• Earthquakes, construction work or other sources of ground movement can shake up your pipes and cause them to crack or break. These cracks can let in water or tree roots that can further damage your pipes.
• Tree roots are always looking for water and nutrients, and they can find them in your sewer pipes. They can pierce through holes or cracks in your pipes and create clogs or backups. They can also wrap around your pipes and squeeze them until they collapse.
• Soil conditions such as acidity, moisture or oxygen level can speed up the corrosion of your pipe walls and make them weaker and leakier. Corrosion can also affect the metal parts that connect different sections of your pipes.
• Poor installation practices such as using wrong materials, techniques or alignment can lead to early failure of your sewer lines. For example, if your pipes are not properly sloped or supported, they can sag or belly and create low spots where water and debris collect and form clogs.
• Pipe characteristics such as age, diameter, material, length, gradient/slope etc. can influence how well your pipes perform and last. For instance, older pipes may be made of materials like clay, cast iron or orangeburg that are more prone to deterioration than newer materials like PVC or HDPE. Smaller diameter pipes may not be able to handle increased water volume due to population growth or climate change. Longer pipes may have more bends and turns that increase friction and reduce flow velocity. Improper slope may cause water stagnation or overflow.
• Fats, oils and grease (FOG) are some of the worst enemies of your sewer pipes. They can stick to the pipe walls and trap other materials like hair, food particles etc., creating blockages and backups. They can also react with chemicals in wastewater and create corrosive substances that can damage the pipe walls.

These enemies of your sewer pipes can strike at any time, but they can be worsened by unstable weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, frost etc., that can increase water volume and pressure in the pipes . Unstable weather can also cause soil erosion or shifting that can expose or displace the pipes.

A sewer scope inspection is a smart way to protect your home or business from nasty and costly sewer issues. It lets you see inside your sewer line, which is the pipe that carries wastewater away from your property to the main sewer line or septic tank. A sewer scope inspection uses a video camera attached to a flexible cable to check the condition of your pipe.

By getting a sewer scope inspection, you can:

Find out if your sewer line is damaged, such as cracked, broken, corroded, sagging or collapsed. These problems can cause leaks, backups or blockages that can ruin your property and create health and environmental hazards. Discover if your sewer line is blocked by tree roots, grease, debris or foreign objects. These things can reduce the flow of wastewater in your pipe and cause backups or overflows that can flood your property and produce foul smells. Spot any potential trouble spots in your sewer line, such as low spots, bends, joints, connections, or transitions. These things can affect how strong and efficient your pipe is and make it more likely to get damaged or blocked. Learn about the age, material, diameter, length and slope of your sewer line. These factors can influence how well your pipe works and lasts. Older pipes may be made of materials that wear out faster than newer materials. Smaller pipes may not be able to handle more water due to population growth or climate change. Longer pipes may have more friction and less speed. Improper slope may cause water to stagnate or overflow. A sewer scope inspection can help you make smart decisions about fixing, replacing or maintaining your sewer line. It can also help you avoid surprises or troubles that may come from sewer issues. It is especially recommended for homeowners or homebuyers who have properties that were built before 1980, when pipes were made of less durable materials.

A sewer inspection using a sewer inspection camera can save you thousands of dollars in repairs and prevent potential disasters. Find out what’s lurking in your pipes with a sewer scope inspection near me by AA Home Inspection. Contact us now at (513) 319-7770 or (859) 448-0213 and get a free quote for your sewer scope inspection.