Drain Line Inspection Report Problems

Drain Line Inspection Report Problems: What do Drain Inspections Look For? 

Common drain line problems that can be identified through a sewer inspection include tree roots, cracks, low pipes, clogs, grease buildup, collapsed pipes, and leaks. Tree roots can grow and invade your pipes, leading to clogs, while cracks in pipes, even small ones, can lead to big, expensive problems.

Drain lines can be a bit tricky to understand, but with a little bit of knowledge, you can avoid costly repairs. Bellies, which are low pipes, can be caused by poor installation or soil erosion. Meanwhile, clogs are blockages that can easily be removed with a drain auger. But watch out for grease buildup, which can cause slow drains and eventually lead to clogs and backups.

Collapsed pipes are unmistakable when identified during a drain line inspection. On the other hand, leaks are more challenging to identify, but wet spots on the lawn or sinkholes in the yard could indicate a leak.

It is crucial to comprehend your drain line inspection report to avoid getting ripped off and to know if you have sewer line problems. Familiarizing yourself with what to look for can assist you in diagnosing problems before they turn into bigger, more expensive problems. Using the right drain camera and drain auger can help you solve the problems yourself.

• Tree Roots
• Cracks
• Belly/Sagging (Low Pipes)
• Clogs
• Grease
• Collapsed Pipes
• Leaks

Tree Roots

Tree roots can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare when it comes to drain lines. These invasive roots can grow into and through pipes, causing water to flow slower and even leading to complete clogs.

Root intrusion can be easily spotted during a drain line inspection, as roots look just like, well, roots. Addressing the issue means dealing with the offending tree, or else the roots will continue to cause problems and headaches.

Cracks and your Drain Line Inspection Report

When it comes to drain line inspections, cracks are a sneaky culprit. They may appear as small black lines, but don’t let their size fool you. These tiny openings can cause significant issues if not detected early. In fact, even a small crack can quickly turn into a larger and more costly problem if left unaddressed.

This is why taking the time to thoroughly inspect the inside of your pipes is crucial. Don’t rush through the process, as you might miss even the slightest crack. By carefully examining your pipes, you can catch these pesky cracks before they turn into bigger headaches down the line.

Sagging Pipes, Low Pipes, or Bellies

Pipes might sag for a number of reasons. Usually, it’s because of some sort of soil issue, where the soil under your pipe has started to settle or give way because of erosion. It could even be because they were installed poorly.

You can tell your pipe is sagging if you suddenly have a dip in your pipes. Then, your pipes go right back up.

Clogs and your Drain Line Inspection Report

You can see this plain as day. Maybe its something that was flushed down the toilet. It could be an accumulation of gunk in your pipes or usually at the elbow in a pipe. This is an easy fix with a drain auger.

Grease

Fat burgs are a thing! Check out the video below. Grease might be liquid when hot, but, if it cools down it sticks to the inside of your pipes. Then, it gathers more grease and other floaties as it sits there. A collection of grease in your pipes will cause slow drains and eventually clogs and back ups.

Make sure to throw grease in the garbage and don’t pour it down the sink. Also, use a debris catcher in all your sink and tub/shower drains to prevent anything from getting down the pipes in the first place.

Collapsed Pipes

This one is pretty obvious when you see it while doing a drain inspection. You probably have signs above ground like sinkholes, green and wet lawn patches or sinking concrete.

Leaks

When it comes to detecting leaks in your pipes, it’s important to understand that simply looking at the inside of the pipes won’t cut it. While it can show you issues like cracks, bellies, or clogs, true leak detection requires a bit more effort and knowledge.

One way to tell if you might have a leak is by observing your lawn. If you notice particularly green spots, wet patches that persist throughout the year, or sinkholes, it’s possible that you have a leak. These signs shouldn’t be ignored, as even small leaks can lead to bigger problems over time.

Don’t let leaks go undetected – early detection and repair can save you time, money, and headaches down the line.

Why do I need to inspect my Drain lines?

Inspecting your sewer lines helps you identify any potential problems, such as clogs, cracks, tree roots, and other issues that can cause damage to your pipes and home. Regular inspections can help you catch these issues early and avoid costly repairs down the line. We recommend inspecting your lines twice per year.

How Do You Inspect a Drain Line? 

Inspecting a sewer line is done using a good drain camera.  You can do it yourself or hire a plumber to do the inspection.  Hiring a plumber can cost hundreds of dollars.  Or, you can buy yourself a drain camera and DIY.  A decent sewer camera costs about as much as 1 inspection by a plumber.   

But, you can use your new drain camera dozens of times to inspect any pipe, duct, or hard to reach place you want for many years to come. 

Is a Drain Line Inspection Report Part of a Home Inspection?  Should You get a Drain Line Inspection? 

Are you in the market for a new home? If so, you may be wondering if a drain inspection is included in the standard home inspection process. Unfortunately, the answer is no. While a home inspection covers many aspects of a property, specific things like drain lines are not typically included.

However, this doesn’t mean you should skip out on getting a drain scope inspection. In fact, it’s highly recommended that you have one done before making an offer on a home. It’s important to have your own camera or hire a professional to inspect the pipes on the property you’re interested in buying.

Why is a drain inspection so crucial? If there are significant drainage issues and you go ahead and purchase the property, you may end up facing expensive repairs. Not to mention, if there’s an emergency or flooding due to sewage and drainage backups, your home insurance policy probably won’t cover it. You’ll need a separate policy for that.

Once you’ve had a drain inspection completed, it’s important to understand the report to ensure that you’re not being taken advantage of and that you’re aware of any potential drain line problems. Don’t let an issue with your sewer lines take you by surprise after you’ve already made a major investment in your home. Protect yourself and your wallet by getting a sewer inspection before closing on a new property.

How do I inspect my drain lines?

You can inspect your drain lines using a good drain camera. You can either hire a professional plumber to do the inspection or do it yourself by purchasing a drain camera. It’s important to take your time during the inspection to ensure that you don’t miss any potential issues.

Drain Line Inspection Report Conclusion

A drain line inspection report is an important document that can provide crucial information about the condition of your sewer line. It can help you identify potential problems and take preventive measures to avoid costly repairs in the future.

If you’re planning to buy a new home, getting a drain line inspection report is a must. It can give you peace of mind and save you from unexpected expenses in the long run.

However, it’s important to understand that no drain line is perfect. Even if the inspection report identifies some problems, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the property is not worth buying. Instead, it gives you the opportunity to negotiate with the seller and potentially reduce the sale price or request repairs before closing.

Remember, a drain line inspection report is just one part of the overall picture when it comes to buying a property. It’s important to consider all aspects and make an informed decision.

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