Sludge build-up is common in modern plumbing. Because cooking oils and fats are not water-soluble, grease tends to stick to the sidewalls of drainpipes. Grease can eventually lead to a plumbing blockage if not periodically cleaned. Other materials like sand from dog washing, paper products, or the occasional flushed children’s toy, traveling down the pipe can get caught up in these build-ups and inhibit the flow. A sewer scope will allow you to have the lines jetted and cleaned before blockage occurs.

Total pipe collapse is uncommon, but pipes can collapse entirely because of material failure or pressure from above. As a pipe collapses, the opening shrinks, and this will cause a blockage. Further, the leakage occurring into the ground from a broken pipe causes sinkholes, ground settlement, and other structural damages. A sewer scope in Vancouver and Camas, WA can determine exactly where a collapse is occurring to minimize repairs.

An offset union is where two end sections of pipe meet but do not line up or connect properly. For example, settlement or steep angled unions can cause the pipes to shift independently on both sides of the connection. Sometimes the pipes were not fitted perfectly when installed.  This issue causes a void on the outside of the pipe where water runs out and erodes. This is a likely root intrusion point. A sewer scope can find offset unions before secondary damage occurs.

During the homebuilding process and subsequent renovations, builders or construction crews may inadvertently damage the drain line. Heavy vehicles moving in and out prior to the concrete driveway being poured can may damage existing sewer lines: settlement, offset pipes, cracking, crushing, etc. Additions, decking, and landscaping installation can affect drain lines. A sewer scope can discover issues caused after initial installation.

Root intrusion is very common in older concrete, clay, and cast-iron sewer lines. When planting a tree, most people do not think about the sewer line location. Over time trees grow. Their root systems develop and mature below ground as well. This can crush a pipe or offset a pipe union deep below ground. Most commonly, we see roots entering a pipe union hub or a leaking drainpipe. Usually roots become a full root intrusion and blockage. Trees have strong survival instincts, and their roots will find any tiny space in a pipe where water and nutrients can be accessed. Tree roots are always moving closer to any available water source, including drainpipes. A sewer scope can prevent sewer pipe repairs after the home sale is closed.

Orangeburg fiber drain plumbing is an older, no longer used type of piping. Orangeburg plumbing was made from a mixture of wood pulp, hot pine pitch, and tar resin. Many homes built in the 1950’s, 60s, and 70s in Longview, Kelso, Ridgefield, and Downtown Vancouver were plumbed with this type of drain piping. Over time, Orangeburg piping absorbs moisture and becomes distorted. Orangeburg slowly compresses and changes shape from full round to a narrow oval. The piping delaminates. The piping develops blisters and bubbles on the interior sidewalls, closing off the pipe. Most homes still fitted with this type of drainage will need complete sewer line replacement. A sewer scope can verify the presence of Orangeburg fiber drain plumbing.