Sewer lines play a vital role in managing waste for households, which makes them an essential component of the plumbing system.
Over time, sewer lines tend to clog, causing overloads and malfunctions. Repairing or replacing them isn’t cheap, as it’s a labour-intensive process that can really hit your wallet.
So, it becomes essential to prevent such instances from occurring altogether. After all, no one likes to pay thousands on preventable urgent repairs. And this is where professional inspections come in.
Regular inspections help prevent frequent sewer line issues. This guide dives into all the details about sewer inspections, so stick around to learn more!
The Risks Of Avoiding Sewer Inspections
You might wonder if sewer inspections are essential. Many homeowners mistakenly think they can do without them, but this mindset can lead to serious problems. A faulty sewer system can cause various issues, from minor blockages to significant structural damage. Ignoring regular inspections could lead to costly repairs, health hazards, and even property damage.
No matter how robust your sewer system is, regular maintenance is essential to keep it running smoothly. Skipping inspections can allow minor issues to snowball into major headaches, disrupting your life and costing more down the track.
Here are the risks of avoiding sewer inspections:
1. Repairs Can Be Very Costly
When you encounter a fault in the sewer system, you will require the assistance of a professional plumbing team to take care of it. To say that the task can be complicated and involve much effort on the team’s part is putting it mildly.
Sewer repairs often involve thorough inspection, clearing blockages and replacing damaged, burst or broken pipes. The costs will increase quickly if your sewage system requires all these during repairs.
2. Sewer Damage May Worsen
Skipping regular inspections can make sewer damage worse. This not only broadens the repair scope but could potentially lead to a total sewer system collapse.
When a sewer system collapses, multiple drains back up because the waste has nowhere to go. In such cases, basic solutions like plunging won’t do the trick. You’ll need a professional to sort this out.
Suffice it to say a total sewer system collapse is the last thing you’d want.
3. May Compromise The Structural Integrity Of Your Home
Cracked or broken sewer lines can allow wastewater to leak into your walls or foundations, compromisingthe structural integrity of your home and causing the supporting walls to develop cracks.
Such leaks are often a bad sign since the damage they cause can’t be undone easily. If the leaking wastewater is washing away the foundational soil, it can lead to unfortunate consequences. In the worst cases, the house may even collapse.
This isn’t a problem that can be taken lightly. Quick action will save you a lot of trouble from a faulty sewer system.
4 Signs You Need A Sewer Inspection
1. Foul Odour
Sewer gas smells awful and is often one of the first signs of a fault with your sewage system. The gas can leak into your home due to a total sewer collapse, which is undesirable in all circumstances.
A sewer ought to be airtight, and any cracks in the system cause the gas to move into your home and surrounding areas. In addition to being foul and nauseating, the sewer gas leak is a hazard to your health.
2. Wastewater Drains Slowly
A slowly draining shower or toilet is a telltale sign of a faulty sewer system. If you ever notice wastewater draining slowly even after using standard DIY fixes, it may be time to have the system inspected.
There is a chance that the issue will grow more severe, and a professional may be able to prevent it from happening.
3. Septic Tank Issues
Septic wastewater might start pooling in your yard or around your home since the tanks sit just a few feet underground.
You may want to call for professional help if you notice this happening. After all, septic waste in your vicinity is a severe hazard to your health.
4. Sudden Increase In Insect Or Rodent Activity
A broken sewer line allows insects and rodents to enter the house, leading to various issues.
Rodents, like rats, can squeeze through the tiniest cracks to enter your home. On the other hand, insects often find their way into the house through drain pipes. The former can result from wastewater leaking into the walls, while the latter may result from excessive damage to the plumbing system.
Increased rodent or insect presence in your house can cause health issues and property damage. Stagnant water is an excellent breeding ground for insects, so it’s crucial to address the problem immediately.
How Do Professionals Inspect Your Sewer System
When you contact a professional to inspect your sewer system, they may recommend a sewer line scope inspection. An inspection aims to thread a camera through your sewer pipes to detect any faults without directly accessing them.
To do so, the professional inspector will use a flexible borescope camera that gives them a clear view of the pipes. Additionally, the camera records a video of the pipes going through them for future reference.
The inspector will run the camera through your home’s main drainpipe and direct it through the sewer lines. The professional will recommend the appropriate repairs if visible damage, cracks, or clogs are detected. Depending on the size and scope of your sewer system, the inspection can last up to 30 minutes.
You can have your sewer lines inspected once every three to five years to keep them free from issues.
The Importance of Regular Inspections: Save Money On Sewer Repairs
Neglecting sewer line problems is not a great idea. Doing so will damage the sewer system, ranging from cracked or broken pipes to a complete system collapse. Suffice it to say it pays massive dividends to be vigilant about these issues and address them as soon as possible.
Sewer inspections help you identify potential sewer line concerns. The oft-overlooked sewer system needs to be serviced occasionally, just like most other parts of your home.
Problems related to sewer systems often occur suddenly, but with regular inspections, you can prevent them from ever happening. And if they do occur, you will be well-prepared to face them.
If you want to have your sewer lines inspected in Perth, contact Woolf Plumbing & Gas. We will thoroughly inspect your plumbing system to identify and fix any issues that may arise. Call us today for reliable and efficient plumbing services!
