Sewer Scope Inspection

A sewer scope inspection is a valuable service that gives homeowners and buyers a closer look at the condition of a property’s main sewer line. Using a specialized waterproof camera, the sewer lateral is inspected from the home to the municipal connection or septic system to identify potential concerns hidden underground. Problems such as cracks, separated pipes, corrosion, root intrusion, and heavy blockages are often impossible to detect during a standard home inspection, making a sewer scope an important additional evaluation—especially for older homes or properties with mature trees.  

Many sewer line issues develop gradually over time and may not show obvious warning signs until a major backup or failure occurs. A sewer scope inspection can help uncover existing damage, improper repairs, sagging lines, or buildup that could eventually lead to slow drainage, sewage backups, or expensive excavation work. Identifying these concerns before purchasing a home allows buyers to make informed decisions, negotiate repairs if needed, and avoid unexpected repair costs after moving in.

Sewer scope inspections are commonly recommended for both older and newer homes, as even recently constructed properties can experience installation defects or debris left in the line during construction. The inspection process is non-invasive, efficient, and provides valuable insight into one of the most important yet overlooked systems in a home. Whether you are buying, selling, or maintaining a property, a sewer scope inspection can provide added peace of mind and help protect your investment from hidden underground plumbing issues.

When scheduling the sewer scope the choices are 1)Exterior Cleanout Sewer Scope.  This allows camera access through an exterior sewer cleanout.  Our sewer camera is inserted through an accessible exterior cleanout to inspect the underground sewer piping serving the home from the cleanout toward the main sewer connection (exterior lateral line to the city tap).   This allows us to evaluate the accessible sewer line for conditions such as root intrusion, cracks, breaks, offsets, separations, blockages and other defects. There is also no need to enter the home.   Choice #2 is an Interior Sewer Scope.  This is camera access from inside the home.  When an exterior cleanout is not accessible or available, our sewer camera may be inserted through an accessible interior drain or cleanout to inspect the sewer piping serving the underground home main toward the exterior sewer connection that leads to the exterior lateral line to the City tap.  The amount of piping that can be inspected depends on the location and accessibility of the interior opening, pipe configuration, and the cameras ability to travel through the line.

A sewer scope inspection is limited to the portions of piping that can be accessed and successfully viewed with the camera.  The municipal sewer main is not included in the inspection.  Access point and pipe configuration can affect how much of the sewer system can be evaluated. 

The municipal sewer main is NOT included in either sewer scope option.  We are NOT able to remove toilets.