Living in South Carolina’s beautifully historic city of Charleston comes with its fair share of homeowner responsibilities, including maintaining your plumbing system. A clogged or broken drain isn’t just an inconvenience to everyday life. It can lead to costly repairs and impaired health. Here’s why you’ll want to call for a sewer inspection for your Charleston residence.
The Benefits of a Sewer System Inspection
Although cleaning your drains is important, you need a professional to regularly check your system’s overall condition. Whether you live in a historic home or new construction, the benefits of sewer scopes are hard to overlook.
1. Detecting Problems Early
A professional sewer inspector uses cameras and sensors to view the inside of your drainage pipes. They will look for minor problems like cracks, leaks, blockages, and tree root encroachment before significant issues arise or worsen.
2. Preventing Expensive Repairs
Sewerage repairs on an existing line usually cost between $2,500 and $4,000, while a replacement may cost $3,000 to $7,000. The extent of the damage greatly affects the amount, including the technique required to rectify the problem.
For example, a traditional excavation to access underground sewer lines is more expensive than a trenchless repair, which is considered less invasive. A full replacement is the most labor-intensive method and priciest.
3. Positive Impact on Property Value
A well-functioning sewer line system suggests you’ve prioritized home maintenance and will help boost your property value. This is especially true for homes over 50 that used cast iron or clay pipes prone to damage and corrosion. A sewer scope inspection can positively affect a homebuyer’s willingness to purchase an over-200-year-old house in a treasured historic city.
4. Improved Health
A properly functioning sewer system will provide a healthier household. For example, a damaged pipe may leak harmful gas into your home, greatly impacting your respiratory system. You can easily avoid these problems by calling a sewer scope inspector in the Charleston area.
How Much Do Sewer Scope Inspections Cost?
The average cost of a sewer scope inspection is $999 nationwide, but Charleston residents usually pay $2,899 to $4,699. In addition to location, the price also depends on the sewer line’s accessibility and length. You might even purchase the inspection as part of a service bundle for preventive maintenance, such as cleaning and repairs.
When Should You Inspect Your Sewer Line?
Many people have their sewer systems inspected when they purchase a new house — this guarantees you won’t run into unexpected and costly problems after moving in. However, many recommend scheduling an annual inspection to ensure your sewer lines function properly and don’t pose a health risk.
Call a professional sewerage inspector in Charleston when you notice the following:
- Slow drainage across several fixtures — a common sign of sewer line damage or a blockage
- Low water pressure
- Long duration since your last sewer inspection
- New or severe health problems from hydrogen sulfide
Hydrogen sulfide — or sewer gas — results from broken or clogged sewer lines. It can remain airborne for one to 42 days, causing respiratory, cardiovascular and nervous system conditions. You may also experience eye, nose and throat irritation from long-term exposure. Although hydrogen sulfide is colorless, a rotten egg smell clearly indicates a problem.
Tips for Preventing Sewerage Problems
One of the first steps to mitigating drainage concerns is to use a trusty plunger. Pumping a plunger for 20 to 30 seconds over a sink or shower drain can usually unclog a blockage. Yet, you’ll want to prevent severe sewerage problems in the first place to save you from hefty repair costs. Be proactive and follow these tips to clean and improve sewer line functioning in your Charleston home:
- Avoid flushing anything but human waste and toilet paper, even if a product package says something is flushable.
- Allow oil and grease to harden and dispose of it in a trash can instead of pouring it down the sink drain.
- Cover bathroom tubs and showers with drain screens to prevent hair clogs.
- Be careful about what you put in the kitchen sink garbage disposal.
- Plant trees and shrubs away from your sewer lines to avoid root-induced pipe damage.
Using effective cleaners can also help you keep your drains clean. Before turning to hazardous chemical solutions, try a basic baking soda and vinegar mixture. Pour 1 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of distilled white vinegar down the clogged drain, allowing it to sit for five minutes before pouring two cups of boiling water. Call for a professional sewer scope inspection near you if your at-home remedy isn’t doing the trick.
Have Peace of Mind With Properly Working Sewer Lines
Calling for a professional sewer scope inspection is the best way to have peace of mind that your home’s plumbing is well-functioning. These inspections are especially crucial in Charleston’s historic homes. It’s better to be safe than sorry and maintain one of your home’s most important systems.
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Rose Morrison |
