MINOR OFFSET

The offset joints seen during your sewer scope inspection are MINOR and are located at several joints throughout the side sewer. Minor offsets are unlikely to cause a debris buildup and typically don’t cause any negative effect on the sewer. Corrective action is not normally required.

Side sewers are built using multiple pipe segments connected at joints. Offset joints occur when the pipes don’t perfectly match up, and one of the pipes sits lower or off to the side of the connecting pipe.  

Offset joints can cause debris to build up on the joint, eventually leading to backups. Additionally, an offset is a location where roots can easily grow into the sewer line. Also, suppose the joint is offset enough that soil is exposed around the edges of the pipes. In that case, the surrounding soil can erode into the pipe and be washed away, eventually causing voids around the outside and possibly becoming sinkholes. Offset joints are not watertight and can allow infiltration of clean groundwater into the wastewater sewer system. 

MODERATE OFFSET

The offset joint(s) seen during your sewer scope inspection are MODERATE and are located 10,11,61,63,68 and 71 feet from the access point. Moderate offsets may cause some buildup of debris but typically would not cause a backup. I do not see any exposed soil at the noted offset(s). I recommend further evaluation by a qualified licensed sewer plumbing contractor and correction as recommended. This work should be completed before the close of escrow.

Side sewers are built using multiple pipe segments connected at joints. Offset joints occur when the pipes don’t perfectly match up, and one of the pipes sits lower or off to the side of the connecting pipe. 

Offset joints can cause debris to build up on the joint, eventually leading to backups. Additionally, an offset is a location where roots can easily grow into the sewer line. Also, suppose the joint is offset enough that soil is exposed around the edges of the pipes. In that case, the surrounding soil can erode into the pipe and be washed away, eventually causing voids around the outside and possibly becoming sinkholes. Offset joints are not watertight and can allow infiltration of clean groundwater into the wastewater sewer system. 

MINOR ROOT INTRUSION

The root intrusion seen during your sewer scope inspection is MINOR, and it is located 17 and 38 feet from the access point. Root intrusion is considered minor if less than 25 percent of the pipe is obstructed. Typically, minor root intrusions will not have an impact on the function of the side sewer. However, roots may increase in size and severity over time. Minor root growth may be treated with a commercially available sewer root control product such as Root-X or mechanically removed using a rotary cutter. Whether treated or not, the side sewer should be re-inspected in 3 to 5 years to determine if the roots have increased in size and severity.

Roots are another common problem within side sewers, especially older concrete and clay pipe side sewers that weren’t constructed with watertight joints. Once roots seek a water source in sewer pipes, they thrive and grow. This results in cracked pipes and sewer backups when debris isn’t able to pass through the roots. Pipes cracked from roots should be repaired in a manner that doesn’t allow the roots to grow back into the sewer system. Roots coming into joints that aren’t cracked may be routinely removed by cleaning the sewer pipes. The frequency of removal will depend on how aggressive the root growth is. The only way to permanently remove roots from a side sewer is to construct a watertight sewer pipe either through replacement or rehabilitation.

OFFSET RESTRICTED PROGRESS

Due to the moderate offset in the sewer line, I could not pass the camera all the way to the sewer main. My camera progress was stopped at 71 feet from the point of access. The remaining section of the side sewer has not been inspected. The installation of clean-out access, at or just beyond the location where progress was stopped, would be needed to facilitate the inspection of the remainder of the side sewer. I recommend further evaluation and correction as needed. A qualified licensed plumbing contractor should complete this work before closing escrow.