Sewer Line Inspections
When that line becomes damaged, blocked, or compromised, serious problems can arise — slow drains, foul odors, sewage backups, foundation damage, and expensive plumbing repairs.
Your home’s sewer line is one of the most important yet most overlooked components of your plumbing system. It carries wastewater away from toilets, sinks, showers, and laundry into the municipal sewer or septic system. When that line becomes damaged, blocked, or compromised, serious problems can arise — slow drains, foul odors, sewage backups, foundation damage, and expensive plumbing repairs.
Sewer line inspections are a proactive way to protect your home, spot hidden issues early, plan for repairs before they turn into emergencies, and extend the life of your plumbing system. This complete homeowner’s guide explains how sewer line problems develop, how modern inspection technology works, when to schedule an inspection, what to expect during the process, how often inspections should be done, and how to interpret inspection results for smart decision-making.
Why Sewer Line Inspections Matter
Many homeowners wait until they smell sewer gas or experience a backup before thinking about sewer line problems. But by then, damage has likely been happening for months or even years. Sewer lines run underground, out of sight, and are subject to constant pressure from soil, roots, shifting ground, and everyday use. Regular inspections identify:
• Cracks, breaks, and offset joints
• Root intrusion and blockages
• Corrosion and pipe deterioration
• Collapsed sections of pipe
• Bellied or sagging pipe sections
Catching these issues early allows for less invasive repairs, lower costs, and far less disruption compared with emergency replacements.
Signs You Need a Sewer Line Inspection
Don’t wait for a full backup to schedule a sewer line inspection. Recognize these early warning signs of sewer line trouble:
• Multiple slow drains throughout the house
• Gurgling sounds when water drains
• Foul sewage smells in the yard or home
• Lush patches of grass in the yard (possible leak)
• Toilets that bubble or overflow
• Sewage backup in basement floor drains or toilets
Any of these symptoms can indicate that wastewater isn’t flowing properly through your sewer line and warrants a professional inspection.
What Causes Sewer Line Problems
Sewer line damage can develop from natural aging, environmental pressures, and outside forces.
Tree Root Intrusion
Tree and shrub roots naturally grow toward sources of moisture. Sewer lines — especially older joints and clay pipes — develop tiny gaps that roots exploit. Once inside the pipe, roots continue growing, creating blockages and breaking pipe walls.
Corrosion and Pipe Decay
Older pipes made of cast iron, clay, or concrete corrode, break down, or crack over time, especially when soil chemistry accelerates decay. Corroded or brittle pipes are more prone to leaks and collapse.
Ground Shifts and Soil Movement
Soil settles over time due to weather, drought, heavy rains, or construction activity near your home. These ground movements place stress on buried sewer lines, causing misalignment, cracks, or sections to sag (creating pipe bellies).
Blockages and Foreign Objects
Flushing inappropriate items — wipes, feminine products, paper towels, and other materials — leads to clogs deep in the sewer line. These blockages impede flow and may force water back into your home.
Understanding these causes helps you appreciate why inspections are important even when no obvious symptoms are present.
How Modern Sewer Line Inspection Technology Works
Gone are the days of guessing where a sewer line problem might be. Today’s plumbers use advanced camera inspection technology to see inside your sewer line with precision.
A flexible push cable with a waterproof video camera is inserted into a cleanout or drain access point and fed through the sewer line. As it travels, the camera transmits real-time video to a display, allowing the technician to assess pipe condition, locate blockages, identify root intrusion, and evaluate cracks or breaks.
Professional sewer line inspection provides a clear, visual picture of what’s happening underground without digging trenches or guessing at causes. This technology allows for accurate diagnoses and tailored repair plans.
When You Should Schedule a Sewer Line Inspection
While emergency inspections are necessary when problems are visible, proactive scheduling prevents disasters before they start. Consider inspection if you:
• Buy a new or older home — especially one built before 2000
• Notice slow drains that affect multiple fixtures
• Experience gurgling or odors
• Have large trees near sewer lines
• Conduct major landscaping or construction
• Haven’t had an inspection in several years
Routine sewer line inspections — every 2–5 years, depending on age and usage — give you peace of mind and early problem detection.
What to Expect During a Sewer Line Inspection
A professional sewer line inspection typically follows these steps:
Locate Access Points: The plumber identifies the main sewer cleanout or entry point for the inspection camera.
Insert the Camera: A flexible cable with a camera and light is guided through the sewer line.
Assess Pipe Condition: Real-time footage shows cracks, roots, blockages, corrosion, bellies, or other issues.
Document Findings: Video recordings and reports help you understand the problem and necessary repairs.
Recommend Solutions: Based on inspection results, the plumber explains options — from trenchless repair to targeted fixes or full replacement.
Knowing what to expect makes the inspection process transparent and comfortable for you as a homeowner.
How Often Should Sewer Line Inspections Be Done
Inspection frequency depends on several factors, including:
• Age of the sewer line
• Presence of trees near plumbing lines
• History of clogs or plumbing issues
• Soil type and ground conditions
• Whether you’re buying/selling a home
As a general guideline, newer homes may benefit from inspections every 3–5 years, while older homes or homes with known issues may need inspections every 1–2 years. Regular inspection intervals catch small issues before they escalate into costly pipe failures.
What Happens After a Sewer Line Inspection
Once the inspection is complete, your plumber will share the findings and explain repair or maintenance options. Typical outcomes include:
Minor Blockage Removal
If roots or debris cause a partial blockage, hydro-jetting or snaking can clear the line and restore flow without major repairs.
Trenchless Repairs
When cracks, root intrusion, or minor pipe deterioration exist, trenchless pipe lining methods may rehabilitate the sewer line from the inside without extensive digging.
Targeted Repair
If a specific section is damaged, the plumber may recommend replacing only that segment rather than full line replacement.
Full Replacement
In severe cases, where pipe collapse or extensive decay exists, full sewer line replacement may be the most cost-effective long-term solution.
Your plumber will help you weigh options, cost estimates, timelines, and expected durability of each approach.
Preventing Sewer Line Damage Between Inspections
Even with regular inspections, you can take steps to protect your sewer line between professional visits:
• Avoid flushing non-flushable products
• Install strainers in sinks and tubs
• Keep large tree roots away from sewer paths
• Monitor water bills for unusual spikes
• Address slow drains promptly
Proactive habits minimize wear and reduce the risk of sudden sewer line problems.
Sewer Line Inspection and Maintenance Questions Homeowners Should Know
What is a sewer line inspection, and why is it important?
A sewer line inspection uses a specialized camera to examine underground sewer pipes. It helps identify blockages, cracks, root intrusion, corrosion, and early signs of failure before they lead to backups or costly repairs.
How often should I inspect my sewer line?
Most homes benefit from a sewer inspection every two to five years. Older homes, properties with large trees, or homes with a history of sewer problems may need more frequent inspections.
What are the common sewer line problems found during inspections?
Common issues include root intrusion, cracked or broken pipes, corrosion, sagging sections known as bellies, and recurring blockages caused by buildup or pipe damage.
Can a sewer line inspection prevent backups?
Yes. By catching developing blockages or structural issues early, inspections allow repairs to be made before sewage backs up into the home, helping prevent water damage and sanitation concerns.
What repair options are available after a sewer inspection?
Depending on the findings, repairs may include hydro jetting to remove blockages, trenchless pipe lining to restore damaged pipes, targeted repairs for isolated issues, or full replacement if the pipe is beyond repair.
MNS Plumbing offers comprehensive sewer rodding, sewer excavation, sewer repair, and sewer ejector pump services to homeowners in the Phoenix Area. We are licensed and provide 24/7 emergency services.
