Commercial Sewer Scope Inspections

A sewer scope inspection uses a specialized, high-resolution camera guided on a flexible cable to travel through the main sewer lines, typically from the building out to the municipal connection. This non-invasive inspection is essential because it reveals hidden defects below the surface that a standard inspection cannot see. Issues like blockages, corrosion, or breaks can result in immediate, catastrophic plumbing failures and repairs costing tens of thousands of dollars if undetected.

The camera inspection provides a real-time view of the pipe's interior, identifying various costly problems, including:

• Broken or Collapsed Pipes: Sections where structural failure has occurred, severely restricting or stopping flow.

• Root Intrusion: Tree or shrub roots that have penetrated the pipe joints or cracks, leading to recurring blockages.

• Severe Corrosion/Deterioration: Common in older pipes made of clay or cast iron, indicating the line is nearing the end of its useful life.

• "Bellies" or Sags: Sections of the pipe that have sunk due to soil shifting, creating low spots where waste and debris accumulate, leading to chronic clogs.

Yes, a full commercial drainage inspection should extend beyond the sanitary sewer lines to include the storm drainage system. This ensures that both the wastewater and the rainwater drainage components are functional. This includes inspecting below-grade storm drain lines, catch basins, and the downspout connections to verify that they are clear, properly sloped, and correctly directing water away from the building's foundation.

Flat roofs, common on commercial buildings, rely entirely on a properly functioning drainage system (internal drains, scuppers, or perimeter gutters) to remove water. If a flat roof drain is clogged or pitched incorrectly, water will pond (stand) on the roof surface. Ponding water accelerates the deterioration of the roofing membrane, can lead to leaks, and, most dangerously, adds significant weight that could threaten the structural integrity of the building.

Water is the primary cause of building degradation. A correctly functioning drainage system ensures that rainwater is efficiently moved off the roof and safely directed at least 5 feet away from the foundation. If exterior drainage (gutters, downspouts, and site grading) fails, water saturates the soil around the foundation. This can lead to:

• Foundation Movement: Expanding and contracting soil causes foundation cracks.

• Basement/Crawlspace Flooding: Water finds its way into sub-grade levels.

• Mold and Mildew: Excess moisture indoors encourages harmful biological growth.

Finding an issue like a collapsed sewer line or major root intrusion is not necessarily a deal-breaker—it's negotiating leverage. The detailed video and report allow you to:

• Accurately Estimate Repair Costs: Obtain quotes for the exact required repair (e.g., pipe bursting vs. spot repair) without excavation guesswork.

• Negotiate Price Reduction: Request the seller reduce the purchase price to cover the repair costs.

• Request Seller Repair: Insist the seller fix the issue before closing.

For older commercial properties, the scope is vital for revealing issues related to aging materials and past repairs. Common discoveries include:

• Outdated Pipe Materials: Clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg piping that is brittle, corroded, or crushed.

• Improper Connections: Faulty repairs or misaligned connections from previous plumbing work.

• Construction Debris: Leftover construction materials (e.g., rocks, wood, tools) inside the pipes from when the property was built or renovated, causing potential blockages.