Sewer Scope Inspection

Why have your sewer system scoped?

No matter what pipe type is in your home, or the overall condition of the home, problems can still occur in the home's sewage system due to age, environment, plant roots, human error, etc... Thus, no matter how long your sewer lines are supposed to last, unforeseen events can still occur that may damage your sewage system. So sewer scoping gives you the knowledge of the condition of a home's plumbing system, as well as, giving you more confidence and reassurance in your home purchase. 
​WHAT TYPE OF DRAIN PIPES DO YOU HAVE?
Knowing the types of plumbing pipes in your home allows you take steps to prevent leaks, flooding, and potential health hazards. Nothing lasts forever, and that includes the plumbing systems of your home. Fortunately, the majority of pipe materials perform well for decades, but when that lifespan is reached, pipes may start to leak. ​When it comes to sewer lines, the period of time the sewer pipes will last is dependent on the material that was used to create the system, as well as, factors. 
There are 4 basic types of materials that were used to create sewer lines:
Clay pipes which were commonly used from 1900-1974
  • Clay pipes were an economical way for builders and sewer workers to create the main sewer line. There were several types of this pipe, but most were considered hard to work with and impervious to chemicals. Clay sewer pipes can typically last for 50 to 60 years. 
​Orangeburg pipes which started being used in 1900, but was most common from 1937-1950.
  • Orangeburg pipe are made of a ground-up cellulose, special water-resistant adhesive impregnated with liquefied coal tar pitch. This pipe is not good under pressure, but was light and easy to install. It became very common because all the iron and steel was being used in the war effort. Orangeburg pipes can typically last for 20 to 40 years
Cast Iron pipes have been commonly used from 1900-1980 
  • Cast iron pipe is still used today, but mainly in commercial buildings. It is a very strong pipe, capable of handling a very high internal pressure. Cast iron was widely used in residential homes till around 1970-80 It is regarded to have a lifespan of 50-70 years.
PVC pipes are most commonly used from 1980 to the present day.
  • PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipe was designed to last for long periods of time, typically over 100 years. After 1980 this pipe replaced the old version of clay pipes as the “go to” piping for sewer lines.​

​Some warning signs that a home's sewer line needs to be repaired or replaced:

Foul Odors due to cracked or damaged sewer lines
  • foul or strange odor in the home's yard.
    • As pipes age, both clay and PVC, they may become cracked or damaged. As a result, the substances that flow through them may begin to seep to the top of the ground. This is a classic indication that it is time to replace or re-line the sewer lines for your home.
  • Strange gurgling sounds in bathroom
  • Sludge in the bathtub or other nasty problems can occur

If you notice any of these signs, you should call an inspection company right away to prevent further problems. A broken or damaged sewer pipe can mean serious issues for your yard, as well as, your home, therefore taking action immediately is required. In most cases you can repair the sewer line using a trench-less sewer repair process, such as in instances of breaks in the line or roots in the pipe, however, if the damage is too extensive, it may be more economical to replace the entire sewer line. While this can be a costly expense, it will not be anything compared to the cost you will incur if the sewer line backs up into your home. Do not let this happen to you, call for a professional sewer camera inspection right away.
Hope Home Inspections LLC
​1748 Independence Blvd
​Unit E-7
Sarasota, FL  34234
941-773-1144
info@hopehomeinspections.com