How Often Should a Sewer Line Be Inspected?

Written by Steven Shipler, Texas Licensed Master Plumber, Responsible Master Plumber (RMP), MBA.

If you are asking, “How often should a sewer line be inspected?”, the answer depends on the age of the home, pipe material, tree coverage, prior backup history, foundation movement, and whether you are buying, selling, renting, or maintaining the property.

A sewer camera inspection gives video evidence of the accessible underground sewer line. It can help identify roots, standing water, bellies, offsets, separations, cast iron deterioration, clay pipe problems, and previous repairs.

The best time to inspect a sewer line is before it becomes an emergency.

Need a Sewer Line Inspection?

Schedule video inspection before buying, selling, or dealing with repeated drain problems.

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Know What’s Underground, Before You Buy.

When Should You Inspect a Sewer Line?

Before buying a home: Always inspect before closing when possible.
Before selling a home: Sellers may want to document condition before listing.
After repeated backups: Repeated drain cleaning means the pipe condition needs to be understood.
Older homes: Homes with cast iron, clay, or mature trees should be inspected more carefully.
Rental properties: Investors and landlords should inspect before major tenant turnover or purchase.
After foundation repair: Foundation movement can affect underground plumbing.

General Inspection Timing

For many homeowners, a sewer inspection every few years may be reasonable if the line has risk factors such as older pipe, mature trees, cast iron, clay pipe, or prior backup history. Buyers should inspect before closing, not after.

Properties with known issues may need more frequent inspection or monitoring.

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FAQs

How often should a sewer line be inspected?

Buyers should inspect before closing. Homeowners with older pipes, mature trees, or backup history may consider inspections every few years or sooner if symptoms appear.

Should rental properties have sewer inspections?

Yes. Investors and landlords should understand sewer line condition before purchase, tenant turnover, or repeated maintenance calls.

Call The Sewer Inspection Company today at 972-333-5448.