Active Sewer Backup or Slow Drains — Or Are You Buying a Home?
Written by Steven Shipler, Texas Licensed Master Plumber and Responsible Master Plumber, Texas License #45825, MBA, and founder of The Sewer Inspection Company.
One of the first questions we ask a customer is simple:
Are you experiencing active backups or slow drains, or is this a pre-purchase home inspection?
That question matters because these are two very different reasons to put a camera into a sewer line.
If wastewater is actively backing up, several drains are slow, toilets are gurgling, or an exterior cleanout is overflowing, we are trying to diagnose an existing drainage problem.
If you are buying a home, the plumbing may appear to work perfectly. In that situation, we are looking for hidden sewer conditions before the property becomes your responsibility.
Both situations call for evidence—not guesswork.
Need to Know What Is Happening Inside the Sewer Line?
Whether you have an active drainage problem or you are buying a property, a professional sewer camera inspection can show what is actually happening underground.
Call 972-333-5448Know What’s Underground, Before You Buy.
Situation #1: You Have an Active Sewer Backup or Slow Drains
When a homeowner tells me that several drains are moving slowly, a toilet is gurgling, wastewater is coming up into a bathtub, or a cleanout is overflowing, the priority changes.
Now we are not performing an inspection simply to understand the general condition of the sewer system.
We are trying to determine why the drainage system is not working correctly.
Warning Signs of an Active Sewer Problem
- Multiple slow drains
- Several fixtures backing up at once
- A toilet that bubbles or gurgles
- Water entering a bathtub or shower when another fixture drains
- An exterior sewer cleanout overflowing
- Recurring main-line stoppages
- Strong sewer odors
- A washing machine causing other fixtures to back up
- Wastewater appearing at a floor drain
- A main sewer line that repeatedly needs cleaning
If multiple plumbing fixtures are backing up at the same time, the problem may be farther downstream in the building drain or sewer line—not at one individual fixture.
Why a Camera Inspection Matters After a Sewer Backup
Clearing a blockage and determining why the blockage happened are not always the same thing.
A drain cable may restore flow.
Hydro jetting may remove certain grease, sludge, roots, or buildup.
But if the underlying sewer line contains a structural problem, cleaning may only address the immediate symptom.
A sewer camera inspection may reveal:
- Root intrusion
- A broken sewer pipe
- Pipe separation
- An offset joint
- A collapsed section
- Heavy cast iron scaling
- Cast iron deterioration
- Standing water
- A sewer belly
- Grease or sludge
- Construction debris
- A previous repair
- A change in pipe material
The Big Question: Why Did the Sewer Back Up?
This is the question that matters.
If the line was blocked by a one-time obstruction and the pipe is otherwise serviceable, cleaning may solve the problem.
If the same section keeps stopping up because the pipe holds water, roots repeatedly enter through a failed joint, or deteriorated cast iron catches waste, then simply cleaning the line again may not address the real condition.
I have inspected many sewer lines where the customer says, “We just had this cleaned six months ago.”
That immediately makes me want to know why the problem came back.
Situation #2: This Is a Pre-Purchase Home Inspection
A pre-purchase sewer inspection is different because there may be no obvious plumbing symptoms.
Every toilet may flush.
Every sink may drain.
The home may be beautifully remodeled.
The seller may have never experienced a sewer backup.
None of that proves the underground sewer line is free of defects.
A sewer line can continue draining while it contains standing water, roots, corrosion, offsets, separations, or other conditions a buyer should know about before closing.
Why Home Buyers Should Inspect the Sewer Before Closing
Buyers usually inspect the roof, HVAC system, electrical system, foundation, appliances, and visible plumbing.
The underground sewer line deserves the same attention because it is a major component of the property that cannot be evaluated simply by looking at it from the surface.
A sewer camera inspection can help a buyer determine whether the accessible sewer line appears:
- Open and flowing
- Structurally serviceable in visible areas
- Affected by roots
- Holding standing water
- Offset or separated
- Corroded
- Previously repaired
- Restricted by debris
- In need of additional evaluation
Why This Matters Before the Closing Date
Before closing, the buyer still has an opportunity to understand the condition of the property.
Depending on the purchase agreement and advice from the buyer’s real estate professional, inspection findings may lead to:
- Additional investigation
- A sewer repair estimate
- A seller repair request
- A negotiated credit
- A purchase-price discussion
- Budgeting for future repairs
- A decision to proceed with the property as-is
The purpose of the sewer inspection is not to kill the transaction.
It is to give the buyer information before the transaction is complete.
Active Backup vs. Pre-Purchase Sewer Inspection
| Situation | Primary Goal | What We Are Looking For |
|---|---|---|
| Active Sewer Backup | Determine why wastewater is not flowing correctly | Blockage, roots, collapse, offset, broken pipe, heavy buildup, structural damage |
| Recurring Slow Drains | Determine why the restriction keeps returning | Bellies, poor slope, deterioration, grease, roots, repeated obstruction |
| Pre-Purchase Inspection | Document accessible sewer condition before closing | Hidden defects, pipe material, standing water, offsets, roots, previous repairs |
| Post-Repair Inspection | Verify repaired sections | Connection, visible alignment, flow, repaired area, remaining pipe condition |
You Receive a Narrated Sewer Inspection Video
One of the most important parts of our inspection process is the narrated video.
Raw sewer footage can be difficult to understand.
To someone who does not inspect sewer systems every day, a pipe separation, belly, offset fitting, deteriorated cast iron section, or improper transition may not immediately stand out.
That is why we narrate the inspection.
As the camera travels through the accessible line, important visible conditions can be explained so the customer understands what they are seeing.
You Will Receive a Certified Master Plumber Report
The Sewer Inspection Company does not stop with the camera footage.
Certified Master Plumber Report Included
You will receive a written Certified Master Plumber Report documenting significant visible sewer inspection findings.
The report is provided under the oversight of a Texas Licensed Master Plumber and Responsible Master Plumber, Texas License #45825.
That gives homeowners, buyers, real estate agents, investors, and repair contractors a written document they can review alongside the inspection video.
Sewer Inspection Videos: See What the Camera Can Show
These real sewer inspection videos demonstrate why camera evidence is so useful when diagnosing active drainage problems or evaluating a property before purchase.
Sewer Inspection Video 1
Sewer Inspection Video 2
Sewer Inspection Video 3
Sewer Inspection Video 4
Sewer Inspection Video 5
Sewer Inspection Video 6
Sewer Inspection Video 7
Three Tools Used During Sewer Camera Inspections
1. RIDGID SeeSnake Sewer Camera
The sewer camera allows us to visually inspect and record accessible portions of the sewer line.
This is the equipment that lets us see roots, water, pipe materials, connections, buildup, defects, and other visible conditions inside the line.
2. RIDGID SeekTech Locator
When the camera identifies a significant condition, a locator can help identify the approximate above-ground location of the camera head.
That can become important when planning an excavation or evaluating a repair.
3. Sewer Line Transmitter and Locating Equipment
Underground locating equipment can help trace sewer paths and assist with determining where an underground line or defect is located before excavation begins.
Drain Cleaning vs. Sewer Inspection
Drain cleaning and sewer inspection are related, but they are not the same service.
Drain cleaning is intended to restore flow.
A sewer inspection is intended to evaluate visible pipe conditions.
Sometimes a line needs to be cleaned before the camera can properly evaluate it.
Other times, the camera inspection shows why repeated cleaning has not solved the problem.
When Hydro Jetting May Help
Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to clean appropriate drain and sewer piping.
It may be considered for conditions involving:
- Grease
- Sludge
- Heavy soft buildup
- Certain root intrusion
- Recurring restrictions
- Pipe that needs cleaning for a clearer camera view
Hydro jetting does not structurally repair a broken, separated, collapsed, or poorly sloped sewer line.
When Sewer Repair May Be the Better Answer
If the sewer camera shows a structural defect instead of a simple obstruction, repair may need to be considered.
Possible options may include:
- Spot repair
- Partial sewer replacement
- Open-trench replacement
- Under-slab repair
- Tunneling
- Sewer rerouting
- Trenchless repair where appropriate
- Full sewer replacement
The correct recommendation depends on what the camera actually shows, where the defect is located, the pipe material, depth, access, slope, and overall condition of the sewer system.
Dallas-Fort Worth Sewer Inspection Service Area
The Sewer Inspection Company provides sewer camera inspections for homeowners, home buyers, real estate professionals, investors, property managers, and commercial property owners throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Two 5-Star Reviews
★★★★★ Troy Modie
“We wanted to know exactly what condition the sewer system was in before making any decisions. The Sewer Inspection Company went through the line methodically, identified the areas that needed attention, and explained the findings in a way that was easy to understand. It took the guesswork out of the situation.”
★★★★★ Brad Miller
“The Sewer Inspection Company did a very thorough inspection and explained what they were seeing throughout the process. The sewer line was carefully camera-inspected, and the final report clearly showed the condition of the system and any areas of concern. Very professional from start to finish.”
See additional customer feedback on our Testimonials page.
Helpful Sewer Inspection Resources
- The Ultimate Guide to Sewer Inspections Before Buying a Home
- What Can a Sewer Camera Inspection Find?
- Sewer Inspection Checklist for Home Buyers
- Real Home Buyer Sewer Inspection Success Stories
- Testimonials
- Contact The Sewer Inspection Company
Plumbing Code Reference Topics
Sanitary drainage systems should be evaluated and repaired according to the code adopted by the local authority having jurisdiction. The following code topics are particularly relevant to sewer and drain work.
| # | Reference | Why It Matters | Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IPC Sanitary Drainage | Building drains, building sewers, drainage piping, installation, slope and related requirements. | Code |
| 2 | UPC Sanitary Drainage | Sanitary drainage, sewer piping, installation, sizing, cleanouts and testing. | Code |
| 3 | IPC Cleanouts | Cleanout access is important for service, maintenance and sewer camera access. | Code |
| 4 | UPC Cleanouts | Addresses access points used to maintain sanitary drainage systems. | Code |
| 5 | IPC Drainage Pipe Slope | Proper slope is necessary for gravity drainage and helps reduce standing water. | Code |
| 6 | UPC Drainage Pipe Grade | Addresses horizontal drainage installation and required grade. | Code |
| 7 | IPC Drainage Testing | Testing can be required before repaired plumbing is concealed. | Code |
| 8 | UPC Drainage Testing | Provides testing requirements for drainage and vent systems. | Code |
| 9 | IPC Approved Materials and Joints | Sewer repairs require appropriate pipe materials, fittings and connections. | Code |
| 10 | UPC Approved Materials and Joints | Addresses acceptable materials and joining methods for drainage piping. | Code |
15 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is a sewer scope inspection really necessary?
A sewer camera inspection can be particularly valuable when you are buying a property, experiencing recurring drainage problems, or trying to understand why the sewer line keeps backing up.
2. How long does a sewer scope inspection take?
Inspection time varies based on sewer access, pipe length, obstructions, property layout, cleanout locations, and the condition of the line.
3. Will I receive a video of the inspection?
Yes. The Sewer Inspection Company provides a narrated sewer inspection video so you can review what was observed inside the accessible sewer line.
4. Can a sewer scope detect all problems?
No. Sewer camera inspection is a visual evaluation of accessible sections of pipe. It cannot guarantee detection of every concealed defect, inaccessible branch, intermittent condition, or future failure.
5. What happens if problems are found?
The findings are documented and explained. Depending on what is observed, additional locating, cleaning, hydro jetting, repair evaluation, or an estimate may be recommended.
6. Is this service included in a standard home inspection?
Not necessarily. Buyers should verify what their general home inspection includes and request a separate sewer scope when needed.
7. How much can sewer repairs cost?
Repair cost varies widely depending on the pipe material, location, depth, defect, access, excavation, concrete work, length of replacement and repair method.
8. What does it mean if several drains are slow?
Multiple slow drains can indicate a restriction farther downstream in the building drain or sewer line, although additional diagnosis is needed to determine the cause.
9. What does toilet gurgling mean?
Gurgling can occur when drainage flow or air movement in the plumbing system is restricted. It can be associated with a drain or sewer problem and may warrant further evaluation.
10. Should the sewer be inspected after drain cleaning?
A post-cleaning camera inspection can help determine whether the blockage was caused by ordinary buildup or whether structural conditions such as roots, offsets, bellies or damaged pipe remain.
11. Can hydro jetting repair a broken sewer pipe?
No. Hydro jetting is a cleaning method. It does not structurally repair cracked, broken, separated or collapsed sewer piping.
12. Can a house have a sewer problem even if everything drains normally?
Yes. A sewer line can continue functioning while roots, standing water, offsets, corrosion or other conditions are developing.
13. Why is the sewer inspection video narrated?
Narration helps the customer understand what is being observed while the camera moves through the sewer line.
14. Do I receive a Master Plumber Report?
Yes. You will receive a Certified Master Plumber Report documenting significant visible findings, with oversight from a Texas Licensed Master Plumber and Responsible Master Plumber, Texas License #45825.
15. Should I inspect the sewer before buying a home?
A sewer inspection can provide important information about the accessible underground sewer line before closing and before responsibility for future repair becomes yours.
Know What’s Underground, Before You Buy.
Active Backup, Slow Drains, or Buying a Home?
Tell us which situation you have. We will help determine the right sewer inspection and diagnostic approach.
Call 972-333-5448
The Sewer Inspection Company
Texas Licensed Master Plumber / Responsible Master Plumber
Texas License #45825
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