Sewer Scoping

What is a Sewer Scope?

A sewer scope inspection (also known as a sewer camera inspection) provides a visual inspection of your main sewer line using a specialized camera. This allows us to see the interior condition of your pipes, revealing potential problems that a standard home inspection might miss. We insert a waterproof camera into the main cleanout, which could access either the public sewer main or the lateral line to a private septic system. The camera travels through the sewer line, transmitting a live video feed of the pipe's interior.

Why a Sewer Scope is Essential:

A standard home inspection doesn't typically reveal these hidden problems. While we run clear water through the pipes during a general inspection, this doesn't replicate the real-world use of a sewer system (toilet paper, waste, soap, etc.). Under normal use, obstructions can cause sewage to back up into your home.

Avoid Costly Repairs:

Replacing or repairing buried sewer lines can be a major expense and inconvenience. Costs can range from $5,000 to $10,000. A sewer scope inspection can identify these issues before you buy, potentially saving you thousands of dollars and the hassle of dealing with a sewer emergency. The cost and inconvenience of these repairs can escalate if driveways, landscaping, or even sidewalks have to be torn out and replaced. Problems exist in new and old homes alike. Every buyer should consider a sewer scope to be an integral part of their due diligence. Without question, main drain-line inspections should be performed on every house.

Here’s What is Included:

• Video scan of the main drain line or “lateral.” (This is either a sewer line to the street hub or septic line to a tank/ distribution box)

• Accessing the main drain line from a standard cleanout (without using a destructive method to remove the cleanout)

• A written report including the findings 

• A link to the video and or images

Here’s What is Not Included:

• Removing plumbing fixtures, such as a toilet, to access the drain

• Climbing on the roof to access drains

• Adding cleanouts to the drain

• Forcing or cutting off old cleanouts

• Researching the issuance of permits

• Determining the adequacy of the drain

• Any repairs whatsoever

• Any drain lines over 100′ long

• Providing any quotations for repair

• Locating damaged pipe using a sonde

• Return trips for re-inspecting the sewer line

• Accessing, evaluating, or operating sewer ejector pumps

• All other Limitations, Exceptions, and Exclusions as outlined in the Standard Inspection Agreement

More invasive, exhaustive testing is available from some plumbing contractors. These lengthy inspections may include pressure testing underground plumbing, verifying sizing and adequacy of equipment, and providing estimates of remaining life. A plumbing contractor may also provide you with repair estimates if required. You will not be charged for our drain line inspection if we cannot access the drain line. In some cases, old cleanouts cannot be removed without causing damage. In some older homes, no cleanouts are present, which in itself is a costly repair. We do not install cleanouts or modify the plumbing in any way. If a return trip is requested, it will be billed at separate price.