What Is a Sewer Scope Inspection and Do You Need One?

What Is a Sewer Scope Inspection and Do You Need One?
By City Home Inspectors

🚽 Out of sight, out of mind—that’s how most homeowners treat their sewer lines. But what you can’t see underground could cost you thousands.

That’s where a sewer scope inspection comes in.

🚨 The Problem: Hidden Sewer Line Issues

The main sewer line connects your home to the city sewer or septic system. If it’s blocked, cracked, or compromised, it can lead to:

• Backups into toilets, tubs, and sinks

• Sewage flooding your basement

• Costly emergency repairs or excavation

• Health hazards from contaminated water

The worst part? You won’t know until it’s too late—unless you inspect it proactively.

🔍 What’s a Sewer Scope Inspection?

A sewer scope inspection uses a high-resolution camera attached to a flexible cable. Our inspectors insert it through a cleanout or drain and view the full path of the main sewer line.

We’re looking for:

• Tree root intrusion (common in homes with mature trees)

• Broken, cracked, or sagging pipes

• Corrosion or scaling in cast iron lines

• Debris buildup and stubborn clogs

• Poor installation or offset joints in newer homes

The whole process takes about 30–60 minutes—and gives you a clear video and written report of the line’s condition.

🌳 Who Really Needs One?

Sewer scope inspections are especially critical for:

• Homes built before 1980 (often with clay or cast iron pipes)

• Homes with large trees nearby (roots can crush or penetrate pipes)

• Homes with slow drains or past plumbing issues

• Buyers who want peace of mind before committing

Even new builds aren’t immune—construction debris or poor grading can cause major problems.

✅ The Solution: Inspect Before It Backs Up

For the cost of a basic inspection, you could avoid a $5,000–$15,000 repair bill. We make it easy by offering sewer scopes as an add-on to any standard inspection.

🎯 Don’t guess about what’s underground—see it for yourself.

📅 Add a sewer scope to your inspection today at www.cityhomeinspectors.com