Do I Need a Sewer Scope Inspection in Mankato, MN?

Let Babe Plumbing perform a comprehensive sewer scope inspection when you call (507) 443-3427.  



Your sewer line stays largely hidden from view. For that reason, regular maintenance becomes essential to prevent issues. But unlike many other components of the home, you can’t determine the sewer line’s condition by simply looking at it. That’s where a sewer scope inspection comes in.

That said, it can sometimes be difficult to determine when you need one. If you purchased a new home, you may wonder, “Do I need a sewer scope inspection?”   

As experienced plumbers in Mankato, Minnesota, the Babe Plumbing crew delves deeper into sewer scope inspections, what they involve, and why they matter. Keep reading to find out when to schedule a sewer inspection.   

What Is a Sewer Scope Inspection?  

A sewer scope or sewer camera inspection involves using a specialized high-definition camera attached to a flexible fiber optic cable to investigate the sewer line. A sewer scope technician runs the camera through the sewer piping until it reaches the main city sewer line or septic tank.  

As the technician guides the sewer camera through the line, they observe the sewer line’s condition in real time on a monitor. These inspections can discover various issues, from improper pipe installation and damage to obstructions and much more.   

Sewer scope inspections can also pinpoint potential problem areas before they progress into costly repairs. After completing an inspection, the technicians will usually provide a report with detailed results and recommendations.  

Why Are Sewer Scope Inspections Crucial?  

As a property owner, you hold responsibility for the sewer line from your building to where it connects with the main city sewer line. Sewer scope inspections matter because without physically looking at your sewer pipes, you can never know their condition for sure. 

When you consider the distance your sewer line spans underground (often over 100 feet), imagining the potential issues that may arise becomes easy. Sewer repairs can cost an arm and a leg, with full-line replacements costing $10,000 or more, depending on severity.  

For example, when purchasing a new home, you want to avoid an expensive sewer line repair bill from the get-go. Knowing the sewer line’s condition before purchasing a new property holds immense value.  

A newly built property will generally have a structurally sound sewer line. However, new buildings may have defective sewer lines or unexpected damage, as well. Understanding the sewer line’s condition and assessing the severity of potential issues significantly influence the decision to purchase a new home. 

This same information also applies to current property owners or renters who suspect they have a sewer line problem and need a comprehensive assessment before hiring a contractor for repairs. That said, a sewer camera inspection provides reassurance and confirms the sewer line’s condition. 

When Is a Sewer Scope Inspection Necessary?  

Do I need a sewer scope inspection? It depends. While not every home or situation warrants a sewer pipe inspection, experts recommend getting one anytime you purchase a new home. 

Sewer line systems have an expected service life of about 50 years. Therefore, homes built before 1980 make prime candidates because of the age of their sewer lines.

Rather than go the DIY plumbing route, you should also definitely seek professional help from a plumber and consider an inspection if you’re experiencing issues that may relate to sewer line damage or blockages.  

While sewer scope inspections may not uncover all leaks or issues in piping under slabs, they capture most main line issues, major blockages, and damages. Common pipe defects a sewer scope inspection may help diagnose include the following.

Debris  

Occasionally, various unwanted items and other types of debris can become lodged in the sewer line, preventing the proper flow of waste through the sewer line.  

Tree Root Intrusion  

Small gaps in sewer pipe joints or sections can provide an entry point for invasive tree roots. As the roots grow, the pipe can crack and break, necessitating repair. Your plumber can typically resolve minor root intrusion regularly with minimal or no significant pipe damage.   

Routine sewer scope inspections help in assessing the amount of tree root intrusion.  

Offsets  

Sections of older piping can separate over time, causing an offset in the piping. Solid waste may not pass this offset, causing a leakage of wastewater into the surrounding soil. This leakage can result in further settling and eventually damage the piping.  

Low Areas  

The low area of a pipe, also known as a “belly,” can collect water and solid waste, compromising the pipe’s overall flow. The blockage can damage the pipe as it sags further or lead to a sewer back-up.

Pipe Collapse  

If extreme root intrusion or significant soil settlement occurs to a pipe because of a low area or offset, the pipe may collapse and prompt pipe repairs or a full excavation and replacement. In such rare cases, your plumber can assess your pipe’s condition as part of a sewer scope inspection.  

Home Inspections vs. Sewer Scope Inspections  

Home inspections, typically conducted before purchasing a home, can identify sewer line deficiencies, such as slow drainage, which might point to a blockage or other underlying problem. However, home inspections don’t include a sewer camera inspection.  

If a general home inspection indicates a potential issue that requires further investigation, the home inspector may recommend you follow up with a sewer scope inspection.  

Call Babe Plumbing Today for Professional Sewer Scope Inspection Services  

Now that you can answer the question, “Do I need a sewer scope inspection?” you want to hire only competent plumbers for the job. At Babe Plumbing, we make it our mission to deliver plumbing solutions that help families in Mankato live in safe, comfortable, and healthy homes.  

We want to help our clients avoid costly sewer line repairs or replacements and empower them to make the most informed decisions when purchasing a home. Want to learn more about a plumbing inspection? Reach out today. 

Call Babe Plumbing today at (507) 443-3427 to schedule a sewer scope inspection in Mankato, Minnesota.