Harrison Twp. and St. Clair Shores homes need sewer inspections because the housing stock is older and the sewer should also be inspected because of the large mature tree roots that cause sewer damage home inspect

Homes and commercial buildings in Harrison Twp. and Macomb County have some unique and not so unique issues that I look for during an inspection. For instance, clay soils in the area can cause basements to leak and block foundations to bow inward.

Damp soils in Macomb County may attract wood destroying insects in basements and crawl spaces. I think I tend to see more rot and insect damage in crawl spaces with clay soils in Macomb County homes near the water. The high-water table combined with the clay soil which holds more water in areas like Harrison Twp. can mean trouble. Add in high humidity with inadequate venting in crawl spaces located on waterfront properties and that all combined can cause structural problems to homes.

Older homes like we see in Saint Clair Shores and Harrison Twp typically have the original clay and cast-iron sewer lines. Most homes in Harrison Twp. inspections have old sewer lines which should be inspected.

Sewer Lines

Old cast iron sewer lines can fail above and below ground. In the picture, this is such a sewer line in the basement of a home in Macomb County. The cast iron line has rusted through and is starting to drip water each time the sinks or toilets are used.

Minerals and roots can easily plug old sewer lines but can be maintained. To maintain a sewer line, avoid flushing inappropriate items like grease, feminine hygiene products, and paper towels, as these can cause blockages. Regularly flush your plumbing with hot water to help dissolve buildup. Consider professional sewer line cleaning every one to two years to remove debris and tree roots. Also, be mindful of tree and shrub planting near sewer lines, as roots can cause damage.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

1. Preventative Measures:
   Proper Disposal:
   Avoid flushing: Do not flush items like paper towels, feminine hygiene products, or large amounts of food scraps down the toilet.
   Dispose of grease properly: Never pour grease, oil, or fat down the drain, as they solidify in pipes and cause blockages.
   Regular Flushing:
   Hot water flushing: Run hot water down drains, especially in the kitchen, for several minutes regularly to help dissolve grease and debris.
   Root Intrusion Prevention:
   Strategic landscaping: Be cautious when planting trees and shrubs near sewer lines, as roots can penetrate pipes.
   Root killing agents: Consider using root-killing agents, but follow instructions carefully to avoid damaging pipes.
   Install Backwater Valves:
   Prevent backups: Install backwater prevention valves to prevent sewage from backing up into your home during heavy rainfall or flooding.
2. Professional Maintenance:
   Regular Inspections:
   Identify potential issues: Schedule routine sewer line inspections to identify cracks, blockages, or other issues before they become major problems.
   Professional Cleaning:
   High-pressure water jets: Utilize professional sewer line cleaning services that use hydro jetting (high-pressure water) to remove debris, grease, and tree roots.
   Frequency: Consider cleaning every 12-24 months, depending on your situation.
3. Other Tips:
   Drain screens:
   
   Use drain screens in showers and sinks to catch hair and other debris, preventing them from entering the sewer line.
   Enzyme cleaners:
   
   Consider using enzyme-based drain cleaners periodically, as they are more environmentally friendly than harsh chemical cleaners.
   By taking these preventative measures and scheduling regular maintenance, you can help keep your Harrison Twp. sewer line clear, prevent costly repairs, and avoid unpleasant sewage backups.

Sewer video made in Harrison Twp.: Roots in the sewer #homeinspectortraining – YouTube

Rates for Harrison Twp. Home Inspections

Our Rates for single-family St. Clair Shores home Inspections:
0,000 Sq Ft – 1,500 = $ 450.00
1,501 Sq Ft – 2,000 = $ 475.00
2,001 Sq Ft – 3,000 = $ 500.00
3,001 Sq Ft – 4,000 = $ 525.00
4,001 Sq Ft – 5,000 = $ 600.00
5,001 Sq Ft – 6,000 = $ 700.00
We have a sewer camera and can scope your sewer line for an additional $150.
Sewer scopes are $150 during the time of the inspection, $275 as a stand-alone inspection.
Testing for radon is generally $175 to $250
Over 6,000 Sq Ft – please call for rates. Multi-unit building are slightly more.
For a commercial price quote, we will need the address, listing ticket, or loopnet link to the property
Call 313 510 0284 InspectDetroit313@gmail.com