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Signs You Need a Sewer Line Inspection

Signs You Need a Sewer Line Inspection

February 16, 2024

Your sewer line carries wastewater away from your home and into the municipal sewer system or septic tank. When it’s in good working condition, it prevents polluted water from accumulating in your home and causing unpleasant odors, health hazards and property damage.

Many warning signs of plumbing issues like clogs and leaks are readily apparent, including slow drains, unpleasant smells, loud gurgling noises or a backed-up toilet. However, even when you have no doubts there is an issue with your sewer line, you can’t necessarily determine what’s causing it or how severe it might be. That’s when you need a professional sewer line inspection to pinpoint the problem.

What Is a Sewer Line Inspection?

Minimally invasive sewer inspections take the guesswork out of plumbing. A technician will guide a waterproof camera through your sewer line, recording a real-time, high-definition video feed that allows them to identify any issues at the source.

At Enduric Plumbing, we conduct comprehensive and professional inspections to provide you with the best service.

  1. We attach our equipment: We connect our camera to the end of a waterproof snake cable.
  2. We link our tablet to the sewer videos: Video inspections allow our team unobstructed access to your plumbing system as your technician guides the tiny camera through your plumbing. 
  3. You see the depth of your sewer line: You will see how deep your line is in your yard or business and where it leads to the municipal sewer main or septic tank. 
  4. The video lets you see your sewer line in real time: As you watch the videos, you get a comprehensive understanding of your pipes’ condition and whether you need repairs.

This approach lets you and your plumber assess the pipes’ condition and determine if any damage is present. We don’t need to excavate your property to determine what’s wrong, making video inspections a highly targeted diagnostic tool. 

Should I Get a Sewer Line Inspection?

Inspecting your sewer lines has many benefits. It gives you a clear picture of your pipes’ interior, giving you more control over the process and your plumbing. 

  • Accuracy: Routinely inspecting your sewer pipes can show you what’s inside your lines in real time for accurate diagnostics. 
  • Timely preparation: You can save money by proactively detecting minor issues before they become more prominent.
  • Protect your property: Preserve your property’s integrity by avoiding the need to dig a long, messy trench. You’ll also improve hygiene in and around your home or business, preventing undesirable odors and airborne bacteria. 
  • Early detection: A sewage line inspection can locate cracks and tree root intrusion in your lines. These problems can allow sewage to leak into your yard or foundation, which is a health hazard. Shifts in soil often indicate a broken sewage line. 
  • Prevents clogs: Regular sewer line inspections prevent minor issues from becoming significant problems that are costly to repair. 
  • Avert long-term damage: Because of the accurate diagnostics of a sewage inspection, you can promptly fix any issues, preventing long-term damage or a more significant job in the future. 

Do I Need a Sewer Line Inspection?

When is a sewer inspection necessary? Your plumbing might warn you of a problem with telltale signs like these.

1. Bad Odors

Bad smells occur when sewage leaks out or backs up from your pipes. If you notice a foul odor coming from your yard around your sewer line or from your sink or toilet, this is a clear sign of clogging. This issue can allow toxic fumes to circulate throughout your indoor air, which can be a health hazard.

2. Gurgling Noises

When you hear gurgling noises from your toilet or pipes, it may signify that you need a sewer line inspection. When trapped air and water cannot move sufficiently or reach the plumbing vent, it causes various sounds. Of course, toilets make noises when you flush — but pay attention to when you hear the sounds. If your toilet flushes slowly and gurgles or produces popping noises when nobody is using it, it can indicate a sewer line blockage. The same is true for your pipes. Some pipes occasionally produce sounds, but hearing gurgling could mean you have something wrong.

3. Mold on Your Walls

Mold on Your Walls

Mold growth occurs for various reasons, but if you find it proliferating around your bathroom, kitchen and outside walls, it’s time to get a sewer inspection. A broken sewer line encourages mold because of the humidity in your property. Mold can cause allergic reactions such as rashes, sneezing, coughing and eye and skin irritation.

4. Water in Your Yard

Water puddles or soft areas in your yard indicate your sewer line has become clogged or damaged. Take special note of squelching noises as you walk. Pools and soft spots happen when a malfunctioning sewer line causes water to leach into your yard, which damages your lawn’s health and can be unhealthy for your pets and family. 

5. Leaks Under Your House

Leaking under your foundation can compromise your property’s integrity. Leaks are unmistakable signs of a plumbing issue and need immediate attention. 

6. Slow Drains

Blocked pipes often cause the water in your bathtub, sink or toilet to drain out slowly. A tiny obstruction can become a clog if you don’t address it. Debris like oil, hair and food particles can cause blockages. Other culprits could include frozen ground around your pipes or tree root infiltration. You could have a sewer issue that needs inspection if you notice a persistent blockage or slow drainage in several areas of your home.

7. Pests Around Your Home

The moisture from a damaged sewer line creates a humid, warm environment where insects thrive. The dampness attracts pests like cockroaches, who can squeeze through tiny cracks and eventually enter your home. 

A leaking sewage pipe creates the perfect breeding ground for flies. The sewage odor causes these pests to migrate to your home and lay their eggs in the waste materials. Pests indicate that you should get your sewer line checked out.

Get the Best Sewer Line Inspection From Enduric

Get the Best Sewer Line Inspection From Enduric

When your plumbing shows signs you need a sewer line inspection, it’s essential to act fast. In the long run, ignoring plumbing issues will cost you more money and time. When you examine your sewer pipes as a preventive measure, you maintain your home or business’ plumbing integrity while protecting your family and finances. 

At Enduric Plumbing Services, we use the latest technology to inspect sewer lines. We include you in the process, giving you peace of mind that your property is in good hands. You can contact us by filling out our online form or calling us at 336-860-7788, and our professional and friendly team will be more than happy to assist you with any of your plumbing needs.