A very common question we get when talking to buyers who are scheduling a general home inspection is “What other services do you think I need?” The answer can depend on the age of the home, whether any remodeling has been done, and what specific concerns the buyer has with the home. The more information we have about the home, whether it has been vacant for a long time, or whether it was meticulously maintained by the homeowner, the better we can help suggest whether certain add-on services are recommended.

There are a couple of services we usually recommend with every inspection, especially to those who might be moving in from out of state and may not be familiar with our area. We’ll go through each service in this article, and help you decide what extra inspections you should realistically consider.

Radon Testing During A Home Inspection

Radon Testing in Colorado is important because it is known for its elevated levels of radon gas, due to the specific mineral content in the soils. Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking, but you can’t tell if a home has high radon levels unless you test for it.

If a home does test high for radon levels, then that is something that your agent can help negotiate, possibly for a credit or for a radon mitigation system.

During the test, the radon monitor is always set in the lowest living area of the home, even if it is an unfinished basement. These areas may be converted into bedrooms, office space, or a play area for the kids, so it is important to test at this location. It is in the lower parts of the home where the concentrations are highest.

Whether a home has a basement, crawlspace, or is on a slab, it should still be tested for radon, according to the EPA. If a home has a radon mitigation system, it’s always good to check when the last test was performed.

We will check to make sure the system appears to be in working condition during the home inspection, but the only way to know that the radon gas is truly mitigated is to perform a radon test.

When Should I Get A Sewer Scope Test?

A Sewer Scope is another important service that is suggested, particularly for single-family homes and townhomes, where the owner is responsible for the condition of the line from the home to the city’s or HOA’s main sewer line.

While we believe this is one of the most important add-on inspections for all properties due to the high cost of repair, it is even more important for older homes.

Many older homes will have original sewer lines made from clay or cast iron piping. Older pipes are more prone to issues like root intrusion, cracking, and offsets than newer PVC lines. We highly recommend a sewer scope on these types of lines.

What about septic systems? Many people tell us that they don’t need a sewer scope because the property is on a septic system. However, the main sewer line from the home to the septic tank is still susceptible to the same issues as a line from a home to a public sewer pipe and it should be checked.

Agents and buyers need to ensure that the septic tank itself and the rest of the septic system are properly inspected by a qualified septic servicer as well.

Problems with a sewer line can be very costly to repair, so it is always a good idea to have an independent and unbiased scope of the line. What is out of sight should not be out of mind!

Water Conscious Or Buying A Home With A Recent Water Event?

For properties that have had a “water event” or for clients with sensitivities to mold allergies, the Infrared (I/R) Scan service is a great way to help the inspector find hidden moisture concerns. An infrared camera reads the surface temperatures and moisture will show itself as cooler compared to the surrounding areas.

The camera cannot “see” behind the walls as some might think, but it can help the inspector focus on an area of concern, and recommend repair and mitigation of an area if active moisture is found.

Mold Air Sample Testing can further help to quantify whether there are elevated levels of mold spores in the home. A typical test consists of taking a minimum of 3 air samples. One is taken outside as a control sample, and then two more are taking on the inside of the home.

The samples are then sent to a specialized laboratory, where the samples are analyzed for fungal types and levels. The results are sent back to the buyer the next business day, in an easy-to-understand report.

While these tests can be beneficial during any home inspection, we recommend them to buyers with allergies or mold sensitivity, or in homes where water issues may have been disclosed.

Hate Pests? We do Too!

For those who are particularly concerned about wood-destroying insects, rodent intrusion, and other critters in the home, a Pest Inspection might be a good option to consider.

The pest inspection is performed by a specialist who follows the National Pest Management Association guidelines. This inspection includes a visual review of the entire home including the structure and foundation where any evidence of pests will be documented.

Observations and recommendations will be made as to how they might be entering the home, and how best to address any future entry or intrusion.

If a home is older, if pest issues have been disclosed, if the home is built in a high humidity area, or if the home is a mountain home in Colorado, we will typically recommend this inspection.

Concerned About Energy Consumption?

If you’re an energy efficiency geek, or just want to save on your future energy bills, an Energy Check will help to identify several ways to improve your future home’s comfort and efficiency.

During an Energy Check, insulation levels will be checked in the attic, which is one of the greatest sources of heat loss in a home, in addition to the crawlspace or basement.

An I/R camera is also used to help find voids of insulation in the walls and ceilings. The HVAC system, and other components of the mechanical systems are also assessed for their energy efficiencies, in addition to the windows.

Appliances and lighting fixtures are reviewed as well, with recommendations made for possible improvements.

An Energy Check provides information to a future home owner, and is primarily information only for future reference. Many of these items may not be negotiable in the purchase of a home.

So should you order an Energy-Check with your inspection? Many newer homes have been built to higher energy-efficiency standards per the building codes of a particular area. However, some of the older homes that are inspected were built when energy-efficiency was not fully appreciated for either the homeowners or the planet!

Generally, you will receive the most benefit from this in older homes pre-1990s or if you are looking to make improvements.

What About My Drinking Water?

Finally, a Water Quality Test is a test that is becoming more popular as well. Everyone wants to know that the water they are drinking does not contain dangerous substances, but also that it doesn’t put unseemly spots on your dishes.

Even though the public source of the water is tested regularly, there may be older pipes through which the water runs that may contaminate it, resulting in poor quality water at the tap.

We utilize state-of-the-art equipment approved by the EPA, which provides immediate results. The primary components that are tested include lead, copper, chlorine levels, hardness, pH, alkalinity, and total dissolved solids (TDS).

The age of the home and age of the neighborhood can help you decide if this test is right for you. Older homes, typically built before 1950 may have been built with some lead supply pipes that have yet to be removed. While we try to find these during the inspection, there may be small sections that are not visible.

Even if the house is brand new, it may be built in an older neighborhood. This increases the likelihood that there are lead supply pipes running to the lot itself. Any house built in an older neighborhood is a good candidate for this test.

When In Doubt, Give Us A Call.

Hopefully this article helps you decide which add-on services you should consider. When making a large purchase, like a new home, the more information you have the better.

If you are still unsure about which services to order with your home inspection, visit us online or contact us and our customer service team can help look up the home and give you recommendations.

We hope to hear from you soon on your next Colorado home inspection.

A backflow preventer is one of the unsung heroes of our residential plumbing systems. These devices are crucial in preventing issues such as water contamination, sewage backups, or basement flooding. But what are they, and why are they so important? In this blog, we will get to the bottom of it!

What Causes Backflow?

To understand what a backflow preventer is, we must first understand what backflow is.

In the simplest terms, “backflow” is liquid or waste flowing in the incorrect direction in which the system was designed. This can happen on supply and drain lines and can occur for different reasons.

In pressured supply lines, things get a little more complicated. Water travels from a higher pressure to a lower pressure. This simple concept allows a city water department to distribute H2O to residential homes. Water is channeled through a main line at a high pressure, which branches off to individual houses, stepping down the pressure along the way.

But on certain rare occasions, the downstream water pressure may become higher than the pressure from the main, causing the water to change directions, also known as backflow. When the normal flow of water has reversed, serious issues can arise, as it can draw potentially contaminated water back into a potable water line. How do we avoid this issue? In the comes the backflow preventer!

What Is A Backflow Preventer?

A backflow preventer (or BFP) is a valve that has one simple function – allowing liquid to flow one direction, and stopping it from flowing in the opposite direction. There are several different types of these devices, and they are generally utilized in two main settings: irrigation systems and drainage systems.

Backflow Preventers on Irrigation Systems

If you have a sprinkler system at home, you likely have a backflow preventer. Being that irrigation systems are often buried and exposed to outdoor elements, it is possible for contaminants such as chemicals or waste to find their way into the irrigation lines.

For instance, you may have pets that access your lawn to do their business. Or maybe you use fertilizer, pesticides or weed killer. Rain can wash all of these contaminants into the soil. And in the case where negative pressure pulls liquids back into your irrigation lines, you now all of a sudden have contaminated liquid traveling back toward your potable water supply. But, as you can guess, the backflow preventer will save the day! They are installed between your fresh water supply and the main irrigation line, effectively keeping the two lines separate.

These apparatuses are such an important safeguard, that Colorado building code requires them in most setups involving irrigation.

During our standard inspections, we always test the sprinkler systems (when the season permits). While running the sprinklers, our inspectors make sure that BFPs are properly installed and free of any leaks, damage or defects. We usually come across Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) backflow preventers, like the one shown below. This style of device is most commonly found in residential homes with smaller irrigation systems.

Note that, while we do conduct this general BFP inspection, we are not plumbing professionals. And it is recommended to have your backflow preventer tested annually by a qualified pro.

Backflow Preventers on Drainage Systems

Backflow preventers in drainage pipes, also know as backwater valves, are constructed differently than ones used for irrigation. However, the same concept applies. Water can only travel one way. As the diagram below illustrates, this device can be installed seamlessly on the sewer line of a home. If water is flowing in the correct direction, the flap will remain in a downward position, allowing all waste and liquid to pass. However, if the flow reverses, the flap will float to its upward position, effectively obstructing any backflow of sewage.

These devices are especially effective in areas susceptible to flooding or below the municipal sewer main. In the case that a heavy rainfall occurs or there is a blockage in the municipal line, it will help to prevent any serious flooding from occurring in the basement of the home.

During our standard inspections, we are able to inspect these valves when they are readily available. Unfortunately, they are often under ground or connected to an outside sweep. However, if we can see it, we ask a few questions. Is the clean-out cap intact and in good condition? Is the area free of any visible leaks or damage?

During our sewer scope inspections, our inspectors are often able to see the BFP from within the pipe. We are not experts on these devices, but we will be sure to make note when they are present. If there is an access point before the device, our technicians are able to scope up the BF preventer. We can also inspect the line after the valve, if any accessible clean outs are available.

We, unfortunately, cannot scope through the valve as it can cause damage to our sewer scope camera and the valve. This can make scoping a line with a backflow preventer tricky as they aren’t always installed in the most ideal spot.

For more information about our sewer scope inspections, visit us online.

Conclusion

As you can see, backflow preventers are essential devices in both irrigation and drainage systems. They defend the clean water supply and protect buildings from water contamination and damage, making them a must in many household settings!

If you have any further questions about backflow preventers, don’t hesitate to reach out to us through our Ask Your Inspector program.

In need of home inspection services? Try Scott Home Services!

Scott Home Services is a veteran home inspection company, and we have proudly served the Colorado Front Range for over 18 years. We offer a long list of inspection services, including standard home inspections, radon testing, water quality testing, pest inspections and more!

Visit us online to learn more, or contact us to book your services today.

So you’ve finally found your dream house. It’s a brand new home with the latest and greatest materials and finishes.

After your standard home inspection, you might think you’re in the clear to close on the deal. You probably don’t need to inspect the sewer line because, after all, it is brand new. Right? Well…

Having performed thousands of sewer scope inspections as a company, we have learned that you can never be sure about the condition of a sewer line – even in brand new builds. Factors such as installation error, damaged piping or debris can be present in new sewer lines, which could lead to huge issues and costly repairs down the road.

Why are Sewer Scope Inspections So Important?

How often are we really thinking about our sewer pipes? Residential sewer drainage lines are frequently treated with the common mindset – out of sight, out of mind. Sewer lines are one of the few major components of the home that are usually completely or partially unseen.

If a home has a crawlspace, you can often see a portion of the sewer line. But once the line leaves the foundation, it travels underground and out of sight. The point is that, unlike many other components of the home, you can’t simply look at a sewer line from its exterior to determine its condition.

That’s where a sewer scope inspection comes in! A sewer scope inspection involves using a specialized, high definition camera that is attached to a long line of fiber optic cable.

The camera is run down through the residential sewer piping until it reaches the main city sewer line or septic tank. A sewer scope technician is able to observe the condition of the line in realtime on a monitor as they guide the cam through the line.

For more details on our sewer inspection process, check out our blog: What is a Sewer Scope?

Sewer scopes are important because you can never be 100% sure of the sewer’s condition unless you physically look at it.

A homeowner is responsible for their sewer from their house until it meets the main city sewer line. Sewer lines, of course, vary in length from house to house. But in a lot of cases, they are 100 plus feet. When considering a long, plastic pipe that runs underground with outside pressures acting on it (such as rocks, roots soil, other construction features etc.), it’s not hard to imagine the potential issues that can occur.

Sewer repair can be one of the most costly repairs associated with a home. Depending on severity, prices for full line replacements can range from $10,000 to $40,000. When buying that dream home, the last thing you want is to be slapped in the face with an expensive repair bill right from the get go!

That’s why knowing the condition of the sewer line before purchasing a new home is worth its weight in gold.

Sewer Issues in New Builds

Now don’t get it confused – a newly built house will generally have a sewer line that is in great condition. And simply knowing that information has helped countless clients proceed with their purchase with an extra comfort and peace of mind.

But on the contrary, we have discovered many unexpectedly damaged or defective sewer lines in new builds, as well. Take the picture below for instance, which was taken during a scope on a newly built house.

The picture shows two segments of PVC piping that are significantly misaligned, creating what is called an offset. As you can see, the misalignment has already created a low area in the line, which is infringing on the flow of liquid through the line. Our sewer scope technician would call out a defect like this for further evaluation from a plumbing repair specialist.

An offset like this can occur for a number of reasons. Maybe the pipe segments were improperly fitted together. Or maybe the piping was laid on an uneven slope. Soil and rocks could have shifted around at the construction site causing significant pressure on top of this segment. Whatever the reason may be, it is indeed a problem area.

Even if this defect has not caused any detrimental damage thus far, based off its current condition, serious drainage concerns and even pipe damage could occur in the future.

Significant offset present in sewer line.

When technicians send that camera into a sewer line, they never know what they are going to get. We have seen foreign objects and debris of all shapes and sizes. Objects from construction sites such as towels, tools, rocks and even a Modelo beer can (yes we have seen that) have found their way into new drainage lines.

The picture below is especially surprising. It is a full tube of caulking! Notice how it is almost the full diameter of the ABS plastic piping. That has “potential blockage” written all over it.

Upon discovering an object like this in the line, our sewer scope tech will call it out for immediate removal. If this tube can not be cleared out of the line with a high-pressure jetting or root cleaning technique, excavation will be necessary. See how one defect could cost a home owner some serious bucks?

Sewer Scope Inspections are a Must!

Here at Scott Home Inspection, it is our mission to help Colorado families live in safe, healthy, and comfortable homes. We want to help our clients make the most informed decision possible when purchasing a home. That’s why we believe that a full inspection of all aspects of the home is invaluable.

So if you ask us: Do I really need a sewer scope inspection on a new home? We will surely answer YES. 

If you are under contract or in the market for a new home, we hope that you will consider Scott Home Inspection for all of your home inspection needs, including, of course, sewer scope inspections. To book your services today, click here.