When buying a home, there’s a long list of inspections to consider—roof, electrical, plumbing, and more. But one inspection often overlooked, yet incredibly important, is the sewer scope inspection.

While it may not be the most glamorous part of the home buying process, a sewer scope inspection can save you from costly repairs and major headaches down the road.

In this blog, we’ll dive into what a sewer scope inspection is, why it’s essential, how it’s performed, and when you should consider getting one—whether you’re buying a home or maintaining your current property.

What Is a Sewer Scope Inspection?

A sewer scope is a specialized drain inspection that allows professionals to examine the condition of the sewer line connected to your home. This crucial pipe connects your house to the city sewer system or a septic tank.

During a sewer scope inspection, a trained technician inserts a small waterproof camera attached to a flexible cable into the sewer line, usually through an access point called a cleanout near your home. The camera travels through the pipes and transmits live video footage to the inspector, revealing any issues inside the pipe.

What Does a Sewer Scope Inspection Check For?

The sewer scope camera helps identify a variety of common problems, including:

• Tree Roots: Roots can invade sewer pipes through cracks or joints, causing blockages.

• Cracks or Collapsed Pipes: Ground movement or old pipes can result in cracks or pipe collapse.

• Clogs and Buildup: Debris such as grease, hair, and other materials can accumulate and obstruct flow.

• Sagging or Bellied Pipes: Portions of the pipe may sink, collecting waste and causing drainage issues.

• Corrosion or Deterioration: Older pipes may rust or wear down over time.

• Foreign Objects: Items accidentally flushed down the drain can get stuck and cause blockages.

Early detection of these problems through a sewer scope inspection can prevent sewage backups and expensive repairs.

Why Are Sewer Scope Inspections Important?

A damaged or clogged sewer line can lead to significant issues, such as:

• Sewage backups inside your home

• Unpleasant odors

• Slow draining sinks or tubs

• Yard flooding

• High repair costs

Since these problems usually remain hidden underground, a standard home inspection often misses them. A sewer scope inspection gives you a clear view of what’s happening beneath your home’s surface.

When Should You Get a Sewer Scope Inspection?

Wondering if you need a sewer scope inspection? Here are key times when this inspection makes sense:

1. Before Buying a Home
   Even if a house looks perfect above ground, sewer problems can lurk unseen. A sewer scope inspection can reveal issues before you finalize the purchase, giving you leverage to negotiate repairs or price adjustments.

2. If the Home Is Older
   Homes built before the 1970s often have pipes made of clay or cast iron, which are prone to cracking or collapsing.

3. If Your Property Has Large Trees
   Roots from mature trees can invade sewer lines and cause damage.

4. If You Notice Plumbing Issues
   Frequent clogs, slow drains, foul smells, or water backups are red flags indicating a possible sewer problem.

How Long Does a Sewer Scope Inspection Take?

Typically, a sewer scope inspection takes about 30 minutes to an hour. The technician will review the video footage with you and provide a detailed report outlining the condition of your sewer line and any recommended repairs.

What Happens If the Sewer Scope Inspection Finds a Problem?

If issues are found, don’t worry—knowing about them early is a huge advantage. Possible solutions include:

• Clearing blockages using plumbing snakes or hydro jetting

• Repairing cracked pipes through traditional excavation or trenchless methods

• Replacing severely damaged sewer lines

If you’re buying a home, use the inspection report to negotiate with the seller to repair problems before closing or adjust the sale price accordingly.

Can You Skip the Sewer Scope Inspection?

While it’s possible to skip it, doing so is risky. Many buyers skip sewer inspections to save money, but hidden sewer line problems can lead to costly repairs after moving in. Think of a sewer scope inspection as looking beneath the surface before making a major investment—just like checking under the hood of a car before buying.

Why Choose a Professional Sewer Scope Inspection?

Not all sewer inspections are created equal. It’s important to hire licensed, experienced professionals who use high-quality camera equipment to ensure a thorough and accurate assessment.

At Protec Inspection Services, our expert team specializes in detailed sewer scope inspections. We provide honest, clear reports that help you understand exactly what’s happening underground so you can make confident decisions about your home.

Final Thoughts

A sewer scope inspection might not be the first thing on your checklist when buying a home, but it should be. Early detection of sewer line issues can save you from major headaches and expensive repairs later on.

For a small investment of time and money, a sewer scope inspection offers peace of mind and protects your home, family, and wallet.

Contact Protec Inspection Services today to schedule your sewer scope inspection and avoid unexpected surprises with your home’s plumbing system!