Matt Fletcher 313 510 0284

St. Clair Shores need 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.

St. Clair Shores homes have special issues for home inspectors to find.

Hello, I am Matt Fletcher President of Belle Isle Engineering LLC and Matt Fletcher Home Inspections LLC. We perform residential and commercial inspections all over the metro area. My father was a contractor, and I grew up working on old houses. I put myself through college rehabbing homes. I graduated with honors from Macomb Community College with an AA Degree. Then received a BA degree from The University of Detroit, and a Master’s degree from Wayne State University and have been involved in construction education and inspection business for over 20 years.

Homes and commercial buildings in St. Clair Shores 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 St. Clair Shores and 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 like insect damge and rot 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 St. Clair Shores inspections have old sewer lines which should be inspected.

Minerals and roots can easily plug old sewer lines commonly found in St. Clair Shores and Macomb County… 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 St. Clair Shores sewer line clear, prevent costly repairs, and avoid unpleasant sewage backups.

St. Clair Shores Sewer scope inspection during home inspection.

Click the link: Roots in the sewer #homeinspectortraining – YouTube

Call Matt Fletcher 313 510 0284