Sewer Scopes

A sewer scope inspection gives you an inside look into a home’s sewer lines. The inspection begins by inserting a plumbing camera attached to a long, flexible cable into the home’s drainpipe. The camera streams video to a monitor allowing the inspector to look for any blockages, broken pipes, or other serious problems with the sewage system.

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Why is a Sewer Scope Inspection Important?

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Without a sewer inspection, you may be buying a home with a faulty sewer system. This can lead to costly and even dangerous problems for the house and the people living inside. A broken or damaged sewer system can cause a home to have both structural or health risks and cause costly repairs. It's recommended that your plumbing be accessible in case of an emergency.

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What are the Signs That I Need a Sewer Scope Inspection?

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​Redfin.com has shared a great list.  Before buying a home check if the property has any signs of potential sewage problems. Some key indicators are:

• Patches of lush, green grass: Sewage can be a great fertilizer and can cause random patches of grass to appear lusher than its surroundings.

• Large trees in the backyard: Large trees often have large roots; check to ensure the roots aren’t growing into any sewer pipes. 

• A home built over 20 years ago: Homes built over 20 years ago will often have outdated piping material prone to breaking or cracking. 

• Rodent or insect problems: Pests can live in sewer tanks and enter a home through the plumbing.

• Mold: A damaged sewer pipe can slowly leak water into a home, causing mold to grow.

• Moving or shifting of the ground surrounding the home: If enough water or waste escapes the sewer system, it can move or shift the ground above. 

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What Should I Expect During a Sewer Scope Inspection?

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 The sewer inspector will first flush running water through the lines to clear any small debris and lubricate the pipes to keep the plumbing camera from catching on anything. The inspector will then locate your home’s sewer access point, insert the camera, and begin the inspection. Once the process is complete, the inspector will follow up with their findings and talk about the next steps if necessary. 

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What Do Inspectors Look for During the Inspection? 

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• Broken or damaged pipes

• Major blockages, clogs, or debris

• Tree roots invading pipes

• Any evidence of settling or sagging sewer lines

• Improper piping materials 

• Installation issues

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When Do I Get My Report and Can I See the Video Recording?

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Your report and video should be completed within 24 to 48 hours and will be emailed directly to you.