DRAIN LINE INSPECTIONS

Drain Line Inspections

Your home’s main drain line is one of the most important—and often overlooked—systems in the entire property. Hidden underground, it carries all wastewater away from the home to the municipal sewer or septic system. Over time, these lines can become clogged, cracked, or blocked by roots and debris, leading to costly damage if left undetected.

214 Home Inspections offers professional drain line camera inspections that provide a clear, visual look inside your home’s main sewer or drain line. Using a high-resolution camera system, the inspection captures real-time video footage to identify potential issues that are not visible during a standard home inspection. This service is one of the most effective ways to uncover hidden plumbing defects before they become major problems.

Common Issues Found in Drain Lines

Even newer homes can experience underground drain line problems due to soil conditions, installation errors, or natural settling. For older homes, the likelihood of issues increases significantly due to material aging and root intrusion.

Typical conditions identified during camera inspections include:

  • Root Intrusion: Tree and shrub roots penetrating pipe joints or cracks.

  • Cracked or Collapsed Pipes: Common in aging clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg piping.

  • Blockages and Buildup: From grease, debris, or construction material left in the line.

  • Low Spots (Bellies): Areas where waste and water collect, restricting flow.

  • Offset Joints: Misaligned pipe connections that can lead to leaks or blockages.

  • Improper Repairs or Patching: Non-standard fixes that fail over time.

Identifying these issues early helps homeowners plan repairs before they escalate into sewage backups or full system replacements.

How the Inspection Works

Drain line inspections are noninvasive and can be completed during or after your standard home inspection. The process involves inserting a flexible camera line through an accessible cleanout or plumbing drain to view the interior condition of the main line.

Inspection process:

  • Locate and access the main drain cleanout.

  • Insert a waterproof, high-definition camera line.

  • Record and evaluate footage in real-time.

  • Document any visible damage, blockages, or defects.

  • Provide a detailed digital report with photos and video clips for your records.

If issues are identified, 214 Home Inspections can recommend appropriate next steps, including referral to licensed plumbing or drain specialists for repair or replacement.

Why Choose 214 Home Inspections

  • Advanced Camera Technology: Clear video inspections that reveal hidden defects.

  • Experience and Accuracy: Inspections performed by a Certified Master Inspector trained in drain system evaluation.

  • Comprehensive Reporting: Digital documentation with images and recommendations.

  • Prevention-Focused: Helps prevent backups, costly excavation, and system failure.

  • Ideal Add-On: Recommended for both resale and new construction homes.