Don't Get Stuck With Expensive Sewer Line Repairs!
Most people do not realize that the lateral sewer line that runs from the house to the road is their responsibility. When problems exist with the sewer line repairs can be very expensive.
Understanding the condition of the sewer line when purchasing a home can save you thousands of dollars in repair costs.
Trademark Inspection Services, LLC can perform a lateral line sewer scope on your sewer line.
What's In Your Sewer Line?
This is a snippet from one of our recent sewer scope inspections.
When Should I Have A Sewer Scope Inspection Performed?
When Purchasing a Home – When you are purchasing a home it is a wise investment to have a sewer scope inspection performed. Though water is run during the home inspection, clogs and other issues won’t show themselves until solids are introduced into the system and sometimes not for months after you move in.
As a Homeowner – Obviously if you are having issues with backups of your sewer or slow drains. But, it is also a good idea to have a sewer scope inspection performed every 5 years as part of your routine maintenance. Remember small problems are fixed more easily and usually at a cheaper cost.
What About New Construction? Absolutely, you should have a sewer scope inspection on a new construction home. New construction homes have some unique issues when it comes to the sewer line.
- Construction debris such as drywall mud and small pieces of wood can get put down drain lines.
- Lines can become separated during the back filling of the trench in which they were placed.
- Bellies can occur due to reckless back filling of the sewer line trench.
Who Is Responsible?

Common problems found During Sewer Scope Inspection
- Low Areas: also known as a ‘belly’, these low areas can collect water and solid waste, causing poor flow through the pipe and can lead to back-up and damage to the pipe as it sags further.
- Tree Roots: small gaps in sections of piping can allow tree roots to enter the sewer line. As the roots grow, the pipe can break and crack, requiring repair. Minor tree root intrusion can be rooted and cleared on a regular basis, with minimal or no significant pipe damage. Assessing the amount of root intrusion is part of a sewer scope inspection.
- Debris: Occasionally construction debris or other items can become lodged in the sewer line, preventing the flow of waste through the pipe.
- Pipe Collapse: if extreme root intrusion has occurred or significant soil settlement has occurred around the area due to offsets or a low area, complete pipe collapse can occur, requiring full excavation and repair of the sewer line. While rare, this condition can be assessed as part of a sewer scope inspection.
- Offsets: on some older piping, sections in the piping can separate, causing an offset in the piping to occur. Solid waste may not clear this offset, and wastewater will seep into the surrounding soil, causing further settlement and eventual breakdown of the piping.
Common Sewer Line Defects

What Our Clients Are Saying!
I recently used Trademark for a pre-purchase inspection, including a Radon gas test and sewer scope. I was able to schedule an appointment just a couple of days in advance, which was very nice. Anthony Reaume was the inspector I worked with; he was friendly, professional, and knowledgeable, answering all my questions throughout the inspection process. When all was said and done I walked away with a comprehensive report and recommendations on anything that needs attention. I can't think of anything else I would ask for from an inspection company.
ChrisYpsilanti, Michigan
Very good experience using this company. We had our inspection today and Anthony was great! He was more than on time, professional, and very knowledgeable. I feel comfortable knowing exactly what needs to be repaired going forward into buying our home. I will definitely be using Trademark in the future and recommending this company to my friends, family, and anyone else!
Aimee CooperFlat Rock, Michigan
Chris was absolutely fantastic!! He explained the process, what he was doing and why. He made suggestions, answered all my questions and gave a thorough review of everything when he was done. He even cleaned up the floors when he was done!!! Fantastic service all around!
Stacy WellerBrighton, MI
Chris and Mitch were extremely helpful and professional. Chris explained the process very clearly and the results thoroughly. Recommend to any of my friends who are in the home buying process
Natalie WardSouthfield Michigan
I had a great experience using Trademark Inspection Services for my home inspection and radon test! Kim was very helpful and made it easy to get scheduled and understand the included warranties, cost and paperwork. Chris' inspection of my home was very thorough and I really appreciated his answers to my questions and explanations of his findings throughout the walkthrough and in reviewing the inspection before he left. I feel very confident in the quality of the inspection and empowered with the knowledge of my home.
Theresa SchmidNovi Michigan Real Clients, Real Reviews!
A 5 Star Westland Michigan Home Inspection Review
We are Qualified and Certified!







Trademark Inspection Services, LLC - Service Area
Trademark Inspection Services, LLC proudly serves the following Michigan Cities and the surrounding areas:
Adrian, Allen Park, Ann Arbor, Auburn Hills, Belleville, Berkley, Birmingham, Bloomfield, Bloomfield Hills, Brighton, Brownstown, Canton, Clarkston, Clawson, Chelsea, Carleton, Commerce Township, Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Detroit, Dexter, Dundee, Ecorse, Erie, Farmington, Farmington Hills, Ferndale, Flat Rock, Garden City, Gibraltar, Grosse Ile, Grosse Pointe, Harper Woods, Hazel Park, Highland Park, Holly, Howell, Hudson, Huntington Woods, Huron Township, Ida, Inkster, Jackson, Keego Harbor, Lambertville, La Salle, Lathrup Village, Lincoln Park, Livonia, Luna Pier, Madison Heights, Manchester, Maybee, Melvindale, Milan, Monroe, Morenci, New Boston, Newport, Northville, Novi, Oak Park, Petersburg, Pittsfield Township, Pleasant Ridge, Plymouth, Pontiac, Redford, River Rouge, Riverview, Rochester, Rochester Hills, Rockwood, Romulus, Royal Oak, Saline, Southfield, Southgate, South Lyon, Sterling Heights, Sumpter, Taylor, Tecumseh, Temperance, Trenton, Troy, Walled Lake, Waterford, Wayne, Warren, Willis, West Bloomfield, Westland, Wixom, Woodhaven, Wyandotte, and Ypsilanti.
