Sewer Camera Inspection southwest Michigan - Illuminate Home Inspections

Sewer Camera Inspections in Michigan

A sewer scope is an inspection of the sewer line, and an excellent investment of peace of mind. The inspection is conducted by a sewer scope technician, and is performed by inserting a mini camera and transmitter into the sewer line clean-out and observing and recording the condition of the sewer pipe from the house to the city main. The pipe is visually inspected for such defects as cracks, root intrusion, pipe separation, pooling water, and a broken or collapsed line.

Because the cost to repair or replace a sewer line is expensive, sewer scope inspections have become very popular in recent years for home buyers. If no defects are detected with the sewer line, home buyers gain peace of mind knowing that. If there are defects, the home buyer can use the results of the sewer scope to negotiate with the seller or to prepare themselves financially for a future repair.

Illuminate uses state-of-the-art technology and equipment to accurately inspect sewer lines. After the completion of the sewer scope our customers receive a video of the scope and a inspection report within 24 hours.

Experienced Staff

Illuminate Inspectors go above licensing requirements and receive additional training.

Affordable Prices

Our mission is to add value to your home buying experience and help you make the right decisions for you and your family.

Quick & Efficient

Our sewer camera reports are electronically delivered to you within 24 hours.

Why Should New Home Buyers Get a Sewer Inspection?

01.You're Buying An Older Home

Older homes have a higher risk of needing plumbing repairs because the sewer line can collapse as the pipes deteriorate over time. If an older sewer line isn’t examined and repaired, it can cause sewage to backup into your home, which is unhygienic and dangerous to the health of your family.

It is strongly recommended that potential buyers of an older home hire a professional such as Illuminate to conduct a sewer inspection.

02.Invasive Tree Roots & Plants

Age is not the only factor that can cause issues with the main sewer line of a home. Tree and plant roots can damage sewer pipes and clog the drainage system, causing sewage leaks in your new home. Therefore, it’s important to conduct a sewer inspection when buying a Berrien County home, regardless of the age of the residence, and remove any invasive trees or plants that could cause problems later on.

03.You Can't Assume Previous Owners Conducted Plumbing Maintenance

When buying a new home, you can’t assume that the previous owners conducted important checks and plumbing repairs. Making the decision to buy a new home is extremely important and it is your responsibility to make sure you conduct all of the necessary checks. Having a professional conduct a sewer inspection gives you the peace of mind that you have covered all of your bases.

04.Avoid Costly Future Repairs

Conducting a sewer inspection will only help you determine if there are any current or potential issues with your main sewer line. When buying a new home, it is wise to conduct a sewer inspection as soon as possible to avoid having to deal with costly and inconvenient repairs later on. Prevention is always better than cure, and potential sewer line problems include sewage leaks, clogged drains, and water damage.

05.Increased Home Value

Getting regular sewer inspections will help homeowners stay on top of any potential sewer repairs, and it will result in a well-maintained plumbing system. A well looked after plumbing system means fewer plumbing repairs, ultimately increasing the overall value of your home. When the time comes to sell, homeowners may be able to negotiate a higher selling price.

Does My House Need a Sewer Scope Inspection?

Every house should have their sewer line inspected semi-regularly because the cost of an inspection is insignificant when compared to the cost of a repair that is caught too late. As a house ages the likelihood of a system failure increases exponentially, however, if the sewer line was inadequately installed major issues could exist from day one.

Sometimes it is possible to have a sewer line repair covered by a warranty, the seller, or the HOA. A warranty may exist for a new construction home, the seller may negotiate a repair or price reduction if an issue is found, and the HOA should have funding reserved for major repairs.

If you are living in a condominium or if your house is on septic there is no need to have a sewer scope inspection performed. Condominium drainage is usually 100% covered by the HOA and a sewer scope inspection will not help you negotiate a price, nor will it save you money from a repair. Septic systems are inspected by a third-party company during a real estate transaction and the inspection process includes measuring the scum layer, sludge layer, and flow through the leach field. The septic system inspection process also includes removing solid waste with a septic truck.

What Types of Issues Could be Found During a Sewer Camera Inspection?

There are several issues that could be present lurking beneath the ground in your main sewer system. Several of the issues buyers have found during home inspections include bellied sections, root growth, damaged/crushed pipes, leaking joints, misaligned pipes, corrosion, blockages, failing pipes, old material. Identifying the problems with a sewer scope, during a home inspection, consistently saves buyers thousands of dollars.

When Do I Need a Sewer Camera Inspection?

For the cautious home buyer, due to the low cost versus high value potential that a sewer scope can provide, there is enough evidence that a sewer scope could be recommended with every real estate purchase in Michigan. In general, it is HIGHLY recommended for properties over the age of 30 years old. As plumbing material ages, the pipes become clogged, brittle or worn and for many types of plumbing material, this begins to occur around this age range.

When the time comes to schedule a Sewer Scope Inspection in Michigan, simply give Illuminate Home Inspections a call at (269) 487-7656.