the seller can prove it was recently done, always perform a sewer scope on an empty house.
Especially if itās older and vacant.
3. The home was recently renovated
I canāt tell you how many rehabbed and renovated homes Iāve inspected that had debris shoved into tubs, toilets, and floor drains.
Those are backups waiting to happen (like when your washing machine and dishwasher are running at the same time)
Needless to say, making sure the water is turned on to the home so the water lines and drain lines can be checked is important.
And if the home is older, vacant, and rehabbed a sewer scope is a no-brainer.
Speaking of dirt and construction debris, this is also a good time to get the HVAC system ductwork cleaned.
Can you perform a sewer scope inspection on a septic system?
No. You do not perform a sewer scope inspection on a septic system.
This is because the homeās sewer line connects to a septic tank, rather than a city sewer line.
However, you can have the sewer line scoped from the home to the septic tank, but that is usually only 10-15 feet long.
If you have a septic system, you’ll need to call a septic service company to check your sewer line, septic tank, and leeching field.
