Imagine discovering that a small, undetected crack in your sewer line has now escalated into a $10,000 repair job.
For most California homeowners, this isn’t just an imagination; they have lived this reality at some point.
But you need to save yourself from falling into that list. You can easily avoid the issues with a simple sewer line inspection. Yes, you have been maintaining your home regularly, but the health of your sewer lines often goes unnoticed until it becomes costly.
Given California’s unique challenges, from shifting soil to invasive tree roots, you must ask yourself: Do I need a sewer line inspection for my home?
Yes, you really need a sewer line inspection for your home. In this blog, we will discuss the reasons why and how this preventive measure is not just an option but a necessity for homeowners across the Golden State.
Why Sewer Line Inspections Are Important?
When we talk about California, sewer line inspections are important, and this is because of the state’s unique environmental and infrastructural challenges. Below, we have discussed some of the most compelling reasons to get a sewer line inspection.
Tree Root Intrusion
The mature trees are a defining feature of older neighborhoods. Surely, these trees add beauty and value to properties, but (oops) their extensive root systems pose significant risks to the underground sewer lines.
Naturally, roots seek moisture and can infiltrate small cracks in sewer pipes. This can cause blockages, leaks, and eventually major damage. However, with a sewer line inspection in place, you can detect root intrusion early and take preventative measures before it gets out of hand.
Earthquake and Soil Movement
California’s seismic activity is known to everyone, and it not only affects buildings above ground, but it affects it from within the ground as well. Earthquakes and even minor soil shifts can crack or displace sewer pipes. This can lead to leaks or complete pipe failures.
A sewer line inspection can help you identify such problems before they become serious and expensive over time.
Aging Infrastructure
Most houses in California have aging sewer systems that are made of outdated materials like cast iron or clay. These materials are not as lasting as one might hope. They are prone to deterioration over time, leading to leaks, cracks, and blockages. You can always schedule a sewer line inspection to assess the condition of these older pipes. In fact, these inspections will also help you plan any necessary repairs or replacements. This will allow you to avoid unexpected failures in the future.
Preventing Costly Repairs
Replacing or repairing your sewer line can cost you an arm and a leg, often up to thousands of dollars. But almost every time, the problem starts off as an undetected issue that can quickly escalate into a major repair job if left undetected and unaddressed. To avoid such costly surprises down the road, it is always better to be aware of what’s going on underground. For this, there’s no better way than sewer line inspections. These inspections are a cost-effective way to identify and address potential issues before they require extensive and expensive repairs. Eventually, it will save you from unexpected financial burdens.
Increasing Property Value
If you are planning to sell your house, then a well-maintained sewer system could be your unique selling point. In fact, at times, most homebuyers ask for sewer inspections when buying a house. So, to land potential buyers, it would be better to get a sewer line inspection before putting your home on the market.
If you choose to neglect this aspect of your property and home maintenance, you can expect reduced offers or delays in the sale process.
All of this not only makes sewer line inspection a recommendation, but it is also a necessity to maintain the value, safety, and functionality of your home.
How Long Does A Sewer Inspection Take?
In California, a sewer inspection can take about 1 to 2 hours to complete. However, the exact time of a sewer inspection can vary based on different factors, including:
- Size of the property – larger homes take longer to inspect and vice versa
- Access to sewer lines – if the sewer lines are easily accessible, the inspection doesn’t take longer.
- Condition of the sewer line – if there are major issues with the sewer lines, it might take longer to navigate the camera through the pipes.
- Complexity of the system – older homes with outdated and complex sewer systems require more time to inspect.
- Type of equipment used – using advanced technology for the inspection speeds up the process, allowing more efficient and detailed examination.
Even after such factors, you can still expect the inspection to be completed within a couple of hours. This makes it relatively quick and an essential part of maintaining your home’s plumbing system.
Conclusion
Sewer line inspections are not just a precautionary measure but a vital part of maintaining your home. The unique challenges posed by California’s environment, from tree root intrusion to seismic activity, make regular inspections an important step for avoiding costly repairs. This helps in protecting your property value, and ensuring the safety of your home.
Whether you’re planning to sell your house or simply want to maintain it for the long term, investing in a sewer line inspection can save you from unexpected financial burdens and provide peace of mind. Don’t wait for a minor issue to escalate into a major problem—schedule your sewer line inspection today and keep your home’s plumbing system in top condition.
Don’t wait until a small issue becomes a costly problem. Orange and South Coast Property Services offer comprehensive sewer scope inspections to identify potential issues before they become major headaches. Our expert team uses advanced technology to provide a thorough examination of your sewer lines, giving you peace of mind and helping you avoid unexpected repair costs.