Sewage video inspections
- We can see inside your sewage pipes
- Any home greater than 20 years old should consider a video scope inspection
- Photo/Video evidence of all conditions provided to our clients
What is a Sewage Scope Inspection
a sewer scope inspection involves entering the sewage pipe lateral at a clean out or other access point using a specialized camera with a flexible cord to examine the interior of a property’s sewer line from the building to the street. This process helps identify potential, hidden issues such as blockages, damage, or deterioration within the sewer pipe.
- The camera is inserted into the sewer line and carefully navigated through the pipes.
- As the camera moves, it transmits real-time video footage to a monitor, allowing the technician to see the interior of the pipes.
- The technician records the video footage and may take notes on any issues or abnormalities observed and provides any disclosures and the recorded video in a report.
- Property owners are responsible for the sewage pipe lateral from the house to the municiple connection.
- Problems with the sewage lateral pipe are typically not covered by home owners insurance.
Why would I need a Sewage Scope Inspection
Pre-Purchase inspection – Before buying a home, a sewer video inspection can reveal hidden issues that could be costly to repair, giving you peace of mind or bargaining power.
Older Homes – Properties with aging plumbing systems are more prone to issues like corrosion, tree root intrusion, and pipe deterioration. Regular inspections can help determin the condition of the pipes
Persistent clogs or back-ups – If you frequently experience slow drains, backups, or recurring clogs, a video inspection can help identify the underlying cause of the problem.
Post construction – After completing new construction or renovations, a video inspection can verify that the sewer line wasn’t damaged during the work and that workmanship was done correctly.
Proximity to Trees – If there are large trees near your sewer line, their roots can grow into the pipes and cause blockages or damage. A video inspection can detect these intrusions early.
Unexplained odars or soggy lot – Foul smells emanating from your drains or yard or a soggy mushy lot could indicate a problem in the sewer line that a video inspection can locate
Common issues with sewage pipes
Root intrusion – Roots will find their way in to the smallest of openings to go after the sewage nutrients and eventually clog the pipe. Can be jetted periodically but may need repair.
Offset – This occures when a pipe joint shifts and creates a ridge or break that will collect debris. Repair required.
Blockage – This is simply a clog caused by heavy debris or grease build-up. Can usually be jetted clean.
Bellied – This is a sag or dip in the pipes which slows drainage or collects debris leading to a clog. Still somewhat functional but may need eventual correction.
Crushed or collapsed – Usually caused by heavy equipment or old pipe failure. Typically requires replacement.
Qualified Sewage Scope Experts
- We are licensed, trained, and certified to perform sewage camera inspections in Virginia and North Carolina
- Over 30 years experience
- Video reports delivered the same day
Sewage pipe video clips
Example of satisfactory sewage pipe
Example of root intrusion, catching debris
Example of bellied pipe holding water
Example of grease build-up and blockage
Example Sewage Pipe reports
All reports will include a full video of the sewage pipe scan, Photos of issues found, location of issues and reommendations
Examples of video footage
Bellied, corrode pipe, holding water, clogged
Collapsed vitrified clay pipe
Frequently asked questions
Why would I get a sewage video inspection?
- It’s the only way you can determine the interior condition of the sewage pipes. A good rule of thumb is if the home has ever had indications of problems like back-ups or slow drains, or the home is over 20 years old you should consider a sewage video inspection. Of primary concern is older homes with cast iron or vitrified clay drain pipes.
- Information is empowering, avoide costly repairs.
- Home owners insurance typically does not cover pipes outside of the foundation.
What kind of issues do you find during a video inspection?
- It varies and largely depends on the age of the pipes.
- In newer pipes we see often see debris and clogs, offset connections, bellies holding water, separated joints, root intrusion, heavy equipment damages
- In older pipes we see corrosion, terberculation, cracks, collapse.
Why don't I just get a plumber to video the sewage pipes?
You can but they are more exspensive and it’s hard to get them scheduled during the time of the building/home inspection.
Do you provide a copy of the video?
Yes. We provide a copy of the full pipe span video from the house to the street with notations and screen shots of issues discovered along the way. The video and photos are insertted into your inspection report.
Do you do stand-alone sewage cam videos without a house inspection
NO, Typically sewage scope inspections are completed during a regular building/home inspection, but sometimes we can make special arrangements depending on scheduling demands. Stand alone inspections have an additional service charge to cover time and travel.
Do you remove toilets or install clean-out access points
NO, Inspectors are not permitted to perform any plumbing services on the homes plumbing components
What do I do if you find defects or damages?
Share the video inspection report with one or more qualified plumber and get estimates for repairs or corrections.
What happens if you can not find and access point to insert the camera?
If there is no access point for the camera or the clean-out access is siezed shut, we will not be able to perform the video inspection service. There will be a small service fee for set up and time spent, but you don’t have to pay the full amount.
What are your credentials to perform sewage latteral pipe inspections?
- We have 30+ years experience doing sewage latteral inspections
- All inspectors are are InterNACHI certified sewage scope inspectors.
Advanced Quality Reporting
Fully comprehensive reports with hi-res photos, narrated videos and detailed explainations. Web based, delivered same day. easily PDF'd or shared. Built-in repair request builder. Home reference with each report. Repair cost estimates available for each report. See genuine report examples
Best Education and Experience
Family and Vet owned local business doing only inspections since 1991. Advanced in-house training systems and continuing Ed, All inspectors at a senior level with over 1000 inspections. Multiple inspectors for large jobs. Full support staff.
Best Tools and Equipment
- All inspectors are fully equiped with gas and CO detectors, thermal cameras, moisture meters, anemometers, high resolution cameras, endoscopes, UV light
- Sewage video camera, drone aircraft
Deeply comprehensive inspections
Not just a casual visual walk through, We do 100% checks on all systems and their components. Walk all roofs when safe, Crawl all crawlspaces, attics and kneewalls. Analyize all framing, foundations and general quality and characture of construction.
Fully Liscensed and Certified
- VA Board liscensed, NC Board liscensed
- ASHI certified. NACHI Certified
- New residential structures certified
- VDACS inspector/applicator certified
- FAA UAS drone certified
Superior protection and support
- "No questions asked" satisfaction guarantee
- 90 Day performance guarantee
- Continuing support well into the future for as long as you need it.
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Top-rated Inspection services company in Southeast Virginia and Northeast North Carolina. The honest. organic, and extraordinary reviews we receive from our clients are a testimony to our level of commitment, professionalism, and trust.
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