Sewer lines are crucial for the waste management of any household, making them a critical part of the plumbing system.
After years of use, sewer lines will likely get clogged, leading to overload and malfunction. Having them fixed is often a devastating hit on your wallet, as sewer line repair or replacement is labour-intensive.
So, it becomes essential to prevent such instances from occurring altogether. After all, no one likes to pay thousands on urgent repairs that are preventable, to begin with. And this is where professional inspections come in.
Here’s how you can avoid frequent sewer line repairs through regular inspections. This guide covers all aspects of sewer inspections, so be sure to read until the end!
The Risks Of Avoiding Sewer Inspections
The first question you may ask yourself is: are sewer inspections necessary?
This is a common question that many homeowners end up answering with “no”. In reality, several risks accompany a faulty sewer system. Even the most durable sewer system in the world would still require regular inspections and repairs.
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 rack up quickly if your sewage system requires all these during repairs.
2. Sewer Damage May Worsen
If regular inspections are not performed, the damage to your sewer system may worsen. Not only does this increase the scope of repairs needed, but it may also result in a complete sewer system collapse.
A sewer system collapse causes multiple drain points to back up since the waste has nowhere to go. When this occurs, simpler methods like using a plunger to unclog the drains won’t work. Only with the help of a professional can this be resolved.
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 cause wastewater to leak into your walls or the foundations. This can compromise the structural integrity of your home, causing the supporting walls to develop cracks.
Such leaks are often a bad sign since the damage they cause can’t be undone easily. And if the leaking wastewater is causing the foundational soil to wash away, 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 may pool in your yard or the areas surrounding your home, as the tanks are a few feet underneath the surface.
So, if you notice this happening, you may want to call for professional help. 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 make their way into 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.
Health issues and property damage are two consequences of increased rodent or insect presence in your house. Stagnant water is an excellent insect breeding ground, 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 in them 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 the main drainpipe of your home and direct it through the sewer lines. The professional will recommend the appropriate repairs if any signs of 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.
And sewer inspections help you identify any 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!
