In most cases, your plumber—not you—will handle the inspection of your sewer line. Modern technology, such as video cameras, has made checking and maintaining your sewer lines easier and less expensive. Here is what your plumber might be looking for during an inspection.

Tree Roots

One of the problems that can be uncovered through a sewer line inspection is feeder roots from trees. These roots can be as fine as human hairs and infiltrate the tiniest cracks in the pipe. If they’re allowed to grow, they can fill up the space, cause clogs and even crack the pipe. A spring inspection can catch these root hairs before they cause severe problems.

Damaged Pipes

If you live in an older house, it’s possible that your sewer line is made out of materials such as cast iron, vitrified clay or Orangeburg, which is made of coal tar and wood pulp. Though cast iron is notoriously tough, other pipes can be damaged by shifting soil, soil that’s too wet or acidic, construction and even mild earthquakes. An inspection reveals cracks, sections of the pipe that have collapsed altogether or bellying. This is when a section of the pipe sags. Pipes are installed at an angle that allows waste to flow at a certain rate. In a bellied pipe, the waste can accumulate and lead to clogs.

Aging and Corroding Pipes

Cast iron sewer pipes can last a century, but even they will need to be replaced eventually. Sewer inspection can detect when your sewer line has seen better days and needs either repair or replacement.

Buildup of Grease

Fats and other debris entering your sewer drain are nearly inevitable. Soap and hair go down your shower drain; dirty, soapy water goes down the washing machine drain; and oils and grease go down the kitchen sink. Eventually, the debris accumulates on the walls of the pipe and leads to clogs. Fortunately, this buildup can be detected and then removed from your sewer pipe.

What You Can Do Before a Sewer Line Inspection

Though you’re not going to perform the inspection yourself, there are things you should do to make the inspection easier for the plumber. Here are a few of them.

• Make sure the plumber can easily reach the sewer line. This may mean clearing away anything blocking the cleanouts in and around your home.
• Let the plumber know if there are any problems with your drains, such as backups, foul odors or gurgling sounds.
• Look for leaks or water stains around fixtures and make the plumber aware of them.

If you live in Lincoln, NE or a surrounding area and need sewer line services, make your first call to Select Plumbing.