It depends. Our inspectors can give you a full diagnostic report as well as a recommendation for further service.

Trusting a professional can help you avoid worsening your drain’s condition.

• Water draining slowly in sinks and tubs
• Water back up in the sink or tub when you flush the toilet
• Excessive gurgling in the pipes
• Bad odors

Hydro jetting is the best method for sewer and drain cleaning. Utilizing high-pressure water systems, our team can safely blast away sewage build-up, tree roots, and sludge in your pipes. Hydro jetting not only flush out debris but also prevents them from returning.

They can work in certain situations but are potentially harmful to you, the environment, and your sewer line. Make sure you use the proper hand and eye protection when applying over-the-counter drain cleaners and never try to plunge a sink or toilet after pouring chemicals, as this can result in serious injury.

• Do not flush paper towels, feminine products, wipes, or plastics
• Limit the use of garbage disposal; run water for several minutes after use
• Use screens on the sink or tub drain to prevent hair build-up
• Do not pour oil or grease down the drain
• Homes built prior to 1970 are more likely to have sewers with existing cracks and damages. Therefore, if your house falls into this category, a professional should inspect your system.

In most cases, no. If your sewer is currently backed up, you should have a professional come and remove the blockage. However, if your sewer is constantly being backed up, an inspection can help point you in the right direction.

Sewer inspections will show you the condition of the main sewer line. You’ll be able to see if any major issues (cracks, offsets in joints, pipe deflection, sags in the line) are present. Commonly, we find tree roots that have grown into your line; these should be cleared out every year.

Not necessarily. Our team can explain the severity of your root problem to you. Roots are common in older clay lines and may just need to be cleaned out. If your sewer line is sealed (cast iron, PVC, etc.), then repairs may be necessary.

• Roots
• Broken pipes
• Obstructions
• Flushable wipes
• Grease buildups

No. The camera will not harm the pipe.

Cast iron metal pipes have been manufactured in the US since the early 1800s. Installed correctly, cast iron pipes can last 50-100 years. As it ages, the pipe will begin to corrode and deteriorate; this process is slow but exponential and can affect the structural integrity of the pipe. In some cases, you’ll be able to see signs of deterioration in the form of small cracks/breaks and prevalent tree roots. In more severe cases, full cast iron pipes have gone missing or collapsed. This type of pipe was very popular in single-family homes until the late 1960s when plastic became more common.

PVC is an incredibly common type of piping that is cost-effective and easy to install.

ABS is a similar material to PVC in terms of cost and ease of installation. However, it is slightly less durable. ABS is widely used in some areas of the country but is far less common than PVC. Common issues with these pipes include poorly glued connections that separate and improperly backfilled lines that have been crushed.

Clay is an ancient piping material with examples dating back to Babylonia. These pipes are laid in 2, 3, and 4-foot intervals during residential application. Clay pipes have an expanded bell hub at one end; the regular end fits into the bell end of the next pipe, forming a joint. Typically, these joints are packed with mortar-type material to create a seal. Clay piping is strong, but glass-like and will break under pressure. Common issues in clay piping include tree root intrusion and cracking.

This is the industry term for cleaning the sewer long. We use a long mechanically-driven “cable” to clean the sewer line.

Sewer inspections can shine a light on various expensive issues that you should be aware of before purchasing a home. This can help you consider the cost of repair before making an offer, allowing you to potentially negotiate with the seller.

Yes. For your convenience, our team regularly works with real estate agents and home inspectors to schedule sewer inspections at the same time as your building inspection.