Sewer Lateral Inspection
A sewer lateral inspection is an evaluation of the underground sewer line that connects a home's plumbing system to the city sewer main or a private septic system. Using a specialized camera, an inspector examines the pipes' interior to identify issues such as root intrusion, cracks, breaks, offsets, corrosion, blockages, or sagging sections that can lead to expensive repairs.
In the Memphis area, sewer lateral inspections are especially important because many neighborhoods have mature trees whose roots can invade sewer lines. Additionally, older homes in Memphis, Germantown, Bartlett, Collierville, and surrounding communities may have aging clay, cast-iron, or Orangeburg sewer pipes that are more susceptible to deterioration and failure.
Since sewer lines are buried underground, defects often go unnoticed until they cause slow drains, sewage backups, foul odors, or costly excavation work. A sewer camera inspection can uncover hidden problems before a purchase, helping buyers avoid unexpected expenses after closing.
For Memphis-area homebuyers, a sewer lateral inspection provides valuable insight into one of the most expensive underground systems on the property and can offer peace of mind before making one of life's largest investments.
Example of a sewer lateral inspection
Several things are inspected during a plumbing check, including roots in the drain lines that can cause blockages.
A sewer line belly, also known as a "sag" or "bellying" in plumbing terms, occurs when there is a low point or dip in an underground sewer or drainage pipe. This creates a U-shaped curve in the pipe, which disrupts the normal flow of wastewater and debris.
When the connections in a pipe are not properly aligned and the ends of two pipe segments, known as joints, are not properly aligned, these offsets could cause blockages or leaking pipes.
