Why Sewer Inspections Matter

Your home’s sewer line is one of its most vital systems, but it’s often overlooked until a major backup occurs. Over time, pipes can deteriorate, shift, or become clogged by tree roots, leading to messy, expensive problems. A professional sewer line inspection is the best way to detect hidden issues before they turn into full-blown disasters.

Why Older Homes Are at Higher Risk

If your home is more than 30 years old, your sewer line may be made of outdated materials like clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg (a tar paper composite). These materials are prone to cracking, collapsing, and root intrusion.

Even small cracks or misalignments can let wastewater leak underground or allow roots to invade the line, restricting flow and eventually causing a backup.

The Power of a Camera Inspection

Modern plumbing technology makes inspections easier and more accurate than ever. Using a high-definition sewer camera, plumbers can feed a small waterproof camera through your main line to visually inspect every inch of the pipe.

This process identifies:

• Cracks, leaks, or corrosion
• Root intrusion
• Sagging or misaligned pipes
• Blockages or buildup
• Evidence of previous poor repairs

You’ll receive a detailed report and video footage so you can make informed repair decisions.

How Sewer Inspections Save You Money

A sewer inspection is a small investment compared to the potential cost of neglect. Repairs for collapsed lines or sewage backups can reach thousands of dollars and require extensive excavation. Early detection helps you plan for maintenance, avoid emergencies, and protect your property value.

Home buyers also benefit — sewer inspections are essential before purchasing an older property. Many homeowners have discovered costly sewer issues only after moving in.

Trust the Experts

At Putman & Son’s Plumbing, our experienced team uses state-of-the-art video inspection tools to diagnose sewer line problems accurately and efficiently. Whether you suspect a blockage or just want peace of mind, we’ll ensure your home’s sewer system is running safely and smoothly.

248-652-0990 | 🌐 pnsplumbing.com

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• A Dry P-Trap – The curved length of pipe under the sink is called the p-trap. Water is supposed to remain in the curve to serve as a plug that stops gas from the sewer system from coming up. If it goes dry, it will not serve this function and allow odors into your home. Make sure to run water in sinks that don’t get much use to prevent this problem.
• Clogged Vent – Vents are necessary to release gas from the sewer system, usually extending to the roof. If a vent pipe becomes clogged, it could cause gasses to enter your home. Due to the position of the pipe, you may need to call a professional to clear a clogged vent.
• Blocked Drain – If you notice a rotten egg smell, it could be biofilm buildup from a drain clog. To remove the bacteria, you must clear the blockage. This may be done using a drain cleaner product or boiling water.
• Sewer Line Blockage – A blockage may also exist deeper in the system along the main sewer line. When this happens, you will likely have to call a plumber to snake the line.
• Mold Growth – Musty smells can be a sign of mold in the drain. Per the EPA, as long as the infected area is less than 10 square feet in size, you should be able to handle it yourself. Vinegar, boiling water, and baking soda can be used to remove mold.

If you have trouble identifying the cause of drain odors, a professional can help. Call Putman & Son’s Plumbing 24/7 plumbing services located in southeast Michigan to stop sewer smells and remove blockages.

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If you’re noticing problems with your sewer line, it is time to call a plumbing expert to see if you are in need of a sewer repair. When diagnosed promptly by plumbing professionals, your sewer can be salvaged without requiring a full replacement. If you’re noticing problems like slow drains, sewage backing up into your home or business, or totally blocked drains, you should call a plumbing company for an inspection right away to determine the problem.

A sewer inspection can determine if your sewer needs a repair

A camera sewer inspection is typically used to determine what exactly is wrong with your sewer line and what type of repair, if any, will be needed. In many cases, your sewer line will not have a major issue. In the majority of the cases we handle, it only requires a simple unclogging using hydro-jetting, a mechanized plumbing snake or another method in our cleaning arsenal. Sewer inspections are the only reliable way to determine what’s wrong with your sewer line.

Sewer repairs or replacements may be needed

If just one section of your sewer line is broken or compromised, you may be able to get by with a sectional sewer repair, otherwise there may be larger sections of your sewer line requiring a full replacement. For example, if your sewer line is made with an outdated material like clay it may need to be replaced. In any case, Putman & Son’s Plumbing licensed and insured Master Plumbers can assist you with your next sewer repair. Contact us today.

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Sewer problems occasionally pop up from time to time as the result of problems like tree root invasions, leaks or cracks in the sewer line, clogs due to waste and other problems. A sewer inspection can catch many of these complications and other potential problems with the sewer line. A proper sewer inspection can aid in dealing with potential hazards quickly and efficiently.

At Putman & Son’s Plumbing, we utilize the latest equipment in order to inspect sewer lines quickly. Unlike dated methods, our sewer camera provides us with the exact detail needed to investigate lines for problems. Using a sewer camera, we inspect the entirety of the sewer system to find any potential problems with it. Any issues like leaks, tree root invasions, potential clogs, or anything else that could compromise the integrity of the sewer system can be dealt with and spotted quickly.

If there are sewer problems, we can quickly diagnose and fix the issue. Common examples of problems include: slow drains, backed up drains, or foul odors coming from drains. Any of these issues can be fully diagnosed with a sewer inspection, but it’s crucial to schedule one to avoid any damage to the sewer line. Call Putman & Son’s today at (248)-652-0990 to learn more.

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