Hey there! If you’re a homeowner in Atlanta, you’ve probably heard about getting your sewer line scoped, but you may not know all the details. As a long-time Atlanta resident myself, I’ve learned the importance of sewer scope inspection in Atlanta the hard way. Let me walk you through why these inspections matter so much here in our city.
Why Your Sewer Line Needs Regular Inspections
Your sewer line is one of the most important, yet most overlooked, parts of your home’s plumbing system. This underground pipe carries all the wastewater from your home out to the municipal sewer system. Over time, it’s common for sewer lines to deteriorate, crack, clog, or misalign. These issues often go unnoticed until you experience a major backup or sewage flooding in your home – not fun!
Sewer scope inspection in Atlanta allow plumbers to thoroughly examine the inside of your pipes using a specialized camera. They can identify any problems and determine if repairs or replacement are needed. If issues are caught early, you can avoid expensive emergencies down the road. Preventative maintenance is so important!
The Top 5 Benefits of Regular Sewer Scope Inspections
1. Prevent Expensive Emergency Repairs
Like I mentioned before, catching sewer line problems early is critical to avoid catastrophic failures. If a deteriorated pipe suddenly collapses, the costs and damage can be astronomical. Emergency sewer repairs often involve jackhammering floors, walls, and landscapes which can cost upward of $10,000! Regular inspections and maintenance are a fraction of the cost.
2. Avoid Messy Backups
A clogged or broken sewer line can easily back up raw sewage into your home. Imagine dealing with overflowing toilets, smelly drains, and contaminated fixtures and floors. It’s an absolute nightmare. Frequent sewer scopes can uncover blockages or issues before a disgusting backup occurs.
3. Protect Your Home from Flooding
If your sewer line is misaligned, has root intrusion, or has separated joints, it’s vulnerable to flooding during heavy rains. Rainwater enters those cracks and overloads the system. A proper inspection can reveal these problems so the line can be repaired. Flooding damage can cost $50,000 or more if untreated mold and rot set in.
4. Confirm Repairs Were Done Properly
Did you recently have sewer work done on your home? The only way to confirm it was fixed correctly is by scheduling a final scope inspection. The camera doesn’t lie and will clearly show if repair sections are properly aligned and joined. It’s worth the peace of mind.
5. Identify Unauthorized Tie-ins
Sewer scope cameras can also reveal if any neighboring properties have illegally tapped into your sewer lateral. This type of theft unfortunately does occur. If discovered, you can take the necessary steps to disconnect the unauthorized tie-in and protect your line.
Why Atlanta Homes Are Especially Vulnerable
The sewer lines in many Atlanta homes are aging and reaching the end of their lifespan (typically 75-100 years). Our rapid metro growth also means sewer systems are overloaded and stressed in many areas. Clay pipes were commonly installed in older homes and are susceptible to cracking and root intrusion. Newer homes also face issues as PVC and concrete lines can settle and disjoint over time.
Warning Signs You Need a Sewer Scope Inspection
Watch for these common red flags that your sewer line needs to be evaluated:
- Slow draining fixtures
- Gurgling sounds from drains
- Strong sewage smells inside or around your home
- Low sewage pooling in your yard
- Root growth around your main sewer line
- Cracks in your foundation around plumbing fixtures
- Recurring clogged drains
- Toilets that bubble up or overflow
If you notice any of these, call a professional plumber to schedule a sewer scope ASAP!
What’s Involved in a Sewer Scope Inspection?
The inspection process is quick and straightforward. First, the plumber will locate your home’s main sewer line and primary cleanout. The cleanout provides direct access to the pipe. A special sewer camera is fed through the cleanout to provide a full visual inspection.
As the camera travels through the pipe, real-time video is displayed on a monitor for analysis. The plumber will examine the footage closely to identify any intruding roots, cracks, misalignments, or blockages. If necessary, they can also run locator equipment above ground to pinpoint any damaged sections.
Sewer scope inspections usually take 30-60 minutes to thoroughly evaluate the sewer line. Once completed, the plumber can explain their findings and recommend repairs if needed.
How Often Should Sewer Scope Inspections Be Done?
- Every 3-5 Years: For older homes or those with known issues
- Every 5-7 Years: For newer homes with no problems
- After Major Plumbing Work: To inspect repairs
- Before Buying/Selling a Home: For real estate transactions
Of course, if you experience any sewer backups or major slow drains, request an emergency sewer scope right away!
Costs of Sewer Scope Inspections in Atlanta
The average cost for a Sewer scope inspection in Atlanta ranges from $200-$500, depending on the plumbing company and length of your pipes. In most cases, it takes between 30-90 minutes to complete.
While the price may seem high up front, it’s very worthwhile to avoid expensive emergency repairs down the road. Consider it a smart investment in your home!
Some plumbers also offer package deals for periodic inspections every year. Ask your plumber about cost-saving options.
What Repairs May Be Needed?
If a sewer scope identifies issues, some common repairs include:
- Drain Cleaning: To clear objects or buildup in pipes
- Spot Repairs: To patch small cracks or holes
- Pipe Bursting: To replace damaged sections without digging
- Trenchless Replacement: To fully replace pipes underground
- Pipe Lining: To coat/seal inner pipe walls without replacement
- Root Removal: To cut out intruding roots in lines
The right fix depends on the specific problems uncovered. Your plumber can go over the best options for your situation and provide repair estimates.
Why Hire a Professional for Inspections?
While a regular homeowner could potentially rent a sewer camera and attempt their own inspection, I strongly advise hiring a professional plumber. Here’s why it’s worth the cost:
- Proper equipment: Plumbers have commercial-grade sewer cameras that provide clearer footage than DIY rental cameras.
- Experience: They know exactly what to look for and can accurately identify any issues.
- Detailed analysis: You’ll get a full report mapping out every problem area and recommended fixes.
- Licensing: Plumbers are licensed, bonded, and insured to perform this type of specialized work.
- Warranties: Reputable plumbers will warranty their inspection AND any repairs they complete. DIY repairs won’t include this protection.
Don’t gamble with amateur inspections – the results could cost you big time. Protect your home and trust a professional!
Questions to Ask Before Scheduling a Sewer Scope
If you’re ready to schedule your sewer scope, here are some key questions to ask potential plumbers:
- Do you offer any package deals for routine inspections every year?
- How long will the inspection take?
- What type of sewer camera do you use?
- Will I be able to view the footage during the inspection?
- Do you provide a detailed report of findings after?
- How long is the warranty on inspections and repairs?
- Can repairs be completed the same day if needed?
- Do you offer any discounts, promotions, or financing options?
Find the Best Plumbers in Atlanta
Ready to get your pipes checked? Here are some of the top-rated sewer scope inspection companies serving across Atlanta:
- Atlanta Sewer Solutions – Highly reviewed local company offering competitive pricing and same day repair service.
- Mister Rooter Plumbing – Established national chain with advanced sewer cameras and repair techniques.
- The Pipe Doctor – Veteran family-owned business serving Atlanta for over 30 years.
- Superior Plumbing – Licensed and insured plumbing contractor specializing in trenchless sewer repairs.
- DK Plumbing & Sewer – Affordable and reputable sewer inspection and maintenance services.
I recommend getting quotes from at least 3 companies before choosing your inspector. Be sure to check reviews and confirm they have advanced camera equipment. Feel free to ask them any other questions as well – good plumbers will happily answer them all!
Don’t Ignore Your Sewer Line!
Well, I hope this overview gives you a better idea of what’s involved with sewer scope inspections and why they’re so important here in Atlanta. Ignoring your sewer line is a recipe for disaster! Stay ahead of problems with routine scopes every few years.
If you have any other home plumbing or drainage issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’m always happy to offer tips about protecting your most valuable investment. Have a wonderful day!
