Don’t hesitate to hire a pro to inspect your sewer system
Sewer camera inspection costs range from $270 to $1,730, and addressing your sewer line concerns early helps you avoid more expensive repairs down the road.
Preparing for your sewer inspection means locating the main access point in your basement, crawl space, or yard and clearing any items blocking the cleanout.
Checking your plumbing for slow drainage or gurgling sounds before the inspector arrives helps you and the professional identify clogs or other issues in your line.
Hiring a local plumbing professional provides reliable camera inspections and detailed reports, plus expert guidance on repairs if blockages, cracks, or root intrusions are found.
It’s vital to hire the right pro for a sewer inspection because your location and type of system determines the licensing and certifications the professional must have to perform the service. For example, septic inspections in some states are subject to stricter regulations and require specific training and licensing. That’s why it’s usually best to hire a licensed plumber or reputable sewer inspection company for most inspections.
Let’s review how to hire a sewer inspector who has the qualifications and skill set needed for the job.
Services will vary depending on the local plumbing pro, but here are some of the most common tasks a sewer inspector offers:
Pros use specialized cameras to inspect lines for blockages, root intrusions, cracks, and other issues.
Emergency inspections determine the cause of emergency plumbing problems, such as line backups or pipe collapses.
Before purchasing a new home, it’s essential to hire a sewer inspector to check for any existing issues and ensure the sewer lines are in good condition.
It’s recommended to have a sewer condition assessment at least every 1 to 3 years to help prevent potential problems and costly repairs.
The price of a sewer inspection depends on several factors, including the type of inspection, the size of the system, and your location. A sewer line camera inspection costs between $270 and $1,730. Labor is usually included in the total cost, but the average rate for a sewer inspector ranges from $75 to $150 per hour.
Hiring a knowledgeable pro is worth the cost because they can identify potential issues with your system, helping you avoid expensive, unexpected repairs later.
Keep in mind that some sewer inspectors may perform inspections, but may not be qualified to make the repairs. You will need to hire a licensed plumber or specialized sewer company if problems are found from the inspection. That said, here are the top tips to follow when hiring a sewer inspector:
There are a couple of things you can do beforehand to prepare for the sewer inspector. The first is to locate the main access point, which is typically in the crawl space, basement, or yard. Next, you want to clear the area of any items or vegetation that may be blocking access to the cleanout.
Another important step is to check your plumbing to see if the water is flowing freely. If it’s slow or you hear gurgling sounds, it can clue you and the pro in that there is a clog somewhere in the line. You should also inform the pro if you notice any odd smells, such as rotten eggs, because it could be sewer gas, indicating a plumbing problem or failure.
Before you hire a sewer inspector, you should always verify their credentials. You can request to see a copy of their license and insurance policies to confirm they are valid and up to date. It’s also advisable to obtain a list of references and check online reviews to determine whether they have the expertise to perform the task correctly.
You should always interview several professionals before deciding on who to hire to compare credentials, compatibility, and cost. Interviewing various pros will help to narrow down which one is best for the task. For example, if you are hiring a sewer inspector because you suspect plumbing issues, then you may want to find a licensed plumber to perform the inspection so they can proceed with repairs as soon as possible.
Interviewing various professionals and comparing their credentials and experience can save you time and money.
Once you decide which sewer inspector you are going to hire, you need to seal the deal with a contract or service agreement. The contract should include a description of services, liability information, fees, payment terms, and other terms and conditions. It’s essential to have a written agreement in place to prevent misunderstandings or unexpected expenses.
Asking the right questions will help you identify the best pro for the task. Here are some common questions you should always ask before signing on the dotted line:
What are your qualifications and experience?
Are you licensed and insured?
Can you provide a list of references?
Do you offer sewer repair services?
What does the inspection include?
There are many reasons to have a sewer inspection, and it is critical to choose the correct pro for the job. For example, for pre-purchase sewer inspections, the pro must have the proper licensing required by the financial institution for approval.
Choosing a skilled sewer inspector who has the qualifications to perform the type of inspection you need will ensure the task is done accurately and efficiently. We can help match you with pros in your area so you can hire a qualified sewer inspector near you.
Once the pro completes the inspection, you should receive a detailed report and video footage. If no issues are found, then no further action is required. However, if the pro finds any issues, they will explain the problem and discuss options for repairing it. Remember that if the sewer inspector does not provide repair services, you will need to hire a licensed plumber for the job.
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