Buying a home in Westfield, NJ means looking beyond what you can see on the surface. One important item to check is the sewer line. Homeowners are typically responsible for the sewer line running from the house to the lateral, and sewer repairs or replacement can cost thousands of dollars. That is why a sewer inspection is a smart step before closing on a home.
A sewer inspection is performed by inserting a camera into the pipe through a cleanout. The camera is attached to a cable and pushed through the sewer line while a live video feed appears on a monitor. This allows the inspector to identify problems on site. The video is also saved for review, and you receive a written report detailing any issues found, including the location of the problem within the line.
Common sewer line problems include grease buildup, root intrusion, blockages, bellies, breaks, and misalignments. Grease can collect along the bottom of the pipe and restrict flow over time, increasing the risk of backups. Tree roots can enter through cracks or joints and continue growing until they partially or fully block the line. Other obstructions, including debris or items that should never be flushed, can also reduce flow and cause serious problems.
Some sewer lines also develop structural or mechanical issues. Pipes can crack, shift out of alignment, sag, or deteriorate with age. These problems may start small but often get worse over time, and in some cases the line may need excavation, repair, or full replacement.
When the issue is caused by grease, roots, or minor blockages, sewer jetting is often an effective solution. A sewer jetter uses high-pressure water to clear the line and restore proper flow. The sewer camera can then be used again to confirm the pipe is clean and functioning properly.
If jetting is not enough, repairs may be needed. In some cases, only a small damaged section of pipe must be excavated and replaced. In more severe situations, a larger portion of the sewer line may need to be exposed, repaired, realigned, or replaced. When the damage extends to the lateral near the street, permits and township approvals may also be required.
A sewer backup can be messy, stressful, and expensive. A professional sewer inspection in Westfield, NJ can help you avoid costly surprises before you buy. Call Brink’s today to schedule your sewer inspection. Our licensed team has more than a decade of experience and is fully equipped to inspect, clean, repair, or replace damaged sewer lines.
I recently worked with Brinks, and I am extremely pleased with my experience and would highly recommend them.
I contacted Brinks because my realtor recommended them to me. I was under contact to sell my house in Jersey City Heights, NJ, and had a 20-year decommissioned oil tank in the front of the house that needed to be removed prior to closing. I had no idea where to start, was extremely stressed out because of this, and after calling 3 companies to get quotes, including the original company that decommissioned the tank, I went with Brinks. Why?
Let me just say: everyone at Brinks was extremely helpful and diligent in their communication, procedures, and tank removal. They were communicative, honest, and gracious when I spoke with them, and that put me at ease. I live out of state, so this was very important to me. From acquiring permits, corresponding with the city (not an easy feat), scheduling the removal, testing the soil, disposing of the tank, creating the report for the city, and repairing the sidewalk, I had absolutely no worries in this stressful process and was very pleased.