MODERATE DEBRIS/BUILDUP

The debris/buildup seen during your sewer scope inspection is MODERATE and it is located at various points throughout the cast iron sewer pipe. Debris accumulation is considered moderate if it occludes the sewer pipe by 25 percent to 50 percent of the pipe diameter at any point. For pipes that have debris buildup with no structural defects, the pipes may be cleaned to remove the buildup. I recommend further evaluation by a qualified licensed sewer plumbing contractor and maintenance as required. This work should be completed prior to the close of escrow.

Debris can build up in a side sewer if there are structural defects or obstructions in the pipe (such as sags, roots or offset joints) that obstruct the flow of the sewer and if inappropriate items are flushed or poured down the drains. Or, if pipes are constructed at slopes less than the recommended ¼-inch drop per foot of pipe, the liquids won’t be moving fast enough to carry away the solids in the pipe. If debris build up is severe enough, it can eventually fill a pipe and cause backups or slow-draining side sewers. 

Examples of items that do not degrade like toilet paper and should not be flushed down a drain (even though they may be advertised as flushable) include baby wipes, disinfectant wipes, paper towels, egg shells, coffee grounds, dental floss, toilet bowl scrub pads, feminine hygiene products and grease. Even very hot grease cools quickly once it reaches an underground pipe and sticks to the walls of the side sewer. Over time, grease can cause a side sewer to either drain very slowly or cause a complete blockage of the side sewer. Grease is one of the more common causes of backups and slow-draining side sewers.

MODERATE SCALING

The scaling seen during your sewer scope inspection is MODERATE and is located at various points throughout the cast iron sewer pipe. Scaling is considered moderate if 25 to 50 percent of the pipe diameter is obstructed at any point. Moderate scale may have an impact on the function of the side sewer. Scaling in a cast iron pipe causes buildup inside the pipe that may eventually lead to a slow draining side sewer or blockages. Descaling of the pipe by a professional licensed plumber is strongly recommended to ensure the best functionality in your side sewer. I recommend further evaluation by a qualified licensed sewer plumbing contractor and maintenance as required.

Scaling is a common issue within side sewers, especially older cast iron side sewers. Scaling occurs when hard deposits begin to form on the inside walls of a pipe. These hard deposits are the by-product of chemical reactions within metallic pipes. The resulting buildup that occurs over time reduces the diameter of the pipe. Eventually this buildup can disrupt the flow of solid and liquid waste through the pipe. Cast iron pipes tend to have more severe scaling because their interior surfaces become coated with iron oxide. When scaling is severe enough, debris can end up getting caught in the pipe which can potentially lead to blockages.