What is a Drain Inspection and what does it include?
A drain inspection involves evaluating the existing plumbing, most frequently through a "sewer snake" or a water proof sewer camera. Looking for clogs, cracked pipes, roots, and other improper underground or behind-the-wall plumbing. The process is minimally invasive, and it critical for detecting sewer leaks, confirming the source of backups, and the structural integrity of the sewer main and behind-the-wall plumbing.
When do I need a drain inspection? Situations and signs
Core Services generally recommends a drain inspection always when buying a house. Without a drain inspection its truly rolling the dice, though the risk can be mitigated by knowing where your main ends and the sewer begins, having access to and inspecting the crawlspace/basement and cleanouts, or having access to a recent inspection. Sellers disclosures do require certifying the condition of sewer, but litigating or proving that a leak was known by the seller can be costly and exceptionally difficult.
A broken sewer line under your foundation can cause sinking and cracking in your foundation (exceptionally expensive), flooding in your basement or between your walls leading to mold (exceptionally expensive), or in better cases standing water further away from your home. The risk-reward is remarkably unfavorable, despite it being uncommon to find such a leak.
Core Services also recommends sewer inspections for standing water on property, exceptionally damp basements/crawlspaces, when a sewer backs up, and for locating a buried septic (typically done with a locator).
Wanting to have sewer or plumbing inspected? Call us at (812) 227-3939 or by filling out our contact form.
