When buying a home, the last thing you want is an unwelcome—and expensive—surprise lurking beneath the surface. While most home inspections focus on the visible components of a property, there’s one critical area that often gets overlooked: the sewer line. A sewer scope inspection can reveal potential issues that are out of sight but can have a major impact on your future homeownership experience.
In this blog, we’ll explore the role of a sewer scope in comprehensive home inspections, explain when and why sewer inspections are necessary, and share how this simple step can save you from costly repairs down the road.
What Is a Sewer Scope Inspection?
A sewer scope inspection involves using a specialized camera to examine the condition of a property’s main sewer line. The camera, attached to a flexible cable, is inserted into the sewer clean out or another access point and carefully navigated through the pipe. The footage provides a clear view of any clogs, cracks, tree root intrusions, or other damage within the sewer line.
This inspection typically takes less than an hour and provides invaluable insights into the state of the plumbing system, particularly for older homes or properties with large trees nearby.
Why Sewer Inspections Matter for Home buyers
When buying a home, the condition of the sewer system may not be the first thing on your mind, but it’s an essential component of a well-functioning property. Here’s why:
1. Sewer Line Repairs Are Costly
A damaged or collapsed sewer line isn’t a quick or cheap fix. Repairs can range from $3,000 to $10,000—or more—depending on the extent of the damage and whether the line needs to be replaced. In some cases, digging up the yard or even parts of the driveway may be required.
A sewer scope inspection helps you identify problems early so you can negotiate repairs with the seller or plan for future maintenance.
2. Problems Are Hard to Detect Without a Camera
Unlike a clogged sink or a leaky faucet, issues in the sewer line aren’t visible during a standard home inspection. Even if the toilets flush and the sinks drain properly on inspection day, there could be hidden problems lurking deeper in the system. A sewer scope provides the only reliable way to spot these issues before they escalate.
3. Tree Roots Can Be a Hidden Enemy
Trees are beautiful, but their roots can wreak havoc on underground sewer lines. Over time, roots can grow into the pipes, causing blockages, cracks, or even full collapse. If the property you’re considering has mature trees, a sewer scope inspection is a smart precaution.
4. Older Homes Have Older Pipes
If you’re buying a home built before the 1980s, it’s especially important to check the sewer line. Many older homes have sewer pipes made from materials like clay or cast iron, which are more prone to cracking, corrosion, or shifting over time.
5. It Gives You Negotiating Power
If the sewer scope reveals significant damage, you can use the information to renegotiate the terms of the sale. This might mean asking the seller to make repairs, lowering the purchase price, or providing a credit for future fixes.
When Should You Get a Sewer Scope Inspection?
While every home buyer can benefit from a sewer scope, there are specific situations where it’s especially important:
- Older Homes: As mentioned earlier, homes built before the 1980s are more likely to have aging sewer lines that need attention.
- Homes with Mature Landscaping: Large trees on or near the property can lead to root intrusion in the sewer line.
- Signs of Drainage Issues: If you notice slow drains, gurgling toilets, or water backups during your walk through, a sewer scope is a must.
- Remodeled Homes: If a home has undergone major renovations, it’s possible the sewer line has been impacted or improperly modified.
- High-Value Purchases: For homes at the higher end of the market, protecting your investment with a sewer scope is a no-brainer.
How to Include a Sewer Scope in Your Home Inspection
We do not perform sewer scopes as part of their standard inspection. This is an area best left to an expert. We partner with specialists who can handle the sewer scope for an additional fee.
Check out resources page under Plumbing/Sewer Scope Click Here
Expect to pay somewhere between $150 and $300 for a sewer scope. Depending on your location and the size of the property. While this might seem like an extra expense, it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind. Especially when compared to the cost of major sewer line repairs.
What Happens If the Sewer Scope Finds Problems?
If the inspection uncovers issues, don’t panic. Common findings include:
- Tree Root Intrusion: Minor root problems can often be cleared with hydro jetting or root-cutting equipment.
- Clogs or Blockages: These can usually be resolved with a professional cleaning.
- Cracks or Damage: Depending on the severity, this may require a targeted repair or a full pipe replacement.
- Bellied Pipes: A sag in the pipe may need to be addressed to prevent future clogs.
Your plumbing professional can help you interpret the findings and recommend next steps.
The Bottom Line
A sewer scope inspection is one of the best ways to protect yourself from unexpected headaches as a home buyer. By uncovering hidden issues in the sewer line, you can make an informed decision about your purchase and avoid costly surprises after closing.
Click here to learn more about home inspections.
