(A Plumber’s Perspective on Catching Big Problems Early)
Let me say it straight:
Most homeowners wait way too long to check their sewer line.
They wait until there’s a backup.
Until the toilet burps water into the tub.
Until the lawn smells like something died underground.
But the truth is — a simple check now can save you thousands later.
Here’s when I recommend checking your line, why it matters, and what we actually do during the inspection.
When Should You Check Your Sewer Line?
It’s not just for older homes (though that’s a big one).
Here are the real moments to consider it:
- Before buying a house — always, always inspect underground lines
- If your home is 20+ years old and the pipes have never been inspected
- If you’ve had repeat clogs or slow drains
- After big landscaping or construction projects (ground shifting is real)
- If you notice weird smells or gurgling from toilets or tubs
- If roots have been an issue before — they don’t stop growing
Basically, if you’re not sure when it was last checked — it’s probably time.
What We Actually Look For
A sewer line check isn’t guesswork.
We use a high-resolution sewer camera to inspect the full line from your house to the city connection.
Here’s what we’re checking:
- Blockages — buildup from grease, wipes, debris
- Root intrusion — tree roots cracking through joints
- Pipe damage — cracks, collapses, corrosion
- Offsets — misaligned pipes from settling soil
- Low spots (bellies) — sections where waste and water pool
- Signs of past patchwork or DIY “fixes”
We can even mark the location and depth of any problem areas — which makes future repairs much easier (and cheaper).
Common Things I Find
“It was just a slow drain…”
— turns out, a massive root ball wrapped around a cracked clay joint.
“Everything seemed fine!”
— until the pipe turned out to be 80% blocked by years of grease buildup.
“It passed the regular inspection…”
— but the camera showed a 5-foot belly under the foundation slab.
That’s why I never assume. I check.
Is It Expensive?
Nope.
A standard sewer line check costs way less than fixing even a small section of damaged pipe.
And once we inspect it, you’ll know exactly what shape it’s in — with footage to prove it.
It’s like a colonoscopy for your house. Not fun, but smart.
What We Do at Golden Valley Plumbing
We run every sewer inspection the right way:
- Professional-grade camera with real-time display
- Full length check from cleanout to city tap
- Depth and distance measurements
- Optional video file if you want to keep it
- Clear explanation of what we see — no jargon
Need peace of mind? Schedule a check with Golden Valley Plumbing — we’ll show you what’s under there.
Final Word
Your sewer line might be working fine…
until it’s not.
A simple check now can prevent a flooded bathroom later.
And I’d rather give you good news today — than a $10,000 excavation quote next month.
