You want to buy an old house in Houston—exciting, right? Old homes are attractive, but before you buy one, have a sewer camera inspection done. It may not be your first thought when considering your new house, but it’s worth it.
Old plumbing may hide problems in older homes. Sewer camera inspections can prevent major issues and unexpected expenses from coming your way. Imagine moving in and finding tree roots or collapsed lines causing backed-up plumbing or costly repairs. Bummer, right?
But why is a sewer camera inspection smart? It shows the status of the sewer pipes and identifies concerns before they get worse. Is sewer camera inspection worth it? Knowing the plumbing condition of your new house gives you peace of mind. So, in a nutshell, yes. It is totally worth it.
Let’s start with how a sewer camera inspection works:
How Does a Sewer Camera Inspection Work?
When an inspector needs to inspect your sewer line with a camera, they don’t just use any camera. They have to use a camera made specially for sewer inspections.
It’s basically a camera on a long, bendy cable. They slide it into the sewer line through spots outside your house, like those sewer cleanouts you might see around.
As the camera moves through the pipe, it shows a live video on a screen. This helps the inspector spot any issues inside, like cracks, leaks, or even tree roots causing trouble.
It’s an easier way to figure out what’s going on down there without having to dig up your whole yard.
Sewer systems can be tricky in older homes around Houston. Many of these houses might not have sewer cleanouts, which are handy access points for the camera.
So, inspectors sometimes have to get creative, like using the plumbing vent stack on the roof to get the camera into the sewer line. It’s a bit more challenging but still doable.
Now that you know how the inspection works, let’s understand its importance.
Importance of a Sewer Camera Inspection for an Old Home
Living in an older home in Houston has its appeal, but it also brings its fair share of issues, especially with sewer lines. As time passes, these lines can develop cracks or damage from shifting soil or invasive tree roots.
What might seem like a minor issue at first can snowball into a major headache, potentially leading to serious problems like sewage flooding your home or yard.
Preventing Costly Repairs
Sewer camera inspections are your best defense. They enable inspectors to catch problems early before they spiral into costly disasters. This inspection can identify the exact location of damage or blockages; these inspections eliminate the need for unnecessary digging or invasive wall work to locate issues. This precision not only minimizes disruption but also slashes long-term repair costs significantly.
Pinpointing the Exact Problem
One of the greatest advantages of sewer camera inspections is their precise pinpointing of issues. Instead of relying on guesswork, inspectors can visually assess the exact situation deep within your sewer line. This not only accelerates the repair process but also guarantees that only essential fixes are carried out, ultimately saving you both time and money.
A Better Sewer System
You don’t want to have to deal with sewer problems every now and then. Getting this inspection will fully ensure you are not wasting time and money on minor issues that, if went unnoticed, turned into major and costly repairs.
Compliance with Building Codes
Another factor where a sewer camera inspection can become helpful is if you’re planning renovations or upgrades to your home; knowing the condition of your sewer line can play in your best interest in finding out if they are in compliance with building codes.
Property Value
A well-maintained sewer system means you can retain and maintain the property value rather than losing it from wear and tears. Sewer inspections and repairs on time can very well help maintain or even increase your property value.
We know why a sewer camera inspection is important; what you now need to know is what you might end up dealing with after getting the inspection:
Problems Found During a Sewer Camera Inspection
A sewer camera inspection is your friend when it comes to finding minor issues with the sewer line. Like what, you ask? Here are some of the most common concerns people find during the inspection:
Plant Root Penetration
People often have trouble with old lines made with weaker materials because they leak. As they grow, tree roots and the roots of other large garden plants constantly look for water sources. This is how they grow.
If these plants find a hole in your sewage pipe, they will grow inside it to get to the water that is inside them. The roots that have grown into the earth make trash pile up, which then blocks the flow of water and trash.
Damage to the Pipes
There is a good chance you would be facing a damaged or broken pipe if you are buying a property that is decades old. Thanks to the sewer camera, the inspector will be able to identify if and where the pipe is damaged.
Dealing with Blockages
It’s possible for your lines to still work properly, but there is a good chance there could be a blockage formed because of all the trash that should have been thrown away over many years. Grease, non-disposable items, disposable wipes, or any other garbage for that matter. It will accumulate over time and probably result in a clog. And the only way you can know about it without having to worry about the damages is by getting this inspection.
It’s safe to say that sewer camera inspections are important for buyers planning to buy an old home in Houston. 1st Rate Inspections is your partner in getting you the best rates and the best services.
Contact us today for exceptional inspection services!
