Purchasing a home is a major milestone in life. It’s exciting, sometimes overwhelming, and brings about many important decisions. One of the most crucial yet often overlooked steps in this process is scheduling a sewer inspection before closing the deal.
While general home inspections are routine, sewer inspections are not always included. That can be a problem, especially in areas like the South Hills, where many homes have older sewer infrastructure. Failing to inspect the sewer system ahead of time can lead to costly repairs and unpleasant surprises after you move in.
At 412 Plumbing, we’ve worked with many homeowners across the South Hills region and seen firsthand how beneficial a pre-purchase sewer inspection can be. In this article, we’ll explain what a sewer inspection involves, why it’s essential in the South Hills, what issues it can uncover, and how it can help you make a more informed decision when buying a home.
What Is a Sewer Inspection?
A sewer inspection is a professional service that uses a waterproof, high-resolution camera attached to a flexible cable to visually examine the inside of a home’s main sewer line. This line runs underground from the home to either the municipal sewer system or a private septic tank.
During the inspection, the plumber inserts the camera into the sewer cleanout, an accessible pipe that allows entry into the main sewer line. The camera travels through the pipe, sending real-time video footage to a monitor. This lets the technician inspect the interior condition of the pipe and identify any problems such as cracks, clogs, root intrusions, or sagging sections.
The process usually takes less than an hour, does not disrupt the property, and provides a clear picture of the sewer line’s health. The technician can then explain what was found and recommend the next steps if needed.
Why Sewer Inspections Are Especially Important in South Hills
The South Hills area of Pittsburgh is known for its charming neighborhoods, established communities, and mature trees. While these features appeal to homebuyers, they also present certain risks regarding older homes and aging infrastructure, especially underground systems like sewer lines.
Many homes in the South Hills were built several decades ago and still use original sewer lines made of clay or cast iron. These materials were standard in the past but are now known to degrade over time. Clay pipes, in particular, are vulnerable to cracking and are easily penetrated by tree roots. Cast iron corrodes over time and can become brittle or obstructed by internal scaling.
In addition to aging materials, the region’s hilly terrain can lead to soil shifting, which puts stress on underground pipes. Settling soil or nearby construction may cause pipes to sag, shift out of alignment, or crack. These types of problems are nearly impossible to detect without a camera inspection.
Further, many properties in South Hills have mature trees with deep and expansive root systems. Tree roots are drawn to the moisture inside sewer lines and can enter through small openings or joints. Once inside, roots continue to grow, causing blockages or even breaking the pipe.
Because of these factors, sewer inspections in South Hills are especially valuable for identifying issues before they result in backups, water damage, or large-scale repairs.
Common Issues Found During a Sewer Inspection
A sewer inspection can reveal a wide range of problems, some of which require immediate attention, while others are worth monitoring over time. Here are some of the most common issues found during inspections:
1. Cracked, Broken, or Collapsed Pipes
Over time, sewer pipes can crack due to pressure from soil, nearby tree roots, or general wear and tear. Cracks can allow water and waste to seep into the surrounding soil and may eventually lead to a full collapse of a pipe section. This not only disrupts proper drainage but can also create sinkholes or damage nearby landscaping.
2. Root Intrusion
Tree roots are a common culprit in sewer problems, especially in older neighborhoods. Roots infiltrate pipes through joints or hairline cracks and expand over time. They can cause slow drains, frequent clogs, and even burst pipes in severe cases.
3. Blockages and Buildup
Over the years, waste, grease, and non-flushable items can accumulate and create blockages. This can cause slow drainage and backups into the home. A sewer inspection can pinpoint precisely where the blockage is and help determine the most effective method for clearing it.
4. Bellied or Sagging Pipes
Sometimes, pipes can settle into the ground, creating a low spot known as a “belly.” This results in a section of the pipe where water and waste pool rather than flow freely. Over time, this can lead to buildup and reduced efficiency and may eventually require pipe replacement.
5. Improper Materials or Repairs
DIY plumbing work or outdated repairs may not meet current codes or best practices. Camera inspections often reveal sections of pipe that were patched improperly or joined using incompatible materials, which could cause future leaks or weaknesses in the system.
By identifying these issues early, homebuyers can either negotiate the repairs with the seller, adjust their offer, or decide whether the property is worth the risk.
Who Should Get a Sewer Inspection?
Sewer inspections are recommended for any home purchase, but they are critical if:
The home was built more than 30 years ago
You notice slow drains or unpleasant odors during your tour
The property has large or mature trees nearby
The seller does not have a record of recent sewer maintenance
The property has a history of plumbing issues
Even newly renovated homes can have underlying sewer issues, especially if the updates do not include pipe replacement or inspection. The South Hills has many older homes, so buyers in this area should always consider a sewer inspection to prevent any surprises with their new homes.
What Happens After the Inspection?
After completing the sewer inspection, your plumber will provide a detailed report of the findings, often including video footage of the pipe interior. This allows you to see the issues yourself and understand the extent of any problems.
If no issues are found, you’ll have peace of mind knowing the system is in good working order. If problems are detected, you’ll have the opportunity to:
Ask the seller to make repairs before you close on the home
Negotiate a lower price to help account for future work
Plan for maintenance or budgeting if you decide to proceed with the sale
The key benefit is that you will be entering the transaction with full knowledge of the property’s condition, not just what’s visible on the surface.
Cost of Sewer Inspections vs. Repair Costs
A typical sewer inspection costs between $200 and $500, depending on the location and the complexity of the system. While this might seem like an added expense during the home-buying process, it is minimal compared to the cost of repairing or replacing a sewer line.
A professional cleaning might cost $300 to $600
Repairs to a small section of pipe can run between $1,500 and $5,000
Replacing the entire line could cost $10,000 or more
In other words, a sewer inspection is a cost-effective way to protect yourself from a much larger bill down the road.
How 412 Plumbing Can Help
At 412 Plumbing, we offer comprehensive sewer inspections in South Hills and throughout the Pittsburgh area. Our experienced team uses modern video inspection tools to identify issues quickly and accurately. We provide clear, easy-to-understand reports and will walk you through what we find.
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned property investor, we can help you make a more informed purchase. If any issues are discovered, we also offer repair services and can provide a detailed quote for recommended work.
Sewer Inspection Services in Pittsburgh
Buying a home is a big decision, and taking the time to understand the condition of the property’s sewer line is a smart move, especially in older areas like the South Hills. A sewer inspection is a low-cost, high-value tool that gives you essential information before making a significant financial commitment.
Don’t leave something as essential as your home’s sewer system up to chance. Schedule a sewer inspection and move forward with confidence.
Looking for a professional company that performs sewer inspections in the South Hills? Contact 412 Plumbing today to book your appointment and protect your investment with a thorough evaluation from our trusted team.
