Don't Let Sewer Drama Drain Your Wallet: Get a Sewer Scope Inspection!

Protect Your Investment: Why You Need a Sewer Scope Inspection in Chicago

Congratulations on finding a potential property in Chicago! Before finalizing your purchase, there are several essential inspections to schedule. While a standard home inspection is crucial, one often-overlooked yet valuable assessment is a sewer scope inspection.

Why Consider a Sewer Scope Inspection?

Chicago's history stretches back to the early 1800s, and its infrastructure reflects that. Many buildings in the city rely on older sewer systems constructed with materials like clay tiles, cast iron, or orangeburg pipes. These materials can degrade over time, becoming susceptible to cracks, root intrusion, or collapse. Furthermore, Chicago's underground sewer network is intricate, with a maze of pipes running beneath streets and sidewalks. A sewer scope inspection provides a non-intrusive method for evaluating the condition of your main sewer line, potentially saving you significant money in the long run.

What is a Sewer Scope Inspection?

Imagine a miniature camera on a long, flexible cable — that's essentially what a sewer scope is. A qualified plumber feeds the camera through a cleanout point (usually located in the catch basin at the rear of the building) into the main sewer line. The camera transmits a live video feed to a monitor, allowing the inspector to identify any cracks, blockages, root intrusion, or other issues within the line.

Benefits of a Sewer Scope Inspection:

• Informed Decision-Making: Knowing the condition of your sewer line empowers you to make informed decisions about the property. A healthy sewer system provides peace of mind and avoids potential future headaches.
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• Cost-Saving Potential: Early detection of problems allows for proactive repairs, preventing costly emergencies and potential damage to your property.
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• Negotiation Leverage: If the inspection reveals issues, you can use this information to negotiate repairs with the seller or factor repair costs into your offer.
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• Avoid Unexpected Issues: Unforeseen sewer line problems can disrupt your life and cause property damage. A sewer scope inspection helps you avoid these unpleasant surprises.

What to Expect During a Sewer Scope Inspection:

• Cost: A sewer scope inspection typically costs around $300, depending on the plumber.
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• Scheduling: Ideally, coordinate the inspection with your standard home inspection to avoid wasting time. If necessary, request additional inspection time through your attorney.
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• Duration: The inspection can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of the system.
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• Responsibility for Repairs: The location of a sewer line crack determines who is responsible for repairs. In Chicago, for single-family homes and buildings with 1-4 units, the homeowner is responsible for cracks before the sidewalk. The city's Department of Water Management handles repairs beyond the sidewalk. Owners of buildings with 5 or more units are responsible for all cracks in the line until it meets the main sewer line.

Finding a Qualified Sewer Scope Inspector

Look for a licensed and experienced plumber specializing in sewer camera inspections. We recommend Jim McDarrah at (773) 510-9046 as a reputable option in Chicago.

Conclusion

A sewer scope inspection may seem like an optional expense, but it's a wise investment for any Chicago homeowner or real estate investor. By uncovering hidden problems before they become major issues, you can save yourself a lot of money, stress, and inconvenience.