A home inspection in Silver Spring couldn't scope an 80+ year old cast iron sewer line because the cleanouts were sealed. We ran a sewer camera about 48 feet into the line, found corrosion and deterioration along it, and recommended replacing the sewer line.
The problem
A home inspection report flagged the main sewer line as original cast iron, more than 80 years old, and said the sewer scope couldn't be finished because both cleanouts were sealed shut. The line's actual condition was unknown.
What our technician found
Age alone doesn't tell you what shape a cast iron sewer line is in. Over the decades the inside of cast iron can build up rust and scale, which roughens the pipe wall and narrows the opening, and debris can collect along the bottom. A sewer camera shows the inside of the pipe directly, so the decision between repair and replacement can be based on what's actually there.
What we did
- Went to the house to finish the sewer camera inspection the home inspection couldn't complete.
- With the cleanouts sealed, got into the line by opening the flexible coupling where the old cast iron drain stack meets newer PVC pipe.
- Ran a sewer camera about 48 feet into the sewer line and recorded video of the run.
- Found corrosion and deterioration in multiple sections of the pipe: rough, scaled walls with rust-colored deposits, and water and debris along the bottom in places.
- At about 40 feet from the access point, found a wye fitting that appears to be a cleanout connection. That cleanout appears to be buried underground and isn't readily accessible.
- Sent a photo, the camera video and a written report with our recommendation so the findings could be explained to the customer.
The result
The camera inspection showed advanced wear and deterioration along the old cast iron line. Because of the extent of the corrosion, we recommended full sewer line replacement, done proactively to lower the risk of future blockages, leaks, pipe failure and sewer backups.
Tips for Silver Spring homeowners
- If a home inspection says the sewer scope couldn't be completed, treat the line's condition as unknown, not as a pass.
- Ask for the camera video, not just a summary. Seeing the inside of the pipe makes a repair-or-replace recommendation much easier to understand.
- If a cleanout is buried in the yard, a camera can still often get in through an accessible fitting inside the house, like a coupling on the drain stack.
- On older cast iron lines, a camera inspection before closing or before a remodel gives you time to plan if the line needs work.
- Know where your cleanouts are and make sure they open. A sealed cleanout makes both clearing a clog and a camera inspection harder.