
How often should I have my sewer line inspected and repaired?
While having trees is almost a ‘must-have’ for most homeowners, they also can create problems. From dropping limbs and broken branches on the roof to tree roots busting into the sewer line. How do I know if there are roots in my sewer line?
Here are a few warning indications that you may need to have a sewer line inspection to see if there are tree roots or other issues with your sewer line:
- Drains Empty Slow
When the shower, sink, toilet, or tub is draining slowly, it could be from tree root damage. When the toilet is flushed, does it drain slow, or do you hear any gurgling noises? A professional sewer line inspection can tell you if there are tree roots growing into the pipes causing these issues.
- Sinkholes
There are parts of the country where sinkholes are normal, and in other areas, they are a telltale indication of sewer line damage. More times than not, that damage is caused by tree roots. If you have noticed visible sinkholes on the lawn, keep away from the area until a contractor has completed a sewer line inspection.
- Blocked, Collapsed Pipes
A backed-up toilet can be a huge inconvenience, not to mention, gross. If there are tree roots in the sewer line, it is only going to get worse. Having a professional sewer inspection and cleaning is the best way to find out what’s going on below the ground and get the lines cleaned and cleared.
- Odors and Smells
When tree roots bust through the sewer lines, what is going through the lines starts to seep through those cracks. There isn’t enough room spray to cover that odor when it’s outside or under your house. If you’re smelling something like rotten eggs, start calling sewer inspection companies and get a sewer line inspection scheduled.
What does a septic inspection consist of?
A septic system inspection is a little more complex than a sewer line inspection, but the result is the same: To have free-flowing drains and toilets. A septic system has several different areas that will be inspected:
- The septic tank
- The distribution box
- The absorption area
They examine and inspect all the electrical and mechanical components that including:
- The septic lines
- The baffles
- The filters
- The pumps
- The floats
- The alarms
- And more
During the septic system inspection, the septic tank is opened and often requires to be dug up, and they confirm what wastewater is coming from the house. They check the operating level of the septic tank and clean it out by pumping the contents into a truck-mounted tank. After they have thoroughly cleaned the tank out, they determine the size and inspect it for cracks, holes, or any structural issues. Septic system inspections and sewer line inspections have different types of sewer inspection equipment for their respective process. For a septic tank inspection, the contractor will use a mirror and a spotlight.
What does a sewer inspection consist of? What is a sewer scope inspection?
A sewer line inspection and sewer scope inspection are the same things. These are done with the plumbing inspector flushing the sewer lines with running water at each faucet. This ensures that their sewer scope equipment will have a smooth entrance, and any debris is washed through. The water that is flushed into the sewer line also helps the camera and other equipment to float and glide through the sewer line.
After letting the water run and flush the sewer lines, the plumbing inspector will find the access point, check for possible leaks, and prepare their camera and other sewer line inspection equipment for damage.
The inspection is done by pushing the camera scope into the access point and through the sewer line. Any blockages, cracks, defects, or other issues, like tree roots, will be recorded on the camera. The images are returned to a computer screen for the plumbing inspector to view.
When they have completed the sewer line inspection, the homeowner will be given a detailed report of what was found and what should be done to correct any issues.
How long does it take to do a septic inspection?
There isn’t a set time frame for a septic system inspection or a sewer line inspection. Each one will depend on the complexity of the system and the findings of the inspection. In most cases, a septic system inspection can be completed in 45 minutes and could take up to three hours.

The Bottom Dollar, The Bottom Line
As a homeowner, you’re going to always be concerned about what these types of things cost, understandable! But you need to see these things like HVAC, water heater, and sewer line inspections as maintenance on the most important investment you have: Your Home.
So, how much is a sewer line inspection? In the Marietta, Georgia area, a sewer line inspection will average between $300 to $500, based on the size of the house, ease of access, and other matters that can hinder the inspector’s process.
When you need reliable sewer line inspection in Marietta, GA, get help from the pros at BDS Plumbing Solutions Inc by calling (770) 672-0095.