Sewer Scopin'

​I am always looking for ways to further advance my goal of providing the best value in town and accordingly recently added another service to our repertoire. After months of training and testing I launched our sewer scope services in October of this year.

​A Troubling Sight
While driving down a street just off the Halifax Peninsula, I was recently struck by the sight of a home's front yard being torn up due to sewer work. It was a vivid reminder of the pervasive infrastructure challenges we face, as nearby streets showed more patches than actual pavement. Witnessing the consequences of such issues stirred a sense of urgency within me.

Reflecting on Past Experiences
My memories took me back to my high school days in the 90s when I resided in a neighborhood plagued by constant sewer pipe problems. The notorious Orangeburg sewer pipes were the bane of many homeowners’ existence, and it became a running joke amongst us High Schoolers to predict which lawn would be dug up next. The frequency of these excavations, often occurring during the winter, was a constant source of inconvenience for residents (and made me almost late for school on more than one occasion!). These experiences made me realize that sewer backups don't wait for a convenient time to occur.

An Insurance Misconception
There is a common misconception that standard home insurance or local utility coverage will take care of sewer failures. However, the reality is that most home insurance policies do not cover such incidents. While it's essential to consult a licensed insurance broker for specific information related to your home, it's crucial to be aware of the limitations of insurance coverage in this regard.

Sewer Problems Are Not Restricted to Older Homes
Another misconception I've encountered is the belief that only older homes require sewer inspections or have sewer issue. While it's true that newer homes are less likely to have issues, I've learned from fellow home inspectors that even brand-new properties can experience sewer problems. Poor installation practices, such as a sewer line randomly ending before reaching the street, and tree root infiltration are just a couple of examples. For peace of mind, I always recommend a sewer scope, especially if your property falls into any of the following categories:

• Any property over 50 years old
• Homes with large trees on the front lawn
• Systems with suspected Orangeburg or Cast-Iron waste pipes
• Unusual healthy patches on the grass

The Importance of Regular Sewer Inspections
Professional home inspectors highly recommend performing sewer scopes both during the initial inspection and at regular intervals. While sewer failures may seem sudden, they often develop slowly over an extended period. By conducting a quick sewer scan, potential issues can be detected early, preventing costly damages and inconveniences. Don't worry about being grossed out by the images below of hairballs or yellow streaks in sewer lines. These are merely harmless anomalies, showcasing the variety of conditions that can be found.

The inspiration to launch this service stemmed from a combination of personal experiences and witnessing the repercussions of sewer-related problems. The misconception that insurance will cover sewer failures and the belief that only older homes are at risk needed to be debunked. By highlighting the importance of sewer inspections, I hope to create awareness among homeowners, ensuring they take proactive measures to safeguard their properties. Remember, a little prevention goes a long way in avoiding potential disasters.​