Making Sense of Your Sewer Line Report
So, you’ve just had a sewer camera inspection performed on your Los Angeles property—and now you’re staring at a detailed report filled with terms like offset joints, root intrusion, bellied pipe, and corrosion. What does it all mean? And more importantly, what should you do next?
If this sounds overwhelming, you’re not alone. Many homeowners receive their sewer inspection report and aren’t quite sure how to interpret the results or determine which findings need immediate attention.
At The Pine Plumbing, we believe that knowledge is protection. The more you understand your sewer line report, the better equipped you are to make informed decisions that protect your home and budget.
In this post, we’ll break down how to read your sewer inspection report, explain what each finding means, and help you understand what’s urgent—and what’s simply normal wear and tear.
1. What a Sewer Inspection Report Actually Includes
A sewer inspection report is a professional assessment of your property’s main sewer line. It’s generated after a licensed plumber performs a sewer camera inspection, using a high-definition camera to visually examine the inside of your pipes.
The report typically includes:
- Video Footage – A recorded video or live feed from the inspection, showing the interior condition of your sewer line.
- Still Images / Snapshots – Key areas of concern captured for quick reference.
- Pipe Condition Summary – A written overview describing materials, diameter, and overall health.
- Problem Areas – Notes on damage, obstructions, or vulnerabilities detected during the inspection.
- Recommendations – Repair, cleaning, or replacement suggestions based on the findings.
This report is your roadmap to understanding the health of your plumbing system. It helps you decide whether maintenance, cleaning, or full repair is needed—and when to act.
2. Why Sewer Inspection Reports Are So Valuable in Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, many homes—especially those built before the 1970s—still rely on clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg sewer pipes. These materials are known to degrade, corrode, or collapse over time.
Regular inspections, paired with professional reports, can save you thousands by catching issues early. LA’s combination of aging infrastructure, tree-lined streets, and seismic ground movement makes plumbing diagnosis even more essential.
A clear sewer line report not only prevents emergencies—it can also:
- Help buyers and sellers during real estate transactions.
- Support insurance claims.
- Inform renovation or remodeling plans.
- Guide preventive maintenance schedules.
3. How to Read a Sewer Line Report (Step-by-Step)
Every inspection company formats reports a bit differently, but the structure usually follows a similar sequence. Let’s walk through what each section means.
Step 1: The Overview Section
This part summarizes:
- Pipe Material: (Clay, ABS, PVC, Cast Iron, etc.)
- Diameter: Usually 4″ to 6″ for residential properties.
- Inspection Length: How many feet of pipe were inspected.
- Cleanout Location: Where the inspection camera entered the system.
Tip:
If your report mentions “limited access”, it may mean the plumber couldn’t inspect certain sections due to blockage or lack of entry points.
Step 2: Footage Markers
Each issue in your report will be listed with footage markers like “At 32 ft: minor root intrusion”.
These indicate the exact distance from the cleanout where each issue occurs.
Knowing this helps plumbers estimate repair location and cost more precisely.
Step 3: Findings Summary
This is the heart of your report—it details what was observed. You’ll typically see notes such as:
- Grease Buildup
- Root Intrusion
- Offset Joint
- Pipe Belly
- Corrosion / Rust
- Crack / Break
- Standing Water
- Infiltration or Exfiltration
Each of these terms has a specific meaning—and different levels of urgency. Let’s break them down in the next section.
4. Common Terms in Your Sewer Inspection Report (Explained)
1. Root Intrusion
Tree roots grow into sewer lines through small cracks or joints, causing blockages.
Severity: Moderate to severe. Needs hydro jetting or trenchless repair.
2. Offset Joint
This occurs when two sections of pipe shift out of alignment, often due to soil movement or earthquakes.
Severity: Moderate. Can cause leaks or backups over time.
3. Pipe Belly
A “belly” is a sagging section of pipe where wastewater collects instead of flowing freely.
Severity: Moderate to serious. May cause chronic clogs and odors.
4. Corrosion or Rust
Common in older cast iron lines. The interior surface begins to flake and constrict flow.
Severity: High in advanced stages; may require replacement.
5. Cracks or Breaks
Physical damage to the pipe, which can lead to leaks or soil erosion.
Severity: Severe if water or waste escapes.
6. Standing Water
Pooling water in the line indicates improper slope or partial blockage.
Severity: Moderate. Should be evaluated for belly formation or debris buildup.
7. Grease or Debris Buildup
Often caused by kitchen waste or heavy laundry detergent.
Severity: Low to moderate; can be resolved with hydro jetting.
8. Infiltration / Exfiltration
Groundwater entering or sewage leaking out of your pipe.
Severity: High; requires prompt repair to avoid contamination.
9. Material Degradation
Noted when the pipe’s surface is weakening or wearing thin.
Severity: Depends on age and depth of damage.
5. How to Interpret the Severity Ratings
Many reports categorize findings into severity levels, often color-coded for clarity:
| Color | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Green (Good) | No major issues found | No immediate action needed |
| Yellow (Moderate) | Minor buildup or aging | Monitor and plan for maintenance |
| Orange (Concern) | Developing problem | Schedule repair soon |
| Red (Severe) | Structural failure or blockage | Immediate attention required |
If your report uses different terminology, ask your plumber to clarify their internal scale.
6. Sewer Line Results Explained: When to Take Action
A key part of understanding your sewer line report is knowing which issues are maintenance and which are emergencies.
Maintenance-Level Issues
- Small debris buildup.
- Early corrosion.
- Minor offset or root hair growth.
👉 These can be managed with periodic cleaning and monitoring every 1–2 years.
Medium-Priority Repairs
- Pipe bellies causing standing water.
- Moderate root intrusion.
- Offset joints beginning to leak.
👉 These require planned repair or replacement to avoid backups or flooding.
Urgent Repairs
- Collapsed, cracked, or severely corroded pipes.
- Major infiltration or exfiltration.
- Sewer backup already occurring.
👉 These demand immediate attention from sewer repair specialists like The Pine Plumbing to prevent property damage.
7. What to Do After Reviewing Your Report
Once you’ve read through your report, you’ll want to take a few next steps:
Step 1: Schedule a Review Call
Ask your plumber to walk through the findings with you. A reputable company like The Pine Plumbing will explain every term, show you video footage, and prioritize repairs based on urgency and cost.
Step 2: Request Repair Estimates
If repairs are recommended, get written quotes for:
- Trenchless sewer repair (for minimal digging).
- Hydro jetting or descaling (for blockages).
- Pipe replacement (for major structural issues).
Step 3: Save the Report
Keep a digital and printed copy. It helps future plumbers, buyers, or inspectors understand your system’s history.
Step 4: Plan Maintenance
If your report shows a generally healthy line, schedule your next inspection in 2–3 years (or sooner for older homes).
8. What a “Clean” Sewer Report Looks Like
A clean report might say:
“4” PVC line, total length 65 ft. No visible cracks, corrosion, or root intrusion. Normal wear observed. Minor grease accumulation at 12 ft. No standing water. Flow unobstructed.”
This means your sewer system is in good condition. You may just need a preventive cleaning every few years to maintain that flow.
Think of it like a dental check-up: even when everything looks fine, routine monitoring helps prevent future decay.
9. Understanding Repair Recommendations
If your report recommends repairs, here’s what those might involve:
Trenchless Sewer Repair
A minimally invasive method using liners or pipe bursting to fix damaged sections without digging up your yard.
Hydro Jetting
High-pressure water cleaning to remove debris, grease, and roots from the inside of the line.
Pipe Replacement
Used when severe corrosion or collapse is found. New PVC or ABS lines can last 50–100 years.
Spot Repair
For isolated damage, only a small section of the line is replaced.
Your plumber should outline which solution best fits your diagnosis, along with cost and long-term warranty details.
10. How Sewer Reports Affect Home Buyers and Sellers
In Los Angeles, a sewer inspection report can make or break a home sale.
- For Buyers:
Request a copy before closing. A bad sewer line can cost thousands in repair. - For Sellers:
Providing a clean sewer report builds trust and speeds up negotiation. - For Agents:
Sewer reports protect your clients and your reputation.
Real estate professionals increasingly view sewer inspections as standard due diligence, especially for properties over 20 years old.
11. Why You Should Always Ask for Video Evidence
A written report is good—but video footage is better.
At The Pine Plumbing, every sewer inspection includes HD video documentation, so homeowners can see exactly what we see. This transparency builds trust and helps you verify the findings before making repair decisions.
When reviewing your video, look for:
- Flow consistency.
- Obvious damage or standing water.
- Points where the camera struggles to pass (possible blockages).
Video evidence ensures accurate diagnosis—and prevents upselling or unnecessary repair claims.
12. How to Maintain Your Sewer After an Inspection
Once your inspection is complete and any necessary repairs are made, you can protect your investment with proper maintenance:
- Avoid flushing wipes, grease, or heavy paper.
- Install a root barrier if trees are nearby.
- Use enzyme-based drain cleaners instead of harsh chemicals.
- Schedule camera inspections every 2–3 years.
With consistent upkeep, your sewer line can last decades without major problems.
13. Working with Sewer Repair Specialists You Can Trust
Not all plumbers interpret sewer inspection reports the same way.
At The Pine Plumbing, we believe in:
- Transparency: Clear, honest communication about your results.
- Technology: Using advanced cameras for high-resolution accuracy.
- Integrity: We’ll never pressure you into unnecessary repairs.
- Local Expertise: Decades of experience with Los Angeles plumbing systems and soil conditions.
We make your sewer inspection report easy to understand, empowering you to make informed, cost-effective decisions.
14. Final Thoughts: Turning Confusion into Confidence
Your sewer inspection report isn’t just a technical document—it’s your blueprint for a healthier home.
By understanding the results, you can:
- Prevent costly emergencies.
- Schedule timely maintenance.
- Extend your plumbing system’s lifespan.
Remember: it’s not just about finding problems—it’s about staying ahead of them.
If you’ve recently received your report and aren’t sure what the results mean, The Pine Plumbing can help. We’ll review your footage, explain your options, and guide you through the next steps with clarity and care.
📞 Call The Pine Plumbing today for expert help interpreting your sewer line report—and take control of your plumbing health with confidence.
