DO I NEED A SEWER SCOPE?
Because a home’s sewer line is underground, it isn’t something you see walking through a home, which is why adding this service to your home inspection is crucial. Scoping the sewer line provides important information about the state of the line and alerts you to any issues. Over & Under Property Inspection performs sewer scope as part of a comprehensive inspection in central Arkansas. Our sewer scope inspection can reveal existing problems or potential issues that need to be addressed prior to purchasing a home.
The age of the home can indicate the necessity of adding a sewer scope to your home inspection. We recommend sewer scopes on homes 20 yrs old or older. If you are looking at purchasing an older home, a professional sewer scope is a wise investment. The maintenance and possible replacement of a sewer line is the responsibility of the current homeowner. If you purchase a home that has a faulty line, the repair and replacement become your responsibility. Taking care of the problem before you purchase the home will help you avoid costly repair work before you take possession of your new home.
PIPE CRACKS - TREE ROOTS
Small gaps in sections of piping can allow tree roots to enter the sewer line. As the roots grow, the pipe can break and crack, requiring repair. Minor tree root intrusion can be rooted and cleared on a regular basis, with minimal or no significant pipe damage. Assessing the amount of root intrusion is part of a sewer scope inspection.
DEBRIS IN PIPE
Occasionally construction debris or other flushed items can become lodged in the sewer line, preventing the flow of waste through the pipe.
LOW – IMPROPER PIPE PITCH
Also known as a ‘belly’, these low areas can collect water and solid waste, causing poor flow through the pipe and can lead to back-up and damage to the pipe as it sags further.
PIPE DAMAGED OR COLLAPSE
If extreme root intrusion has occurred or significant soil settlement has occurred around the area due to offsets or a low area, complete pipe collapse can occur, requiring full excavation and repair of the sewer line. While rare, this condition can be assessed as part of a sewer scope inspection.
CLOGS
Clogs are small obstructions that block the flow of water. They can be anything from hair to food particles to tree roots. Clogs can build up over time and eventually stop water from draining completely. To fix clogs, you need to remove them manually or use a plunger.
TYPES OF PIPES USED:
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Clay: Life Span 100 yrs +. Earliest known drain lines used up to the late 1970’s
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Reinforced concrete pipes: Life Span – 100yrs. Early 1900 to the 1970’s Most Common 1920 – 1950’s
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Asbestos cement pipes: Life Span 100 yrs. Also Know as Transite Mid 1800’s through the 1950’s Banned in 1973 and total Ban early 1980”s
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Orangeburg pipes: Life Span-30-50yr. Also known as bituminous fiber pipes, Made from asphalt-wood pulp composite, these were used from the 1860s to the 1970s. Primarily used during the 40’s and 50”s
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Cast iron pipes: Life Span 50-60 yrs. These were installed in the 1800’s but most often between the 1950s and 1980s. But Some Local Municipalities today still require Cast Iron Installation.
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PVC and ABS: Life Span- 50-100yrs. 1970’s to Present. Newer homes, including new construction, that use PVC can also have sewer problems related to poor installation practices, damage caused by vehicles, construction debris inside the drains and sometimes intentional vandalism. It is recommended that even new homes have a sewer scope inspection.