Sewer inspectors are in charge of determining the state of a city’s or town’s sewer systems to ensure that they are in good working order, are up to code, and are free of obstructions. In most cases, this person must physically enter the sewer system to conduct a thorough inspection, though sewer inspectors can conduct thorough inspections using cameras that can be routed into the piping in some cases. The job is often dirty and dangerous, and the worker usually only needs a high school diploma and some job-specific training.
The condition of the sewer system is the primary concern of sewer inspectors, who must find out if an obstruction exists, if pipes are rotting or otherwise clogging, or if contaminants have worked their way into the water system. Tree roots growing through sewer lines is a common problem that can cause back-ups and other health problems. Sewer inspectors will frequently send cameras down drain pipes or other parts of the sewer system to detect such issues and determine the best course of action for resolving the problem.
The sewer system in larger cities can be large and complex, and the state of individual components within the system can vary greatly. Sewer inspectors must visit different parts of the system on a regular basis to ensure that all components are working properly. Many cities have systems that were built decades or even centuries ago. To conduct an in-person inspection of a specific area, these sewer inspectors may be required to walk through the sewers or even crawl on all fours in extremely tight spaces. Inspectors must wear safety equipment to protect themselves from raw sewage as well as to avoid becoming disoriented, falling into hidden sewer lines, or being swept away in sometimes strong water currents.
Private companies may hire sewer inspectors to serve homeowners or people considering purchasing a home. These employees can inspect the plumbing and sewer systems of a home that is for sale. Plumbing companies can often perform such inspections, though they will usually charge a reasonable fee for the service. A homeowner will want this inspection done before purchasing a home, especially if it is an older home, to ensure that they will not have to pay for costly repairs later. Some older homes, for example, have tar paper pipes that can deteriorate over time; an inspector can determine if the home has such pipes and recommend that they be replaced.