After your professional sewer inspection, you'll receive a comprehensive report detailing your system's condition. Understanding this report is crucial for making informed decisions about maintenance, repairs, and budgeting for your Northern New Jersey property.
As a family-owned sewer inspection company serving Northern New Jersey since 1992, we believe in providing clear, understandable reports that empower homeowners to make informed decisions. This guide helps you interpret every section of your inspection report.
Understanding Severity Levels
Our reports use a standardized severity rating system to help you prioritize repairs:
Minor issues that should be monitored but don't require immediate action. Plan for future maintenance.
Issues that should be addressed within 6-12 months to prevent worsening and more expensive repairs.
Serious problems requiring immediate attention to prevent system failure, property damage, or health hazards.
Common Technical Terms Explained
Pipe Condition Terms
- Bellied Pipe: Sagging section that collects debris and causes recurring blockages
- Joint Separation: Gaps between pipe sections allowing infiltration and root intrusion
- Scale Buildup: Mineral deposits that reduce pipe capacity and flow rates
- Corrosion: Chemical deterioration of pipe materials, common in metal pipes
- Root Intrusion: Tree roots growing into pipes through cracks or joints
Problem Severity Indicators
- Hairline Crack: Minor crack that should be monitored for growth
- Structural Crack: Significant crack that compromises pipe integrity
- Partial Blockage: Obstruction reducing flow but not completely blocking pipe
- Complete Blockage: Total obstruction preventing flow
- Pipe Collapse: Structural failure requiring immediate replacement
💡 REPORT READING TIP
Focus on the Executive Summary first to understand overall system health, then review detailed findings for specific problem areas. Don't panic over technical terms—we explain everything in plain language.
Using Your Report for Decision Making
Immediate Actions
High-priority items require prompt attention:
- Schedule repairs for structural problems immediately
- Address complete blockages before they cause backups
- Plan for pipe replacement if collapse is imminent
- Contact contractors for emergency repairs if needed
Planning and Budgeting
Medium and low-priority items help with long-term planning:
- Budget for repairs over the next 1-2 years
- Plan maintenance schedules based on findings
- Consider preventive measures to slow deterioration
- Schedule follow-up inspections to monitor changes
Insurance and Documentation
Your report serves important documentation purposes:
- Support insurance claims for covered damage
- Provide evidence of proper maintenance for policies
- Document pre-existing conditions for future reference
- Establish baseline for tracking system changes
Working with Contractors
Sharing Your Report
Your inspection report helps contractors provide accurate estimates:
- Share complete report including video and images
- Highlight specific problem areas and locations
- Discuss severity levels and recommended timelines
- Request detailed repair plans based on findings
Getting Multiple Opinions
For major repairs, consider multiple contractor consultations:
- Provide same report to all contractors for consistency
- Compare repair approaches and cost estimates
- Verify that proposed solutions address identified problems
- Choose contractors experienced with your specific issues
Follow-Up Recommendations
Monitoring Changes
Regular follow-up helps track system condition:
- Schedule annual inspections for aging systems
- Monitor specific problem areas more frequently
- Document any changes in symptoms or performance
- Compare new findings to previous reports
Preventive Maintenance
Use report findings to plan maintenance:
- Address root intrusion before it worsens
- Clean scale buildup before it causes blockages
- Seal minor cracks before they become major problems
- Implement recommended preventive measures
Get Professional Sewer Inspection Report
Receive comprehensive, easy-to-understand inspection reports from Northern NJ's most trusted experts.
Call Now: 973-240-5663Conclusion
Understanding your sewer inspection report empowers you to make informed decisions about your property's most critical hidden infrastructure. Don't let technical terms intimidate you—professional reports should be clear, comprehensive, and actionable.
Our family-owned company provides detailed reports that homeowners can understand and use to protect their investments. If you have questions about any aspect of your report, we're always available to explain findings and recommendations.